Thinking about getting your driver's license at the Kentucky DMV? Here's exactly what you need to know to get your permit, pass your road test, and get your Kentucky driver license.

Here's How to Get Your Kentucky Driver's License

Here's what you'll need to get your Kentucky license:

Driver’s Permit

1. A completed Driver License – ID Card Application
2. Proof of Full Legal Name and Date of Birth: Birth Certificate and Social Security Number
3. Proof of the applicant's Kentucky residency, such as a Utility Bill.

If you are under 18 years old:

School Compliance Verification Form (from your school)

NOTE: Your parent must give consent by signing your application form, and payment for the learner's permit fee of $15.

Kentucky Provisional License

1. Completed 60 hours of driving practice, 10 hours of which must be night time driving
2. Have successfully completed a Driver’s Ed Course. The program can be any of the following: Graduated License Course lasting 4 hours (this course is provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in your county, High School Driver’s Ed Course or a similar course provided by a KY community college, job corps or vocational school, Private driver training course provided by an approved driver’s training school)
3. Payment for the fees

Full Unrestricted Driver’s License

1. Proof of completion of your Driver’s Ed Program. The program can be any of the following: Graduated License Course lasting 4 hours (this course is provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in your county, High School Driver’s Ed Course or a similar course provided by a KY community college, job corps or vocational school, Private driver training course provided by an approved driver’s training school
2. Driver’s License fee of $21.50

Here's what you'll need to do to get your Kentucky license:

1. Visit any DMV Office near you to apply in person and complete the application form available at the DMV.
2. Take and pass the vision and permit test to be issued a Learner's permit. (Read the Kentucky Driver Manual and take written practice tests).
3. Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. The driver must complete a Practice Driving Log for a minimum of 60 hours of practice driving, 10 hours of which must be completed at night. The driver is not permitted to drive between the hours of 12:00 A.M. (midnight) and 6:00 A.M., unless the driver can demonstrate a good cause for driving, such as emergencies, school-, or work-related activities.
4. You must hold your driving permit for a minimum of 180 days.
5. Once you're ready, schedule your road test on the DMV website or you can schedule on Skip. If you need a car or driver for your road test, you can schedule a road test concierge here.
6. Before your road test, visit the ultimate Kentucky DMV road test guide to find out more information about the Kentucky driving test.
7. If you have successfully passed the road test administered by the Kentucky State Police examiner, the examiner will place an “Intermediate License” sticker on your driver’s permit.
8. You must held the intermediate license for a minimum of 180 days.
9. Show proof of completion of your Driver's Ed program.
10. Pay the driver's license fee.

Here are Kentucky driver's license exceptions to note:

• Permit or Intermediate license holders 18 years of age or older who have completed the driver education course requirement and held the permit for 180 days may apply for a full unrestricted license.
• If the driver is convicted of a moving traffic violation as indicated in KRS 186, 189, and 189A, they will have to restart the 180 day waiting period.
• Your driver's license will be suspended if you are younger than 18 years old and receive more than 6 points on your KY driving record or older than 18 years old and record 12 points on your KY driving record.
• If you do not pass the DMV road test, you must wait at least 7 days to retake it.
• You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your Kentucky learner's permit.
• All drivers under the age of 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance.”
• Kentucky Driver's Licenses and Identification cards are issued in the Circuit Court Clerk's office in the Kentucky county of residence.

Need more Kentucky DMV or Kentucky driver's license help?

Search the Skip blog or download the free Skip app on the App Store or Google Play. On the app, you can find more help, book services, and even ask our team questions via chat.