Is your 15-year-old ready to hit the road in KY? Take these steps to get started
Kentucky’s 15-year-olds are now legally able to get their driver’s permits, and starting the morning of Wednesday, April 2, they can begin scheduling appointments via the Kentucky State Police’s website.
The agency announced in a news release Tuesday evening it would begin accepting appointments for aspiring 15-year-old drivers starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. Beginning then, they can start searching for appointment times and locations online to apply for their driver’s permit and take the written test.
That said, actually securing an appointment could be a challenge.
“Due to high demand and location availability, appointments are limited,” the agency’s news release said.
Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 15 into law, lowering by one year the age at which Kentucky teens can obtain their learner’s permit and start driving with adult supervision. Because the law had an emergency clause, it went into effect immediately.
To prepare for the change and surge in demand, the state has been updating a decades-old software system so it can begin issuing learner’s permits.
It comes at a time when the state’s regional driver’s licensing offices are already experiencing long lines due to a new vision screening requirement for renewing licensees and the upcoming REAL ID enforcement date next month.
Still, Gov. Beshear has said the implementation of House Bill 15 shouldn’t impact lines at Kentucky’s driver’s licensing offices this spring.
“The line for 15-year-olds is a separate line,” Beshear told a reporter at a news conference March 27. “They go in a different line to take that test and ultimately to get their permit. Now it does increase the number of people, at least, you know, in this first period of time, that will applying to get a permit. We’ll have a one-time rush.”
If you’re the parent or guardian of a 15-year-old teen eager to get behind the wheel and start learning, here’s what to know about the process of obtaining a learner’s permit in Kentucky.
How to land an appointment to get your driver’s permit
In its news release, Kentucky State Police advised visiting its website to search for available appointments.
“If you do not get an appointment, please check back the following day. New appointments are added to the website every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 a.m. ET. Appointments may be made at any time, but can fill up quickly,” the agency said in a release.
KSP Capt. Chris Baker, who heads the agency’s driver testing branch, asked for patience as it works to process permits during a surge in demand.
“We know there are a lot of 15-year-old Kentuckians who are excited to sign up for written permit testing, and we ask everyone to be patient as we work to accommodate the increased number of applicants. In the meantime, please check the scheduling website every weekday at 8 a.m. for new appointment slots and be sure to study to increase the chance of passing the permit test the first time around.”
How to get your driver’s permit on the first try in Kentucky
Kentucky 15-year-olds looking to obtain their driver’s permit start by taking a written knowledge and vision test, which they must do at a Kentucky State Police testing center.
KSP recommends studying Kentucky’s Driver Manual to prepare for the written test. Should you fail the written test, you’ll have to wait until the next available day to retake the test, so study up.
According to the Kentucky’s Driver Manual, if you’re applying for a permit, you should bring the following documents with you:
One proof of identity document (original birth certificate or certified copy)
One proof of Social Security number
One proof of applicant’s Kentucky residency dated less than one year (two for a REAL ID). Per KYTC, if the applicant does not have a proof of residency in their name, the parent/guardian can provide proof of residency in their own name to confirm the applicant lives with them.
School compliance form in compliance with Kentucky’s No Pass/No Drive Law. Students get this form from their school.
Photocopies will not be accepted for required documents.
A parent or legal guardian included on the applicant’s birth certificate will also need to sign off on the application form. According to the KYTC, if the parent or legal guardian is not listed on the birth certificate, court ordered paperwork is required. In the case of a foster child, they will need a commitment verification letter signed by their independent living specialist, not the foster parent.
After passing the written and vision tests administered by KSP, you’ll get an “under 21” instructional driver’s permit.
How long do teens have their driver’s permit in Kentucky?
According to KYTC, permitted drivers who are 15 years old must hold it for 180 days (six months) and turn 16 before they can get their intermediate, which allows them to drive on their own with some restrictions.
Permitted drivers must also complete a 60-hour practice driving log, which includes 10 hours of driving at night.
In Kentucky, instructional permits allow drivers to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver, who is at least 21 years old, riding in the front passenger seat. Permitted drivers cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m., barring a few “good cause” exceptions, such as an emergency, work or school activities.
Teen drivers with learner’s permits will also need to keep their grades up in school or run afoul of Kentucky’s No Pass/No Drive law, which can suspend their permit if their academic performance lapses. You get no credit to the practice log when your license is suspended.
Traffic violations can also reset that 180-day waiting period for drivers on their permit, per KYTC.
Rules for intermediate license holders in Kentucky
For teen drivers in Kentucky, the intermediate license is when they get a first taste of freedom and can drive on their own, with a few minor restrictions.
These include not driving between midnight and 6 a.m. and avoiding traffic tickets. Drivers younger than 18 also have a passenger restriction and can only have one unrelated person younger than 20 in the car while they drive.
According to KYTC, to obtain their intermediate license, permitholders must wait 180 days and turn 16 before they can schedule their driving skills test with KSP. An adult who is 21 years or older and is themselves a licensed driver must accompany them.
To take the road test, vehicles must be properly registered and have proof of liability insurance. You’ll also need your completed practice driving log, signed by a parent or guardian. Bring a graduated driver license skills test eligibility letter to confirm you’re eligible to take the road skills test.
Should you fail the road skills test, you must wait at least seven days before taking it again. Should you pass the road skills test, the examiner will place an “intermediate license” sticker on your driver’s permit. You are now an intermediate license holder.
When can you get a full, unrestricted driver’s license in Kentucky?
After holding your intermediate license for 180 days, completing a driver education course and turning 17, you will become eligible for a full, unrestricted license.
If your permit was issued to you before you turned 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can become eligible for a full, unrestricted driver’s license.
You have the following routes for completing this driver’s ed requirement, per KYTC:
Enroll in a classroom version for free. Alive at 25 offers online and in-person versions of the class.
Take a driver’s ed course at a high school that offers one.
KSP-approved driver training schools must include four hours of classroom training. KYTC has a list of driving schools on its graduated license program webpage, including one in Lexington.
According to KYTC, if the driver completed their course through Alive at 25 or through RightLane, they do not need to submit their completion to Kentucky’s Division of Driver Licensing. If it was completed through another driver’s school, proof should be mailed to KYTC at 200 Mero St. in Frankfort and marked with “Attn: Driver Education.”
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 5:30 AM.