DMV
← Back to Kentucky Permit

How to Get Your Kentucky Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with KYTC directly.

Under 18 (Graduated Licensing)

  1. Satisfy the No Pass/No Drive requirement

    A 15-to-17-year-old must bring a School Compliance Verification Form showing passing grades in at least three of four courses and fewer than 9 unexcused absences that semester.

    • School Compliance Verification Form

  2. Apply for a learner's permit at 15

    Apply at a Driver Licensing Regional Office, then schedule a separate written and vision test appointment with Kentucky State Police (KSP) — a different agency from the one handling your application.

    • Proof of identity and residency

  3. Drive only with a qualifying supervisor

    A licensed driver 21 or older must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times while a permit holder practices.

  4. Log 60 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

  5. Hold the permit at least 180 days

    Kentucky requires holding the learner's permit for at least 180 days before applying for an intermediate license. A moving-violation conviction restarts this 180-day clock.

  6. Apply for your intermediate license at 16

    Once you've turned 16, met the holding-period and supervised-hour requirements, and passed the KSP road skills test, receive an intermediate license.

    • Supervised driving log

  7. Follow intermediate license restrictions

    No driving midnight-6 a.m. absent good cause (emergency, school, or work). No more than one unrelated passenger under 20. No personal communication device use of any kind while driving.

  8. Complete a 4-hour driver education course

    Complete an approved 4-hour driver education course before moving to a full license.

  9. Move to a full license at 17

    After holding the intermediate license at least 180 days and completing the driver education course, receive a full, unrestricted license.

18 and Older

  1. Apply for a learner's permit

    Apply at a Driver Licensing Regional Office; the No Pass/No Drive requirement, driver education, and graduated stages apply only to applicants who start before turning 18.

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Schedule a separate appointment with Kentucky State Police to pass the same 40-question knowledge test (80%, 32 correct) and a vision screening.

    • Proof of identity and residency

  3. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your learner's permit, then pass the KSP road test to receive your license.

  4. Receive your full license

    Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing.

Notes

  • Kentucky is one of the few states where a separate agency — Kentucky State Police — administers the actual knowledge and road tests, not the Driver Licensing Regional Office where you apply.
  • New Kentucky residents have 30 days to obtain a Kentucky driver's license after establishing residency.
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time — confirm the current process on the official Kentucky DRIVE website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-22