Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?

No, you are not. While the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet does offer Motorcycle Safety Education Courses for interested riders, drivers ed is not required for a KY motorcycle license. However, if a rider chooses to take the course voluntarily, he or she will not have to take the road skills exam associated with the license. In any case, a motorcycle permit must still be held for a minimum period of six months.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?

Depending on your situation, you may be required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Kentucky. It all depends on if you fall into one of the following categories:

  • You are under the age of 21 or have passengers under the age of 21.
  • You have a motorcycle permit.
  • You have had your motorcycle driving license for less than one year.

If you meet one of the above requirements, you must wear a helmet.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?

No, you may not. The only way for a commercial driver to renew his or herCDL license in Kentucky is in person. The same applies for standard drivers of passenger vehicles. All drivers must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. The only exception to this rule is members of the military. Military drivers are allowed to renew drivers license credentials by mail when they cannot go in person to a clerk s office.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Kentucky

Can I take the DMV written test online?

No, you may not. Residents of the state of Kentucky must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office in order to take the written knowledge test. Additionally, when visiting this office, drivers will be asked to pass a vision screening test. Screenings are required to make sure that your eyesight is sufficient for safe driving. Only drivers who pass the written and vision tests will be able to take the next step and pay for their Kentucky driving permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?

Only certain KY commercial drivers licenses can be used anywhere in the United States. For instance, if you obtain an intrastate CDL license, then your privileges are only guaranteed within the confines of Kentucky. If you get an interstate license, then you operate a commercial vehicle between state lines. One thing to note is that applicants must be at least 21 to receive an interstate license. Intrastate licenses only require applicants to be 18.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?

No, you do not need a motorcycle license. Instead, a driver looking to operate a moped in the state of Kentucky must obtain a moped license. To obtain this credential, applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a vision exam. They must also submit a completed Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30. Finally, applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign their forms.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?

The drivers ed course requirement depends on the age of the driver in question. In the state of Kentucky, drivers who are 18 years old or older do not need to enroll in a course before obtaining their KY learners permit or drivers license. However, if you are under the age of 18, the KY Transportation Cabinet requires your enrollment. These classes will cover all of the fundamentals of driving within the state of Kentucky.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?

There is no such thing as a Veteran identification card in the state of Kentucky. However, residents are allowed to obtain a veteran designation on their KY drivers license. To do so, simply visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office and provide a representative with a document that shows your honorable discharge. The Transportation Cabinet accepts DD-214 forms. To obtain this license as a duplicate, applicants will have to pay a fee of $12.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?

To apply for a commercial driving license in Kentucky, simply follow the steps below:

  1. Fill out a Commercial Driver License Self-Certification TC 94-169
  2. Complete a Commercial Driver License Application TC 94-32
  3. Obtain a valid medical certificate
  4. Pass the written knowledge test to obtain a CDL permit
    • The CDL permit must be held for at least 14 days.
  5. Pass a vision screening
  6. Pass endorsement tests, if applicable
  7. Pass a road skills exam
  8. Pay the CDL license fee

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?

The process to apply for a learners permit in Kentucky is simple and requires only a few steps. For an overview of these steps, read the list below:

  1. Pass a written knowledge exam at a Circuit Court Clerk s office.
  2. Pass a vision screening.
  3. Complete a Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30, signed by parent or guardian if under 18.
  4. Provide the following documents and information:
    • Social Security card
    • Birth certificate
    • Proof of Kentucky residency:
      • Phone bills
      • Utility bills
    • School Compliance Verification Form, if applicant is under 18

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?

There are a few steps that every applicant must take in order to obtain a motorcycle drivers license in Kentucky. Simply follow the list below:

  1. Pass a written knowledge test to obtain a motorcycle permit.
  2. Pass a vision screening.
  3. Pass a road skills on-cycle test or enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Education Course.
    • Helmet and eye protection must be used during the exam.
  4. Bring a completed Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30 or your current driving license to the Circuit Court Clerk s office.
    • Parents must sign the form if the applicant is under 18.
  5. Prove liability insurance.
  6. Show current vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

How do I get a duplicate ID card?

The steps that you must take to replace ID card documents are very similar to those you must take to purchase your first card. Like requesting your first identification card, you need to go in person to a Circuit Court Clerk s office. Unfortunately, you cannot replace credentials by mail, online or by phone. As for the documents that you need to bring, each applicant must provide:

  • Proof of identity:
    • Birth certificate
    • Social Security card
  • Proof of Kentucky residency:
    • Mortgage documents
    • Utility bills

In addition to these documents, one must pay a $12 fee to obtain a Kentucky ID card.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?

If you hold your learners permit for an extended period of time, the credential will expire. In the event of permit expiration, one must take the necessary steps to renew the documentation. In terms of how you can go about this process, drivers must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office in person. Drivers cannot renew credentials online or by phone. When visiting the office, be sure to bring payment for the fee and your current Kentucky driving permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

How do I renew my ID card?

