In order to get the learners permit and eventually the Kentucky drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Pass the first time when you learn the rules of the road with DriversEd.com and prepare for the learners permit test with our Kentucky DDL practice permit tests. Our online practice permit tests can be purchased separately or are free when you purchase our online Kentucky drivers education course.

Under 18:
Keep in mind that if you are under 18, you will need to take an approved Kentucky drivers education program once you have your intermediate license in order to upgrade to a full unrestricted license. See details below in Step 2. Online courses will not satisfy this requirement.

18 or older:
Drivers education is not mandatory in Kentucky if you are 18 or older. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take a Kentucky drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

• Learn the rules of the road and essential safe driving skills
• Have a better chance of passing your learners permit test
• Qualify for an auto insurance discount (where applicable)

Take the DriversEd.com KY drivers education course online at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Apply for your learners permit at the Drivers License Issuance Location near you.
In order to be eligible for the learners permit, you must:

Practice driving under supervision. If you are over 21, you must hold your learners permit for at least 30 days.

If you are under 21, you must hold your permit for at least 180 days and, if you are under 18, you must log at least 60 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving practice.

DriversEd.com can help make this supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

Schedule a driving test at a Drivers License Issuance Location near you.
In order to be eligible for the Kentucky drivers license, you must:

1. Be at least 16½ years old.
2. Have held your learners permit for at least 180 days if under 21 or 30 days if 21 or older.
3. Bring a vehicle and be accompanied by a licensed driver. The vehicle must be in safe operating condition and have the required equipment or the road test will not be administered. The vehicle must be properly registered and you must show proof of liability insurance.
4. Be accompa­nied by a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
5. Have your parent/guardian certify that you logged at least 60 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving practice if you are under 18.
6. You must surrender your learners permit at the time of the road test.
7. Pass the driving test.

Once you pass the driving test, if you are under 18 the Kentucky State Police driving examiner will place an “Intermediate License” sticker on the drivers permit license. Intermediate licenses have the following restrictions:

• Intermediate license must be held for a minimum of 180 days.
• Intermediate License holders are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless the driver can demonstrate a good cause for driving such as emergencies, school or work related activities).
• Intermediate License holders receiving a moving traffic conviction under KRS 186, 189, 189A. will have to restart the 180 Intermediate License waiting period.
• Intermediate License holders shall not operate a motor vehicle at any time with more than 1 unrelated person under 20 years of age in the vehicle.

• Intermediate license holders must complete one of the following New Driver Education Programs before moving to the full unrestricted licensing phase:

  Graduated Licensing Course (Free course provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in the drivers home county). High School Drivers Education Course. Private Driver Training course at a Division of Driver License approved driver training school.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. All drivers under the age of 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance” (Defined as .02 Blood Alcohol Concentration).
• A driver under the age of 18 who accumulates more than 6 points may have their driving privilege suspended.
• No serious moving violations for those under the age of 18.
• Buckle Up, it’s the Law! Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.

Once you have completed the new driver education program and held the intermediate license for 180 days, you may apply for a full unrestricted license. If you are under 21, an “Under 21” distinctive license will be issued with the following restrictions:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. All drivers under the age of 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance” (Defined as .02 Blood Alcohol Concentration).
• All drivers are subject to Kentucky’s point system. A driver under the age of 18 who accumulates more than 6 points, or a driver age 18 and over who accumulates 12 points may have their driving privilege suspended.
• Buckle Up, it’s the Law! Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.