Manuals covering Kentucky rules for driving are available from your county’s Circuit Court Clerk’s office or the State Police.
You must be 16 years of age to take the written knowledge test, and a vision test will also be administered. You will need your social security card, birth certificate, and for persons under 18, a parent or guardian to sign the application.
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE PERMIT TEST...You may try again the next available testing day.
IF YOU PASS THE PERMIT TEST...
You may drive only when accompanied by a driver at least 21 years old. For teens under 18, driving is restricted from midnight to 6:00 AM.
You must have your permit for at least 180 days before taking the driving skills test.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. A new "zero alcohol tolerance" level of .02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) has been established for all drivers under the age of 21.
STEP 2 - DRIVING SKILLS TESTTesting times and locations are available from the Circuit Clerk’s Office in your county of residence. An appointment may be necessary.
The motor vehicle you use for testing must be properly registered and proof of liability insurance is required.
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE DRIVING SKILLS TEST...
You must wait one week before taking the test again.
IF YOU PASS THE DRIVING SKILLS TEST...
You enter the "provisional privileges phase" (from permit date to age 18) and a license will be issued to you. For persons under the age of 21, a distinctive "under 21" license will be issued.
All drivers are subject to Kentucky’s point system, where a number of points are assessed to persons committing vehicular violations. Upon accumulation of 7 points or more (for persons under 18) or 12 points or more (for persons over 18), a hearing is conducted by the Transportation Cabinet and the driver faces either probation or suspension of driving privileges.
All drivers under 21 are subject to zero alcohol tolerance (defined as .02 BAC).
ARRIVE ALIVE! USE GOOD JUDGEMENT!
STEP 3 - EDUCATION
A 4-hour Graduated Licensing education course must be completed within one year AFTER obtaining the license.
The Transportation Cabinet will conduct free education courses in every Kentucky County. High school driver education class, and Transportation Cabinet approved private driving school courses are also acceptable, in place of the Cabinet's 4-hour course. You will need to provide the Division of Driver Licensing with a copy of your certificate.
Adult licensing privileges begin at age 18, with exception of zero alcohol tolerance.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is Graduated Licensing?
A graduated driver licensing system is a program designed to ease young novice drivers into experienced motorists by gradually exposing them to increasingly demanding driving experiences and licensing stages.
Enhanced driving skills and JUDGEMENT, combined with education and tougher laws are the tools used to reduce Kentucky’s high vehicular teen-age accident and fatality rate.
I am under 21, How Long Must I Keep My Permit?
Permits will be issued for 12 months and must be kept for 180 days before applying for the driving skills test. Permits must be renewed after one year. All permit holders must drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years of age.
I Am 17 and have My Driver’s License, how does this law affect me ?
Yes. You are subject to provisions of the law concerning the zero alcohol tolerance level of .02 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), the lower points system, and longer suspension for serious offenses. The GLP course must be completed within 1 year of your license issue date.
Are There Night Time Driving Restrictions?
Permit holders under age 18 are restricted from driving between 12 midnight and 6:00 AM.
If I Am Under 18, What Happens If I Get 7 or More Points Against My Permit or License?
You will be scheduled for a hearing conducted by the Transportation Cabinet. Your license could be suspended or you may be placed on probation.
If I Am Convicted of a Serious Traffic Offense, Such as Hit and Run, Driving While Suspended or Driving Without a License, What Is the Penalty?
Persons under 18 will lose their license until their 18th birthday or the appropriate suspension period, whichever is longer. Persons over 18 will be suspended for six months, one year, and two years for first, second and third or subsequent offenses.
If I Am Under 21, Will I Lose My License If I Am Driving With .02 BAC?
You will lose your license for a period of time between 30 days and six months. In addition, you may be fined and ordered to complete at least 20 hours of community service. .02 BAC is "zero tolerance", meaning it is NOT acceptable to drink any alcohol and drive. Persons suspended will also pay a reinstatement fee and take the written and vision test to be re-licensed.
Who Must Attend the Graduated Licensing Education Course?
Any person receiving a driver's license under the age 18 after October 1, 1996, should contact the Division of Driver Licensing and enroll in the Graduated Licensing Program immediately to insure your spot in a class in the county within which you live. Your license will be canceled if the course is not taken within 1 year of the license issuance date. It is your responsibility to enroll and complete the course.
How Much Does the Graduated Licensing Education Course Cost?
Drivers obtaining a license under 18 are required to attend the course and will not be charged for courses provided by the Transportation Cabinet. Courses may also be offered by Transportation Cabinet certified private driving schools, which may charge a fee.
Will the Driver Education class at My High School Satisfy the GLP Education Requirement?
Yes, You will need to provide a copy of your certificate or request your school to mail a copy of your transcript to the Division of Driver Licensing.
What Will be Taught in the Safety Course?
It will be a 4-hour course designed for new drivers and will deal largely with the responsibility and choices we make while driving. It covers the laws of driver licensing, seat belt safety, drinking and driving, and driver attitude. It DOES NOT include any hands-on driving.
I am 16 or 17, How Long Do I Have to Complete the Course?
One year from the issuance date of the license. After one year, your license will be canceled until you do complete the course.
I was 17 when I received my license but I am 18 now, Do I still have to take the GLP course?
Yes, the GLP course must be completed by any driver issued a drivers license under the age of 18.
Where Will the Education Course be Conducted?
The Transportation Cabinet education course will be conducted in every Kentucky county. In most counties, high schools will be used. Course scheduling will be determined by the school and the Transportation Cabinet.
Does Completion of the Course Reduce My Insurance Rates?
Individual insurance companies make that determination.
When Is the Best Time to Take the Education Course?
While the course may be taken at any time during the permit period or first year of having a driver license, studies indicate that the best time is 90 to 180 days after obtaining a license. According to studies, safety practices and driving techniques are better retained after acquiring some driving experience.
How Do I Get More Information About Graduated Licensing?
Call the Division of Driver Licensing at 502/564-6800 ext. 5363, or contact your high school.
