Kentucky Driver's License

Class A

A Class A license is a commercial driver's license (CDL) for operating any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. For example, a truck pulling a heavy trailer would require a Class A license.

Class B

A Class B license is also a CDL, but it applies to any single vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, towing a car with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. This license is often needed for drivers of large buses or straight trucks.

Class C

This CDL covers vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or less that are used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding or designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, but with a GVWR not exceeding 26,001 pounds.

Class D

The Class D license, an operator's license, is the standard or regular Kentucky driver's license for personal use. It allows the operation of vehicles with a GVWR that does not exceed 26,000 pounds and carries no more than 16 passengers, including the driver. This license suits most everyday vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

Class E

A Class E license is required to operate mopeds, which are small vehicles with an engine displacement of no more than 50cc and a maximum speed of 28 mph.

Class M

Lastly, a Class M license is for motorcycle riders. This license permits the operation of motorcycles, catering to those who prefer two-wheeled motor vehicles.

Permit Phase

In Kentucky, obtaining a driver's license involves going through a permit phase before becoming fully licensed. This phase, which can be started at age 16, is designed to provide new drivers with the necessary knowledge and experience before taking the road test.

Here's an overview of the process:

First, individuals must schedule an appointment with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to take the vision and written tests. This can be done through the KSP's Online Appointment Scheduling system. During the appointment, applicants must bring the required documents, such as proof of identity and residency.

After passing the vision and written tests, applicants will receive a temporary paper permit from the Driver Licensing Regional Office. This permit serves as a learner's permit, allowing them to practice driving while accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the passenger seat.

The permit phase lasts 180 days, during which the new driver must gain practical experience behind the wheel. If the individual is at least 21, they only need to keep it for 30 days.

If applicants fail the written test during the initial appointment, they can return the next available day to retake it.

Once the permit phase is complete and the new driver has gained sufficient experience, they can then schedule an appointment to take the road test.

Vision Screening

A vision screening is a requirement for all first-time Kentucky driver's license applicants. To move on to the written test, applicants must have a minimum visual acuity of 20/40, whether corrected or uncorrected. If corrective lenses are necessary to meet this standard, the applicant's driving privileges will be restricted to mandate the use of corrective lenses.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum visual acuity standards will be referred to a vision specialist for further examination. After completing the referral, if their visual acuity is 20/60 or better, they will be eligible to test for an instruction permit or operator's license.

Applicants with visual acuity below the described standards may qualify for the Kentucky Bioptic Driving Program. This program, administered by the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, provides special training to applicants, allowing them to drive with a bioptic telescopic device restriction.

Additional information about the program can be obtained by contacting 1-800-346-2115.

Written Test

The written test is essential to obtaining a driver's license in Kentucky. It covers driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 80% to pass the written test.

Oral tests can be provided for individuals who cannot read the English language. However, applicants must still answer the signs portion of the test based on their knowledge and understanding.

Testing offices are equipped with tablet devices that can present the test audibly in English and several foreign languages. This feature does not require a special appointment. However, a special appointment will be necessary for those who need the test to be orally administered or require an interpreter.

The written test is available in various languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and Somali. Upon request, these languages can be taken electronically and are also available in audio form for convenience.

Intermediate License Phase

After the required period of holding a permit, individuals can apply for an intermediate driver's license in Kentucky. During this phase, passing the road skills test is necessary to apply for a full, unrestricted license. To schedule a road test appointment, use the KSP's Online Appointment Scheduling system.

For permit holders under 18, completion of the Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program is mandatory. The course can be started at any point during the permit or intermediate license phase, but it must be completed before obtaining a full, unrestricted license.

There are several acceptable methods for completing this driver education course in Kentucky. One option is the classroom version, which is free to Kentucky drivers. Alternatively, the online version provided by RightLane is available for $12.

Another option is to take the driver education course at a high school. Lastly, drivers can complete a private training course at a Division of Driver License-approved driver training school, which must include four hours of classroom training.

Requirements for the Road Test

The requirements for the road test in Kentucky vary based on the applicant's age.

All applicants must have a properly registered vehicle for testing, and they need to show proof of liability insurance. The liability can be proven by presenting one of the following:

• A current insurance policy for the vehicle
• A proof-of-insurance card from the insurance company
• A written binder from an insurance agent confirming the active insurance coverage

Note that the driver's name must be listed on the rental contract as an operator if using a rental car.

When driving with a permit, the driver must have a licensed adult, at least 21 years old, in the front passenger seat. It is illegal for permit holders to drive alone to their road test appointment. Any traffic violations at the test site will result in the test rescheduling.

Applicants under 18 have additional requirements. They must present a Practice Driving Log, signed and certified by a parent or legal guardian, documenting 60 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night.

