Kentucky Permit Test Practice
Kentucky changed its rules in 2025: House Bill 15 lowered the learner's permit age from 16 to 15. You still can't drive unsupervised until 16, but you can start practicing a year sooner. Licenses are issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at Driver Licensing Regional Offices, while the Kentucky State Police give the knowledge test. You need an appointment, and slots can fill quickly.
The written test is multiple choice, and you need 80% to pass. Applicants under 18 bring a parent or guardian and a school compliance form. Once you have your permit, you hold it at least 180 days and log 60 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older. Since appointments can be hard to get, practicing free on DMV Permit Prep first helps you pass on the first try.
- To pass
- 80%
- Permit age
- 15
- Practice
- 60 hours, 10 at night
Start a free Kentucky practice test
5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.
Kentucky permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. How many hours of supervised driving must a Kentucky parent certify before a teen gets an intermediate license?
2. How long must a Kentucky teen hold an instruction permit before applying for an intermediate license?
3. How many unrelated passengers under 20 may a Kentucky intermediate license holder carry without a supervising adult?
4. What happens if a Kentucky permit or intermediate driver is convicted of a moving violation?
5. Your radio should be kept at a volume that:
How to get your learner's permit in Kentucky
- 1Turn 15 and study the Kentucky Driver Manual (free from Kentucky State Police).
- 2Book a permit test appointment at any Driver Licensing Regional Office.
- 3Get a school compliance verification form if you're under 18.
- 4Bring a parent or guardian plus your birth certificate and Social Security card.
- 5Pass the vision test and the knowledge test (80%) and pay the permit fee.
- 6Hold the permit 180 days and log 60 hours (10 at night) before the road test at 16 or later.
Intermediate drivers under 18 can't drive midnight–6 a.m. without good cause and may carry only one unrelated passenger under 20. Permit holding period: 180 days.
The Kentucky knowledge test
Multiple-choice test given by appointment at a Driver Licensing Regional Office (Kentucky State Police testing), along with a vision test.
Study tips for Kentucky
- Book your test appointment early; new slots are released on a schedule and often go fast.
- Know the new age rules: permits at 15 under 2025's House Bill 15, but no solo driving before 16.
- Study Kentucky's intermediate license limits (midnight–6 a.m. curfew, one unrelated passenger under 20).
CDL in Kentucky
Kentucky CDL applicants take the general knowledge and endorsement tests at a Driver Licensing Regional Office to get a Commercial Learner's Permit, complete federal ELDT for a first Class A or B license, and hold the CLP 14 days before the skills test.
Motorcycle in Kentucky
Kentucky issues a motorcycle instruction permit after the motorcycle knowledge test at a regional office; completing an approved Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Education course can waive the skills test for the motorcycle license.
Kentucky permit test FAQ
Can you get a permit at 15 in Kentucky?
Yes. House Bill 15, signed in March 2025, lowered Kentucky's learner's permit age from 16 to 15. Permit holders still need a supervising adult 21 or older.
Where do you take the permit test in Kentucky?
At a Driver Licensing Regional Office by appointment. You can book at any office in the state, regardless of county.
How many hours of driving do you need with a Kentucky permit?
Teens log 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, and hold the permit at least 180 days.
What score do you need to pass the Kentucky permit test?
You need at least 80% correct on the multiple-choice knowledge test.
Official information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing (testing by Kentucky State Police) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing (testing by Kentucky State Police).
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