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Getting your first Kentucky driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Drive 60 supervised hours, 10 at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older.

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

  2. Hold your permit 180 days and turn 16, then schedule a KSP road test.

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

  3. Bring a licensed adult 21+, your signed driving log and proof of insurance to the road test.

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

  4. Pass the road test and get your intermediate license ($15.00, or $18.00 REAL ID).

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

  5. Complete the 4-hour graduated licensing course.

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

  6. After 180 days on the intermediate license and age 17, get your full license with a parent present.

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

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

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

More in the Kentucky guide

Learner's permitSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to KentuckySteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Kentucky links

Agency home pagedrive.ky.gov ↗Appointmentskentuckystatepolice.ky.gov ↗Driver handbookkentuckystatepolice.ky.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov ↗Online renewaldrive.ky.gov ↗REAL IDdrive.ky.gov ↗Permit and first licensedrive.ky.gov ↗New residentsdrive.ky.gov ↗Replace a licensedrive.ky.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.