Kentucky driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

15.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit fee

$15.00 standard or $18.00 REAL ID (3-year permit).Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver's license fee

$21.50 for 4 years or $43.00 for 8 years; REAL ID $24.00 or $48.00.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent or guardian signature

Under 18, a parent or legal guardian listed on the birth certificate must sign and come to the testing appointment.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period

Under 18: at least 180 days and age 16 before the intermediate license.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit restrictions (under 18)

Licensed driver 21+ in the front seat; one unrelated passenger under 20; no driving midnight-6 a.m. without good cause.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Written test passing score

80%.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retaking the written test

You may retake it the next available day.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retaking the road test

Wait seven full days.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Written test languages

Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Japanese, Pashto, Somali, Spanish and Swahili (standard test only).Source: kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

Yes; written and road tests are scheduled with the Kentucky State Police.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

Required with the written test and before every renewal; free at a Regional Office.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents (under 18)

Birth certificate, Social Security card, one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID), the TC 94-200 school compliance form and a parent's signature.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours

60 hours, including 10 at night, signed off on the Practice Driving Log.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period (21 and older)

Hold the permit 30 days before the road skills test.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Full license for teens

Hold the intermediate license 180 days, turn 17 and finish a 4-hour graduated licensing course (or turn 18 with the course done).Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

4 or 8 years (you choose); licenses issued under 21 expire 90 days after the 21st birthday.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to six months before expiration; no retesting if expired less than five years.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Eligible drivers can renew through myDrive after linking their credential with a Letter ID; REAL ID upgrades must be done in person.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$21.50 (4 years) or $43.00 (8 years); REAL ID $24.00 or $48.00.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Optional; standard cards without the black star can't be used for domestic flights or certain federal facilities since May 7, 2025. Apply in person.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

$24.00 for 4 years or $48.00 for 8 years (license).Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New resident deadline

30 days after establishing residency.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

No testing with a valid out-of-state license; expired more than a year means a driver record plus written and vision tests.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement fee

$15.00.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address change

Update your address within 10 days of moving ($15.00).Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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