Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Age 16 — minimum age to apply for a Kentucky instruction permit
- Must be a Kentucky resident
- Parent or legal guardian must sign the application if under 18
- Under 18: bring a School Compliance Verification Form from your school (No Pass/No Drive law)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You'll need to bring original documents (no photocopies) to prove:
- Identity — original birth certificate or certified copy
- Social Security number — bring your Social Security card as proof
- Kentucky residency — 1 proof (2 for REAL ID) dated less than one year
- School Compliance Verification Form — if under 18 (No Pass/No Drive law)
- Parent/guardian — must be present and sign if under 18 (with guardianship documents if applicable)
Verify your documents: Visit drive.ky.gov for the official document requirements list. This can change, so always check before your visit.
Step 3: Study for the Knowledge Test
The permit test is a 40-question knowledge exam. You need 80% (32/40) to pass — single combined score, no separate sections.
- Download the Kentucky Driver Manual (free from KSP website) or visit drive.ky.gov
- Take our free practice test — aim for 90%+ before going in
- Focus on: road signs, DUI laws, right-of-way, speed limits, school bus rules
Step 4: Schedule Your Test with Kentucky State Police
- Schedule online: Visit kentuckystatepolice.org/driver-testing to book your appointment
- Appointments fill quickly — new slots released Mon–Fri at 8 AM. Check early.
- Bring all documents from Step 2
- Pass the vision screening — 20/40 minimum with or without corrective lenses
- Pass the knowledge test — 40 questions, 80% to pass (single score)
- Get your permit at a KYTC Regional Office after passing — you'll receive a temporary paper permit until the card arrives by mail
Step 5: After You Get Your Permit
Your permit comes with restrictions. Here's what you must do during the permit phase:
- Always drive with a supervisor — licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat at all times
- Under 18: Log 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night (Practice Driving Log signed by parent)
- Passenger restriction (under 18): limited to 1 unrelated person under 20
- Curfew (under 18): No driving between midnight and 6 AM unless good cause (emergency, school, work)
- Hold the permit for at least 180 days (ages 16–20) or 30 days (age 21+) before applying for a license
- Stay violation-free — a moving violation adds 180 days to the waiting period (under 18)
Step 6: Get Your License
After holding the permit for the required time, schedule a road skills test with Kentucky State Police:
- Under 18: Pass the KSP road test → receive intermediate license sticker on permit → hold 180 days + complete driver education → full license
- Ages 18–20: Pass the KSP road test → full unrestricted license (no intermediate phase)
- Age 21+: Pass the KSP road test after 30-day permit hold → full unrestricted license
- If you fail the road test, wait at least one week before retaking
Timeline: If you start at age 16, the earliest you can get your intermediate license is after 180 days + passing the road test. You then hold the intermediate license for another 180 days and complete driver education before receiving a full unrestricted license.