Kentucky Driver License
Kentucky drivers license is the document that officially entitles you to drive all over the state and the country. Holding the Kentucky drivers license is a privilege, not a right, and you should treat it as such.
Types of Kentucky Drivers License
At the moment, Kentucky DDL issues the following types of drivers licenses.
- Regular Drivers License (Class D)
- Moped only (Class E)
- Motorcycles Drivers License (Class M)
- Non-resident Drivers License (Class N)
- Commercial Drivers License (Class A, B and C)
There are also numerous restrictions and endorsements that may apply to the drivers license.
Kentucky Drivers License Issuance
Kentucky drivers licenses, ID cards and learners permit at issued in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The issuance is monitored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (DDL). The state makes use of the National Driver Register in order to determine if the driver is eligible for a Kentucky license. If your license has been revoked or suspended in another state, you will not be able to obtain a drivers license in Kentucky until the suspension expires.
Before you can be issued with an unrestricted drivers license, you are required to apply for the Kentucky learners permit.
Apply for Kentucky Learners Permit
When you visit the DDL office to apply for your learners permit, you must:
- be 16 years old or older
- Fill in the drivers license application form. If you are under 18, your parents must also sign the form
- Bring your birth certificate and a social security card. You must bring the originals, the DDL does not accept photocopies
- Present a School compliance verification form if under 18
- Take a vision exam
- Take the written exam
- Pay the required fee
If you meet the above requirements and pass the testing, you will be issued with a Kentucky learners permit. Please note that over 50% of the applicants fail their Kentucky permit test the first time they take it. You can prepare for the written exam by taking some free practice permit tests.
If you are under 18, you will be required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of driving practice before you can apply for the provisional license. You will also need to take a state approved drivers ed course. Both of these requirements are part of the Kentucky graduated drivers license program.
You can find a detailed description of the licensing procedure in the Kentucky driver's handbook that is provided free of charge.
Driving Test
The driving test is performed by the Kentucky State Police. You have to make sure that you have held your learners permit for a minimum period of 180 days before you can apply for the drivers license. If you are under 18, you must also meet the minimum amount of driving hours and the drivers education requirements.
You are required to present proof that your vehicle is properly insured when you go in for your driving test. The vehicle must also pass the basic safety inspection.
If you pass the test, you will be issued with a Kentucky drivers license. If you fail, you can retake the test in one week’s time.
Kentucky License Renewal
Your Kentucky drivers license can be renewed in person. Renewals by mail are available to the military personnel only.