The process to renew ID card credentials is simpler than obtaining your first card or replacing a lost credential. Just like the other processes, residents must go in person to a local Circuit Court Clerk s office. Once here, show your current Kentucky ID card and pay the necessary fee. If you cannot locate your current credential, you will have to bring proof of identity, proof of residency and proof of name change, if applicable.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?

Renewing a medical report in the state of Kentucky is quick and easy. All it takes is a few minutes of your time. Simply download a Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination 649-F and have a licensed physician sign off on your health. If you are in sufficient health for commercial driving, take the signed form to the Circuit Court Clerk s office. Once the form has been submitted, you will have renewed your medical requirements for your CDL license.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Kentucky

How do I renew my motorcycle license?

In order to maintain motorcycle operating credentials, one must renew their Kentucky motorcycle endorsement just as they would a standard license. The steps required in both processes are very similar. First of all, like a standard operator license, a driver can only renew credentials in person. Riders and drivers cannot renew online, by mail or by phone. When visiting the Circuit Court Clerk s officebe sure to bring your current motorcycle drivers license and proof of name or address change if applicable.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?

Military members are required to take the same steps as civilians when it comes to applying for a KY motorcycle driving license. They must follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Pass the written exam for a motorcycle permit.
  2. Pass a vision test.
  3. Pass a riding test or complete a Motorcycle Safety Education Course.
    • An approved helmet and eye protection must be used during the on-cycle test.
  4. Fill out a Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30 or bring your active drivers license to the Circuit Court Clerk s office.
  5. Prove liability auto insurance.
  6. Provide proof of vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?

The minimum amount of time that a driver must hold onto a learners permit in Kentucky is 180 days. If a learning driver can maintain this credential for 180 days without incurring a moving violation, he or she may apply for an intermediate drivers license. After that, these drivers must hold their intermediate license for 180 days before they can apply for a full driving license in Kentucky. However, just like permit holders, intermediate license holders cannot commit any moving violations. If they commit offenses on the road, they will not be able to move up to the next level of privileges.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

How long will it take to get my new ID card?

Processing times should be considered when applying for an ID card in Kentucky. However, whereas some other states make residents wait around 10 business days to receive credentials, the KY Transportation Cabinet issues these identification cards immediately. As long as an applicant brings all of the necessary documents to the Circuit Court Clerk s office, he or she can get identifying documentation right after applying. Just remember to bring the payment for the fee.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?

Just like standard drivers licenses in Kentucky, commercial driving licenses must be renewed. Another similarity worth noting is that both of these licenses must be renewed in person at a local Circuit Court Clerk s office. They cannot be renewed online, by mail or by phone. As for how often the renewal process must take place, commercial drivers licenses have a life of four years. Thus, every four years, these credentials must be renewed.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Kentucky

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?

All Kentucky residents who lose their identifications cards are required to purchase duplicate credentials. If you are out of state when an ID card is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may think to order a duplicate online or by mail. However, the KY Transportation Cabinet does not offer these options. The state of Kentucky only allows military members to renew or replace by mail. All other residents must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. Thus, you must wait until you are back within the state to go through the transaction.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?

Yes, there is a minimum age for obtaining a CDL license in Kentucky. Furthermore, given that there are two different kinds of commercial licenses, there are two different age minimums that must be met. For an interstate license, which allows drivers to operate commercial vehicles between state lines, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age. Intrastate licenses are more accessible. For these credentials, a driver only needs to be 18.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?

Yes, there are age restrictions for operating a motorcycle in Kentucky. One must meet one of the following requirements to apply for a motorcycle license permit:

  • The applicant is at least 18 years old.
  • The applicant holds a standard Kentucky drivers license.

If you are not 18 and do not have a standard license, you will not be able to obtain a motorcycle driving license in Kentucky.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

What are the available commercial license endorsements?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offers a variety of endorsements to drivers seeking a KY CDL license.Each endorsement allows the recipient to operate a different kind of commercial vehicle.

For a complete list of the endorsements available, read the list below:

  • Hazardous Materials (HEndorsement)
  • Passenger Transport (PEndorsement)
  • Tank Vehicle (NEndorsement)
  • Double/Triples (TEndorsement)
  • School Bus (SEndorsement)
  • Tanker and Hazardous Materials (XEndorsement)

All commercial vehicle endorsements come with their exams and fee.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?

In order to obtain an ID card in Kentucky, one must go through the process of applying at your local Circuit Court Clerk s office. As with obtaining any other credential from the Transportation Cabinet office, residents must pay a fee to get an identification card. The standard fee for this credential is $12. It is worth noting that replacement identification cards in Kentucky also cost $12. These must be purchased if an original credential is lost, stolen, damaged or out-of-date (if you got a name change, for instance).

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?

There are a number of restrictions associated with your first year holding a Kentucky drivers permit. In addition to needing to complete 60 hours of logged driving hours, including 10 hours at night, drivers must keep the following rules in mind:

  • A seatbelt must always be worn when operating a vehicle.
  • Learners permit drivers must always be accompanied by a licensed supervisor who is at least 21.
  • Driving is not permitted between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless there is an emergency or work/school-related issue.
  • Learning drivers under 18 cannot be accompanied by more than one unrelated passenger who is under 20.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?

