Kentucky Permit Test FAQ

The Kentucky knowledge test has 40 questions, and you need 32 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing.

At least 15. You book the vision and written knowledge tests with the Kentucky State Police, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to sign the application and accept responsibility. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 4–5)

At least 80%. The test asks about driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs, and all of it comes from the Kentucky Driver Manual. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 10–11)

You may come back the next available day to take it again. A failed road test is different: you wait seven days. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Licensing Steps for 18-20 Year Olds)

An original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, one proof of residency (two for a REAL ID), the School Compliance Verification Form from your school, and a parent or legal guardian to sign. Photocopies are refused. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 5)

A licensed driver who is 21 or older, sitting in the front passenger seat the whole time. That includes the drive to your road test appointment. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 5–6)

No driving from midnight to 6 a.m. without good cause, no more than one unrelated passenger under 20, and a zero tolerance alcohol limit of .02. A traffic conviction restarts the 180-day wait. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Under 18 Permit Restrictions)

After holding the permit at least 180 days, logging 60 practice hours (10 at night) signed by a parent, and turning 16. You then pass the road skills test with the Kentucky State Police. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Graduated Driver Licensing Program)

No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless you have good cause such as school, work or an emergency, and, while you are under 18, only one unrelated passenger younger than 20. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 6–7)

After 180 days on the intermediate license, at age 17 or older, and once an approved driver education course is finished. Turning 18 doesn't skip these steps. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Graduated Driver Licensing Program)

Drivers aged 18 to 20 hold it for 180 days, and drivers 21 or older for 30 days. The permit is valid for three years. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 8–9)

Twelve points within two years, or seven for a driver under 18. Points drop off two years after the conviction, but the conviction stays on your record for five years. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 17)

0.08 for drivers 21 or older and 0.02 for anyone younger. You can also be charged below 0.08 if your driving shows you are impaired. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 26)

Liability of at least 25,000 dollars per injured person, 50,000 dollars per crash for injuries and 25,000 dollars for property damage, or a single 60,000-dollar limit, plus written proof kept in the vehicle. (Kentucky Driver Manual, p. 19)