Kentucky Driver's License FAQs

You can begin the graduated licensing process at 15 with a learner's permit. You can qualify for an intermediate license at 16 and a full unrestricted license at 17 after completing the required stages.

Yes. Drivers who received their permit before age 18 must complete an approved Graduated Driver Licensing course before receiving a full unrestricted license.

It should not be treated as an approved Kentucky GLP course unless Kentucky confirms that the specific course is approved. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet lists the approved GLP options separately.

The written and vision tests are scheduled and administered through the Kentucky State Police. Applicants under 18 also need the required documents and parent or guardian involvement.

You need a minimum score of 80% to pass the written test.

You need at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, before advancing to the intermediate-license stage. The parent or guardian must certify the Practice Driving Log.

A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit in the front passenger seat while you drive with a learner's permit.

You must be at least 16, have held your permit for at least 180 days, completed the required supervised driving, and passed the road skills test.

Yes. An intermediate license allows unsupervised driving, but you must follow Kentucky's restrictions, including the midnight-to-6 a.m. restriction and passenger limit.

You generally cannot drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless you can demonstrate a qualifying reason, such as an emergency, school activity, or work-related travel.

You are limited to one unrelated passenger under age 20 while the intermediate restrictions apply.

No. Kentucky prohibits mobile or cell-phone use by drivers under 18, including hands-free use.

Students ages 15 through 17 must meet school-compliance requirements to receive or maintain driving privileges. Dropping out or being declared academically deficient can result in suspension of those privileges.

Drivers who received their permit before age 18 must complete an approved 4-hour Graduated Driver Licensing course. Kentucky currently lists options such as Alive at 25, RightLane Online, qualifying high-school courses, and approved private programs.

You must be at least 17, hold the intermediate license for at least 180 days, and complete the required approved GLP course before applying for the full unrestricted license.