There are only a few medical requirements that must be met by the commercial drivers within the state of Kentucky. First of all, these drivers must submit a Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination 649-F signed by a licensed physician. In addition to this report, these commercial vehicle operators must also give a Commercial Driver License Self-Certification TC 94-169. With these two forms and a completed Commercial Driver License Application TC 94-32, you will be able to obtain a CDL license in Kentucky. Just remember to bring payment for the licensing fee.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?

If you have a learners permit and have been charged with a traffic violation, you can expect similar punishments to those incurred by older drivers. Just like operators with drivers licenses, you will receive traffic fines in Kentucky. These fines will vary based on the severity of the offense. Additionally, if the violation was serious, then coverage rates can rise and drivers license suspension becomes a possibility.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Kentucky

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?

The state of Kentucky mandates that two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles be treated the same way. In fact, the Transportation Cabinet states that they consider both of these types of vehicles to fall under the general umbrella of motorcycles. Thus, applicants must go through the same steps that are associated with obtaining a standard KY motorcycle endorsement. However, it is important to note that mopeds do not fall into this general category. These vehicles require their own specific operator license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?

In order to obtain a learners permit in Kentucky, one must bring a number of documents. These include:

  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30
    • This application must be signed by a parent or guardian if the driver is under 18.
  • School Compliance Verification Form, if you are under 18
  • Proof of Kentucky residency:
    • Phone bills
    • Utility bills

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?

A number of documents must be provided when a driver applies for a motorcycle drivers license in Kentucky. However, the documents vary based on how the rider chooses to apply. If he or she decides to take a Motorcycle Safety Education Course, then proof of course completion is necessary. If a riders chooses to take the road skills exam, he or she needs to provide proof of auto insurance and vehicle registration. Additionally, drivers who have an operator license must bring it in and those who do not must provide a completed Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?

Kentucky residents who seek to obtain a motorcycle license must pass a few different tests before getting a motorcycle drivers license. First, each applicant is required to take a vision screening to make sure his or her sight is sufficient for safe driving. Secondly, a written knowledge test is required. This exam will test the knowledge of each applicant on road regulations and traffic signs. Finally, there is the road skills on-cycle test. This test must be taken by any applicant who did not complete a Motorcycle Safety Education Course.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Kentucky

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?

Driving while intoxicated in the state of Kentucky is a serious matter. In truth, it is a serious offense all across the United States. Therefore, wherever you are caught and convicted of DUIs as a commercial driver, you face the following penalties:

  • A one-year suspension of your commercial drivers license for first offenses.
  • A three-year suspension for first offenses while transporting hazardous materials.
  • A lifetime disqualification for subsequent offenses.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?

The state of Kentucky gives residents who do not have drivers licenses the chance to obtain identification. The identification they offer comes in the form of a Kentucky ID card. This document features the holder s name, address and birth date. Thus, it is accepted as a primary form of identification when going to the DMV, Passport Agency and more.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?

In order to obtain a driving permit in Kentucky, applicants must pass one specific exam. This test is the written knowledge exam, which tests your knowledge on road signs and regulations. In order to pass this exam and obtain a permit for driving, you must get a minimum score of 80 percent. If your score is less than 80 percent, you will have to retake the exam. Be sure to contact the KY Transportation Cabinet for a new testing date.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?

There is one main test that all young residents of Kentucky must take in order to obtain a KY learners permit. The exam is known as the written knowledge exam. This exam will test your knowledge on all of the important road signs and regulations established within the state of Kentucky. All of the answers to the questions on the exam can be found in the Kentucky Driver s Manual. So be sure to study the handbook thoroughly before taking the test.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?

A very important part of obtaining a commercial drivers license in Kentucky is passing the necessary exams. First, all applicants are required to pass a written knowledge test, which features questions on road regulations and signs. The second test is a road skills exam, which requires drivers to put their knowledge to the test behind the wheel. In addition to these two tests, applicants for a CDL license can also choose to take endorsement exams. Each CDL endorsement comes with its own additional written exam.

For more information: Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?

Kentucky identification cards can be issued to any resident who does not have a drivers license. These ID cards are valid for a period of four years. After that point, they become invalid and need to be renewed by their holders. In terms of the specific date that the credential expires, it will become invalid on your birthday (four years after its issuance).

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?

Most states require residents to go in person to apply for ID card documentation. Kentucky follows this precedent. All residents, young and older, are required to visit a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office in order to obtain the identification document. The good news is that finding one of these locations is easy. Offices are located throughout the state in every county for the convenience of Kentucky residents, and all of these locations can issue Kentucky identification cards.

For more information: How to Apply for a Kentucky Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?

Drivers under the age of 18 must have an older party sign for their driving permit in Kentucky. The parties that are allowed to do this, according to the Transportation Cabinet of the state of Kentucky, include:

  • Parents.
  • Legal guardians.

These parties must sign at the Circuit Court Clerk s officeand prove their guardianship. In addition to providing consent, underage drivers must also provide a School Compliance Verification form from their school.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Kentucky