Kentucky

Yes. Kentucky employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

If you're driving on a learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• While accompanied by a fully-licensed adult, age 21 or older.
• Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
• With no more than 1 passenger under age 20 who you're not related to.

While driving on your intermediate license, the same time and passenger restrictions are in place, but you will be able to drive on your own.

Once you graduate to your full license, all restrictions are lifted.

What happens after you pass your KY road test depends on your age:

• If you're 17 or younger: You will be given your learner's permit.
• If you're 18 or older: You will receive your full driver's license.

While driving with your KY learner's permit, you can drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You may not have more than 1 passenger under age 20, unless they're a blood relative.

Once you get your KY instruction permit, you will be able to drive with any fully-licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exam, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license.

Kentucky is currently transitioning their driver's license process. Circuit Clerk Offices used to handle license transactions, but by June 2022, all transactions will be handled by Driver License Regional Offices.

You can check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Kentucky KTC.

If you're over 18, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identity.
• Kentucky address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your restricted license when you're under 18 in Kentucky, you'll need:

• Your valid permit.
• Your birth certificate (original or a certified copy).
• Your Social Security card.
• A signed driving log showing at least 60 hours of practice.
• A completion certificate for an approved Driver's Ed course.

A parent or guardian must also be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

To earn your intermediate driver's license in Kentucky, you must:

• Practice on your permit for at least 180 days (6 months).
• Log at least 60 hours of driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night.
• Successfully pass a Driver's Ed course.
• Pass the road test.
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To get your driver's license in KY if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • KY residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to hold your permit for at least 180 days (6 months).

If you're 18 or older, you'll have to practice on your permit for at least 30 days.

Kentucky offers something called a hardship license, which will allow you to drive in certain situations while your license is suspended, if you can prove the need.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the KY road test.

When you arrive for your Kentucky road test, an inspector will first check that you have the proper documents and your car meets all the proper requirements.

Before you leave the premise, you'll be asked to demonstrate how to use the vehicle's:

• Headlights.
• Dimmer switch.
• Horn.
• Windshield wipers.
• Turn signals.
• Emergency brake.
• Emergency flashers.
• Brake lights.

During your Kentucky road test, you will leave the premise to drive in traffic on real streets. The examiner will ride in the passenger seat and give you verbal instructions. You'll be observed and graded on your ability to:

• Brake safely.
• Back up.
• Stop the car safely.
• Turn the car around.
• Stop and start on a hill.
• Parallel park.
• Successfully and safely navigate an intersection.
• Keep an appropriate speed.
• Turn and use turn signals.
• Change lanes safely.
• Understand right-of-way laws.

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid registration on the vehicle you're driving.
• Proof of valid liability insurance for the vehicle you're driving.
• Valid Kentucky license plates on the test vehicle.

Make sure that the car is clean, especially the driver's seat and passenger seat, where the examiner will be sitting.

There are also a number of situations that will result in an automatic fail, including:

• Not wearing your seatbelt.
• Failing to follow the examiner's instructions two times.
• Any collision, traffic violation, or otherwise dangerous act.

You must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your KY road test in must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully functioning:

• Brakes.
• Lights, including:
  • Two headlights.
  • Two tail lights.
  • Turn signals.
  • Brake lights.
• License plate (properly mounted and displayed).
•  Windshield wipers.
• Horn.
• Muffler.
• Rearview mirror.
• Steering gear.
• Safety glass.
• Safety belts.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Liability insurance.

Road tests are currently overseen by the Kentucky state police.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Kentucky include:

• Instruction permit: $15.
• Driver's license: $43.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the KY Transportation Cabinet for the most up-to-date information.

The Kentucky Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local KY Transportation Cabinet office for a copy.

In Kentucky, you must be at least:

• 16 years old to apply for your permit.
• 16 years, 6 months old to apply for your intermediate license.
• 18 years old to apply for your full license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Kentucky include:

• Instruction permit: $15.
• Driver's license: $43.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the KY Transportation Cabinet for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Kentucky driving permit.

No. The Kentucky written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study—or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're 17 or younger, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in KY, you'll need to bring in:

• Your Social Security card.
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of Kentucky residence.
• A completed School Compliance Verification form.
• The appropriate fee.

You'll also need a parent or legal guardian present, to sign a consent form on your behalf.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Kentucky learner's permit.

To get your Kentucky learner's permit, you'll have to pass:

• The state's written driving exam.
• An eye exam.

The tests are overseen by the state police. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling.

