How to get a Kentucky Driver's License
Find out how to get a new KY driver's license and replace your out-of-state license with this Kentucky DMV guide.
Kentucky DMV Driver's License Rules
Under KT DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Kentucky Intermediate Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Kentucky Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Kentucky learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a KY intermediate drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for at least 180 days, complete a New Driver Education Program, and log 60 hours (10 of which must occur at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New KY Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in KY. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a KY driver's license, however you may need to pass the vision test.
If your out-of-state license is expired one year or more, you must provide a current driving record or clearance letter from the state you are transferring from or you must pass the written exam and vision test.
Out-of-State permit holders transferring to Kentucky must transfer their permit and be issued a Kentucky permit before applying for a Kentucky Driver License.
International Drivers
All non U.S. citizens may drive in the U.S. on their valid foreign license and International Permit for up to one year from the date of admission into the U.S. provided their home country is part of the Geneva Compact. Drivers from non Geneva Compact countries must obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency in Kentucky.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Kentucky DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D driver's license will be valid for 4 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Kentucky Driver's Manual |
