Free Kentucky Permit Practice Tests 2025

In Kentucky, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for an instruction permit. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Kentucky, you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Kentucky residency (showing you live in Kentucky)
• Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number
• School Compliance Verification Form (if you’re under 18)
• Payment for the non-refundable application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant credential, additional documentation may be required. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Accompany you to the Driver Licensing Regional Office when you apply

The application process in Kentucky is as follows:

1. Gather the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
2. Visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office
3. Complete the permit application
4. Provide your School Compliance Verification Form (if under 18)
5. Pass a vision screening
6. Pass your written knowledge test
7. Pay the non-refundable application fee

No, Kentucky does not offer online applications for first-time instruction permits. You must visit a Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office in person to complete the application process, submit your documents, take your vision screening, and complete your written knowledge test.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet charges a non-refundable application fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Kentucky, you must pass:

• A vision screening to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Kentucky permit written knowledge test contains 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The Kentucky permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Driving in hazardous conditions
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Kentucky permit test:

• Study the Kentucky Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Kentucky Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Pay special attention to road signs, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules

If you fail the Kentucky permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• Each attempt will require a testing fee
• There is no limit to the number of retakes
• Study the Kentucky Driver’s Manual carefully before attempting the test again

With a Kentucky instruction permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid license for at least one year
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road skills test

When driving with a permit in Kentucky you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times
• Cannot use any electronic communication devices while driving, even in hands-free mode, if you’re under 18
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Must adhere to Kentucky’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program if you’re under 18

In Kentucky, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before taking the road skills test
• You must complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving
• Your parent or guardian must certify these practice hours on a driving log

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your instruction permit
• Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road skills test

Kentucky has different driver education requirements based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Driver education is not required to get an instruction permit
• However, driver education may be required before obtaining your intermediate or full license

If you are 18 or older:

• No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver

In Kentucky, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must either complete a state-approved driver education course, or complete an additional 4 hours of supervised driving practice (for a total of 64 hours)
• In either case, you need to document at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) with someone at least 21 years old who has a valid driver’s license

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it is beneficial

You can find Kentucky-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for a list of approved programs
• Contacting your local Driver Licensing Regional Office for recommendations

The Kentucky road skills test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signals
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will check that your vehicle meets safety requirements, including:

• Proper registration and insurance
• Working lights, signals, and horn
• Good tire condition and functioning brakes
• Safety belts for all occupants

You can schedule your road skills test in Kentucky by:

• Visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
• Using their online appointment system
• Calling your local Driver Licensing Regional Office

On the day of your road skills test in Kentucky, bring:

• Your valid instruction permit
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with a valid license
• A properly registered and insured vehicle for your test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• Your completed driving log showing your practice hours (if under 18)

Common reasons for failing the Kentucky road skills test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to properly park the vehicle

To convert your instruction permit to a driver’s license in Kentucky:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your instruction permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
• Complete 60 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Complete a driver education course or an additional 4 hours of practice
• Pass the road skills test
• Pay the required fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit until you’re ready
• Schedule and pass the road skills test
• Pay the required fees

Kentucky’s graduated licensing program for drivers under 18 has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 16 years old and practice with a licensed adult (21 or older). Valid until you’re eligible for the next level.
• Intermediate License: Must be at least 16½ years old, have held your permit for at least 180 days, completed the required practice hours, and passed the road skills test.
• Full License: Intermediate restrictions end when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from a permit to a full license after passing the road skills test.

As a new driver under 18 in Kentucky with an intermediate license, you will have these restrictions:

• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m., except for driving to/from work, school-sanctioned, religious, or emergency activities
• No more than one passenger under 20 who is not a family member, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older
• Zero tolerance for any alcohol or drug violations
• No cell phone use, including hands-free, except in emergencies

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

Kentucky does not recognize out-of-state permits for driving within Kentucky. If you are moving to Kentucky with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Kentucky permit
• If you’re under 18, you may receive credit for the time you’ve held your out-of-state permit toward the 180-day holding period if documented properly

Kentucky offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• American Sign Language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your Driver Licensing Regional Office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can obtain a Kentucky instruction permit by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Kentucky residency
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Other required documents as specified by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the Kentucky Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any Driver Licensing Regional Office.

Yes! We offer free Kentucky-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Kentucky permit process:

• Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website at drive.ky.gov
• Call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-1257 during business hours
• Visit your local Driver Licensing Regional Office

If you lose your Kentucky instruction permit:

• You can request a replacement at a Driver Licensing Regional Office
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Submitting a notarized written request to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
• Visiting a Driver Licensing Regional Office and completing a Parent/Guardian Consent Withdrawal form

Once canceled, the minor cannot apply for another permit or license without new parental consent until they turn 18.