They also need a Graduated Driver License Skills Test Eligibility Letter, which must be within seven days of the print date.

Road Test

During the road test in Kentucky, an examiner will accompany the applicant and occupy the passenger side of the front seat. The vehicle's passenger compartment, seat, and floor area must be clean, as a dirty car may be rejected.

The road test consists of various maneuvers and skills, including:

• Making stops and hill starts
• Backing up
• Turning the car around
• Performing parallel parking
• Approaching intersections
• Maintaining appropriate speed
• Doing clutch use (if applicable)
• Making turns
• Using lanes correctly
• Understanding right-of-way rules

Failing to comply with traffic laws, causing a collision, or engaging in any dangerous behavior during the test will result in an automatic failure, and the test will be terminated.

Additionally, if the applicant fails to follow the examiner's instructions twice during the test, they will be disqualified.

After completing the road test, the applicant will receive a score sheet indicating whether they passed or failed. The score sheet will not contain a numerical score.

If the road skills test fails, the applicant must wait at least one week before retaking the test and is encouraged to practice during this time.

Full, Unrestricted License Phase

After holding the intermediate driver's license for the required period (180 days for those below 21 and 30 days for those 21 and above) and completing the GDL program for applicants under age 18, individuals can apply for a full, unrestricted license in Kentucky.

Kentucky's full, unrestricted driver's license grants individuals full driving privileges without any limitations or restrictions. It allows drivers to operate a motor vehicle without the restrictions typically imposed on learner's permits or intermediate licenses, such as driving curfews or passenger limitations.

Required Documents When Applying for a Permit/Driver's License

When applying for a permit or driver's license in Kentucky, several documents are required:

• Proof of Identity such as Original Birth Certificate or certified copy
• Proof of Kentucky Residency, which includes documents dated less than one year (two are needed for a REAL ID)
• Proof of Social Security number such as Social Security Card

If there are changes in legal name, birth date, or gender, legal proof of the changes is necessary, and the name must be updated on the Social Security card before applying.

For applicants under age 18, a School Compliance Verification Form is needed per the No Pass/No Drive Law. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application and take financial responsibility. Legal guardians require certified copies of Court-Ordered Guardianship documents.

Note that photocopies of documents will not be accepted. Applicants should check the List of Valid Proof Documents provided by Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices for accuracy.

Fees for Obtaining a Driver's License in Kentucky

The fees for obtaining a KY driver's license vary based on the type, validity period, and ID needed. A standard driver's license costs $21.50 for four years or $43 for eight years. A motorcycle license has the same fees. However, the combo driver's/motorcycle license is $26.50 for four years or $53 for eight years.

For a REAL ID-compliant credential, the fees are slightly higher. A REAL ID driver's license costs $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. Meanwhile, a REAL ID personal ID card costs $14 for four years or $28 for eight years.

For the permit, the fee is $15 for a 3-year driver's permit if getting the standard version. For a REAL ID-compliant permit, it's $18 for three years.

For more details on acquiring a standard Kentucky driver's license, refer to the Kentucky Driver Manual. Meanwhile, for getting a state CDL, check the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Manual. Those interested in obtaining a Class M driver's license should study the Kentucky Motorcycle Operators Manual.

Online Renewal

Renewal of a KY driver's license or ID card can be done through the Online Driver's License/ID Card Renewal system. This service is available for those whose personal information (name, address, license class) remains unchanged.

Applicants will receive the same type of card they currently have and cannot upgrade to a REAL ID through this process. Online renewal is limited to select license or ID card renewals and does not include replacements for lost or stolen cards.

To renew online, applicants need a valid Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express. There is a small processing fee of 2.75% for credit cards and 1.5% for debit cards. The application can be submitted up to six months before the expiration date or up to one year after.

Once approved, the renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, which will be verified during the application process. Temporary documents are not provided.

However, certain exceptions apply when using the system, including those who want to renew CDLs, non-US citizens, and individuals under 21. Additionally, active duty military personnel should use a mail-in form instead of the online portal.

Mail-in Renewal or Replacement

Kentucky residents can renew, replace, or update the address on their standard driver's license, ID card, or REAL ID by mail. To do this, they must complete Form TC 94-192 or the Driver License/ID Card Renewal form.

Once the form is filled out, they should submit the application and payment at the mailing address below:

In-Person Renewal or Replacement

In addition to the mail-in method, Kentucky residents can renew or replace their driver's licenses by visiting any Driver Licensing Regional Office. However, they must first schedule an appointment.

If the current license's (name or address) information is up to date, no additional documentation is required for a renewal, duplicate, or replacement. However, if any information has changed, appropriate documentation will be needed.