At this appointment, make sure to bring:

• Your Social Security card.
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of Kentucky residence.
• A completed School Compliance Verification form.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to be with you to sign a consent form on your behalf.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Kentucky learner's permit.

The Kentucky written driver's exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• Kentucky traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the KY Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. After you have your permit—but before you earn your license—you must pass a Driver's Education course, either through school or a state-approved driving school.

Reading the Kentucky Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your KY learner's permit.

No. A physical exam is not required for an Kentucky learner's permit or regular license.

If you're 17 or younger, you must show up with a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the KY Transportation Cabinet's website.

You can apply for a learner's permit in Kentucky when you're 16 years old.

If you're driving on a learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• While accompanied by a fully-licensed adult, age 21 or older.
• Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
• With no more than 1 passenger under age 20 who you're not related to.

While driving on your intermediate license, the same time and passenger restrictions are in place, but you will be able to drive on your own.

Once you graduate to your full license, all restrictions are lifted.

While practicing with your KY learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• While accompanied by a fully-licensed adult, age 21 or older.
• Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
• With no more than 1 passenger under age 20 who you're not related to.

The state will provide you with the appropriate forms to fill out at your permit or license appointments.

To get your Kentucky driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

After practicing on your intermediate license for at least 180 days (6 months), you will need to successfully pass a Driver's Education course. You can take this class either:

• Through your school.
• With a state-approved private driving school.

Before you can apply for your KY learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have a completed School Compliance Verification form.

To be eligible for a Kentucky learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a:
  • Vision test.
  • Written knowledge exam.
• Bring in your:
  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy).
  • Social Security card.
  • Proof of Kentucky residency.
  • Completed School Compliance Verification form, if applicable.
• Pay the permit fee.

You will also need to have a parent or guardian with you to sign additional paperwork.

No. A vision screening is not required to renew your KY license.

Probably not. Kentucky only allows military personnel currently stationed out-of-state to renew their driver's license by mail.

Yes. Kentucky allows most residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in Kentucky, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Kentucky residency.
• Social Security number.

You'll also need to surrender your current license and pay the appropriate fee to complete the process.

You can renew your Kentucky driver's license:

• Online.
• In-person through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. KY driver's licenses are good for 8 years.

KY license renewals currently cost $43.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the KTC for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a parent, guardian, or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can take the Kentucky written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 7 days before you can try again. And if you fail 6 times, you'll have to wait at least 6 months before retesting.

Save yourself the time by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Your birth certificate (original or a certified copy).
• Your Social Security card.
• Proof of your Kentucky address.
• A completed School Compliance Verification form, if applicable.
• The learner's permit fee.
• A parent or guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.

The Kentucky written driver's exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• Kentucky traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the KY Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes.

Kentucky driving tests—including both written and driving exams—are administered by the State Police. You can contact your closest office here.

Some locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office or at your home.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the KY KTC. Make sure the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

Most exams must be scheduled over the phone.

After you pass the written knowledge test, you'll be issued your Kentucky learner's permit.

Permit tests are overseen by the Kentucky state police.

If you failed your KY road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime—don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Kentucky driving skills test, you'll have to wait at least 7 days before you can retake it.

If you fail your driving exam 6 times, you'll have to wait 6 months before you can try again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 7 days before retesting. If you fail 6 times, you'll have to wait 6 months before getting another shot.

Save yourself some time and money by studying with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in KY, you won't be issued your learner's permit. You'll have to take—and pass—the test in order to move on in the licensing process.

You'll have to wait at least 7 days to retest after failing, or 6 months if you fail 6 times. But practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Kentucky, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Kentucky permanently, you have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. Kentucky will accept your out-of-state permit, as long as you it's valid and you:

• Are at least 16 years old.
• Are accompanied by a fully-licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.
• Only drive between 6 a.m. and midnight.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, no additional driving tests are required for a transfer.

If you're moving to Kentucky, you have 30 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the KY Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Kentucky written exam consists of 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 40 total questions on the KY permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Kentucky's minimum auto insurance coverage requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: $10,000.
• Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

The KY written knowledge exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 8 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

The application process is a little different, depending on why your license was suspended and why you're applying for a hardship license.

Regardless, you'll have to:

• Fill out the state's Application for a Hardship License and:
• Get a notarized document from an employer, doctor, school administrator, counselor, or court-ordered representative proving your need to drive.
• Sign a notarized sworn statement.

Contact the KTC for more information.