Kentucky Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Kentucky learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-18 · Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Graduated Driver Licensing Program ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Kentucky
- Apply for the Kentucky learner's permit at age 15
- Drive only while accompanied by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
- Hold the permit 180 days and complete 60 supervised practice hours, including 10 at night
- Move into the intermediate-license phase at age 16 years 6 months and follow the first-6-month passenger and late-night restrictions
- Qualify for the full Kentucky license at age 18
Kentucky GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Passenger rule: During the first 6 months of the intermediate license, no more than one non-family passenger under 20 is allowed
- Curfew: During the intermediate-license phase, no driving is allowed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Permit supervision: Learner's-permit holders must be accompanied at all times by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
The details
- Permit eligibility: Kentucky lowered the minimum permit age from 16 to 15 by emergency legislation Gov. Beshear signed March 25, 2025, effective immediately
- Permit fee details: $15 standard permit fee ($18 for a REAL ID permit)
- Practice hour details: The Kentucky driver manual says the instruction permit must be held 180 days with 60 supervised hours, including 10 at night
- Knowledge test: 40 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 40-question test, 32 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Kentucky?
You can get a learner's permit in Kentucky at 15. Kentucky lowered the minimum permit age from 16 to 15 by emergency legislation Gov. Beshear signed March 25, 2025, effective immediately.
How much does a Kentucky permit cost?
The Kentucky permit fee is $15. $15 standard permit fee ($18 for a REAL ID permit).
How long do you have to hold your permit in Kentucky?
You must hold your Kentucky permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Kentucky require?
Kentucky requires 60 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Kentucky permit test?
Right here — take a free Kentucky practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
