Kentucky Transportation Cabinet · 2026
Kentucky KYTC Test Cheat Sheet
Every number and rule you need to memorize — all on one page. Print this out.
Speed Limits
| Location | Speed (when not posted) |
|---|
| Interstate highways & parkways | 65 mph (default) |
| Specific highways (KYTC secretary may set) | Up to 70 mph |
| Other state highways | 55 mph |
| Business/residential district | 35 mph (KY-unique — most states use 25) |
| Off-street parking facility | 15 mph |
| School zone (when flashing/children present) | Posted — varies by location |
Parking Rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|
| General rule | Park in designated area, as far from traffic as possible |
| Curb parking | Park as close to curb as possible |
| Leaving vehicle | Turn off engine, remove key, lock doors (required by law) |
| Handicapped parking | Must display official permit AND transport disabled person |
| Exiting vehicle | Safest on curb side; check traffic if using street side |
DUI / Alcohol Laws
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| BAC limit (21+) | 0.08% |
| BAC limit (under 21) | 0.02% (Zero Alcohol Tolerance) |
| Aggravating BAC threshold | 0.15%+ |
| Refusing chemical test | License suspension by court; refusal used as evidence; 2nd+ offense = doubled mandatory jail |
| 1st DUI fine | $200–$500 plus court costs |
| 1st DUI jail | 48 hours to 30 days |
| 1st DUI suspension | 4–6 months |
| DUI lookback period | 10 years |
| Cannabis | Medical legal (SB 47, 2025); recreational illegal. Impaired driving = DUI. |
Teen / GDL Rules
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Permit age | 16 |
| Permit minimum age | 16 years old |
| Permit hold period (ages 16–20) | 180 days (6 months) |
| Permit hold period (age 21+) | 30 days |
| Required practice hours (under 18) | 60 hours (10 at night) |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 (front passenger seat) |
| Intermediate license (under 18) | After 180-day permit + road test; hold 180 more days + driver ed → full license |
| Ages 18–20 | Permit 180 days → full license (no intermediate phase) |
| Passenger restriction (under 18) | 1 unrelated person under 20 |
| Curfew (under 18) | Midnight – 6 AM (both permit and intermediate) |
| Violation penalty (under 18) | Adds 180 days to waiting period |
| Under-21 license expiry | 90 days after 21st birthday |
Distances & Equipment
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Following distance | 4 seconds minimum (more in bad conditions) |
| Signal before turning | 100 feet |
| Dim high beams — oncoming | 500 feet |
| Dim high beams — following | 300 feet |
| Headlights required | ½ hr after sunset to ½ hr before sunrise |
| High beams must reveal person | 350 feet |
| Low beams must illuminate | 100 feet ahead |
| Taillight visible from | 500 feet |
| Horn audible from | 200 feet |
| Turn signals visible from | 300 feet |
| Passing clearance for cyclists | 3 feet minimum |
| Complete pass before oncoming vehicle | 200 feet |
| Emergency vehicle — do not follow closer than | 500 feet |
| Crash report threshold | $500+ damage, within 10 days to KSP |
| License valid | 4 or 8 years |
| Expired 5+ years | Must start over as new driver |
| Retake road test after fail | At least 1 week |
Print tip: Press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print this page. Keep it by your desk while studying, then leave it home on test day — you've got this.