Getting a Kentucky learner's permit

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.

Schedule your written and vision tests with the Kentucky State Police at age 15 or older.
Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Study the Kentucky Driver Manual, the only approved source for the written test.
Source: kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency and the TC 94-200 school form.
Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Bring a parent or legal guardian to sign the application and attend the test.
Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Pass the written test with at least 80% and the vision test.
Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Return to the Regional Office and pay $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID) for your permit.
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

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
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
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
Permit holding period (21 and older): Hold the permit 30 days before the road skills test.Source: drive.ky.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the Kentucky guide

First licenseSteps 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 ↗

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