Get a Drivers License in Kentucky

Depending on your age, you might need to hold your permit for a specific number of days before becoming eligible to apply for a Kentucky drivers license. ALL applicants should check with the state on your date of eligibility for taking the driving test and receiving a full license.

• Permit holder younger than 21―Must hold a valid driving permit for a minimum of 180 days; after that you may apply for an intermediate license and take the driving skills test

• Permit holder older than 21―Must hold a valid driving permit for a minimum of 30 days; after that you may apply for a full license and take the driving skills test

Applicants older than 18 do not have to complete the Intermediate License Phase if you have completed a state-approved driver education program. You may apply for a full license by following the steps below.

A) Make an Appointment at the KY DDL

To land a license, you must pass a road test administered by a Kentucky State Police driving examiner and also visit a KY Circuit Clerk’s office located in your county of residence. Look online for a nearby office, and inquire about making a driving test appointment.

B) Take the Driving Skills Test

You must be accompanied by a licensed driver. If you are younger than 18, your parent must also certify that you completed your supervised driving hours. Before heading to the KY Circuit Clerk’s office be sure you bring the following:

• Social Security card

• Birth certificate

• The Social Security number of your parent or legal guardian to list on the application if you are younger than 18

• No Pass/No Driver Form (if applicable, consult the Kentucky Driving Manual

• Practice Driving Log and Verification Form (if you are younger than 18)

• Proper fees

• Proof of liability insurance for the vehicle you furnish for the road test*

*You must provide a road test vehicle is properly registered and in safe working condition.

Road Test Retakes

If you don’t pass the road test, you must wait seven days before retesting. You have six tries to pass; after that you must wait six months to try again. After that point, you only get two more tries.

C) Get Your Kentucky Driver's License

Intermediate License

Once you pass the road test, a Kentucky State Police driving examiner will place an “Intermediate License” sticker on your drivers permit license. With this license, you must follow these restrictions:

• You may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. (unless you can demonstrate a good cause such as an emergency or school- or work-related activities)

• You may not drive with more than one unrelated person who is younger than 20 years old at any time

• If you get a moving traffic conviction under KRS 186, 189, 189A, you’ll have to restart the 180-day period

• All occupants of your vehicle must wear a seat belt

• You must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• You must not get any serious moving violations (if you are younger than 18

• If you accumulate more than six points as a minor, the state could suspend your driving privilege

You can graduate to the full, unrestricted licensing phase after you have held your intermediate permit for a minimum of 180 days and have completed one of the following:

• Graduated Licensing Course (free courses offered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in your home county)

• High school drivers ed

• Private driver training course approved by the KY Division of Driver License

Full Unrestricted License

After passing the road test, the Examiner will record your results and send you back to the Circuit Clerk’s office to receive your unrestricted license. Then you must follow these restrictions of the Full Unrestricted Driver License Phase:

• You must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• All drivers are subject to the state’s point system; if you are younger than 18 and accumulate more than six points or if you are 18 and older and accumulate 12 points, the state could suspend your driving privilege

• All occupants of your vehicle must wear a seat belt

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