Obtaining a driving permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Kentucky. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Kentucky who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months one year. You must also provide your latest driving record or a clearance letter from the state you are moving from

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL DRIVING PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Kentucky Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Circuit Clerk's office or the Kentucky State Police.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign the application for you.
3. Visit your local Driver License Issuance Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of residence, birth certificate and social security card. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. School Compliance Verification Form issued by your school, if you are under 18.
6. The permit fee amount of $12.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a driving permit, which is valid for one year.

The driving permit in Kentucky includes the following restrictions:

1. When driving with an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.
2. You cannot have more than one person under 20 in the vehicle, unless they are your family members.
3. If under 18, the permit holder is not allowed to drive between 12 midnight and 6 am except for emergencies or for school or work related matters.
4. If you are convicted of a traffic violation you will have to restart the 180 day waiting period before you can take the road test for intermediate license.
5. Everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts.

THE INTERMEDIATE LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your driving permit, and complete a minimum of 60 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience including ten hours at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. This certificate of eligibility for an Intermediate license must be submitted to your Kentucky State Police License Examiner. The driver's license road tests are conducted by appointment. The Circuit Clerk's office at your county will have the Testing Time Schedules and Locations. Your must provide proof of liability insurance and registration for your vehicle. If you pass the road test, you will be issued an intermediate license. The intermediate driver's license in Kentucky includes the following restrictions:

1. Intermediate drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 midnight and 6 am, except for emergencies or for school or work related matters.
2. You cannot have more than one person under 20 in the vehicle, unless they are your family members.
3. You should have no serious traffic violations and if you get 6 traffic points you driving privileges may be suspended.
4. Everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts.

THE FULL UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

If you are over 18 year of age when you get the driving permit, you can take the road test for a full license once you have completed 180 days (30 days if over 21) with a driving permit and have a minimum of 60 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience including ten hours at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver). An intermediate driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held an intermediate driver's license for at least 180 days. This certificate of eligibility for an unrestricted license must be submitted to your Kentucky State Police License Examiner.
2. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Kentucky Department of Driver Licensing.
3. If you are under 18 years of age, you should not have accumulated more than 6 traffic points.
4. Everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Kentucky, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.