Kentucky uses a graduated license program by which teen drivers progress from a learner's permit to an intermediate license, and, finally, to an operator's license. We explain how this works below.
Teen drivers who are at least 16 years old are eligible to begin Kentucky's graduated driver's license program. This program is similar to other graduated license programs across the United States and helps limit high-risk driving situations for the teen driver while increasing parental involvement and supervision.
Kentucky's graduated driver's license program has three levels:
Kentucky teens who want to obtain a driver's license must first complete the level one and level two license requirements. Below we explain the requirements and restrictions for each type of license.
Unlike other states that allow teens who are 14 or 15 to begin driving with a permit, Kentucky doesn't allow teens to obtain a learner's permit until they're at least 16 years old. A learner's permit allows teens to gain experience driving with adult supervision.
A teen who's at least 16 years old can submit an application (along with the application fee) to a regional driver licensing office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to obtain an instruction permit. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.450 (2024).)
A parent or guardian must sign the application and agree to be jointly liable for any of the teen driver's mishaps behind the wheel. (Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 186.450, 186.590 (2024).)
The applicant also must pass a vision test and a test covering local traffic signs and traffic laws. (Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 186.450, 186.480 (2024).)
An instruction permit authorizes the holder to operate a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver who is age 21 or older. The holder isn't allowed to drive from midnight to 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergency purposes. Unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor, permit holders can transport only one non-relative passenger younger than 20 years old. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.450 (2024).)
After holding an instruction permit for 180 days with a clean driving record (or after turning 18), a teen can apply for an intermediate driver's license. The intermediate license allows the motorist to drive without an adult subject to some restrictions. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.452 (2024).)
The applicant must show proof of 60 hours of supervised driving time (10 of which must have been done at night) and pass the driving test. Any traffic violation will reset the 180-day waiting period. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.452 (2024).)
The intermediate license allows the motorist to drive without an adult:
A holder of an intermediate license can drive with only one non-family member passenger younger than age 20 at a time (unless with a licensed instructor). (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.452 (2024).)
Under Kentucky's No Pass/No Drive Law, a teen younger than 18 years old who applies for a permit or license must provide proof of school enrollment with satisfactory grades. The permit or license of a 16- or 17-year-old also can be revoked if the teen drops out from or is delinquent at school. (Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 159.051, 186.470 (2024).)
After holding an intermediate license for at least six months without any traffic tickets and completing a driver education course, a driver younger than 18 years old can apply for an operator's license. A driver with an intermediate license who has turned 18 may apply for a full license after completing a driver education course. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 186.454 (2024).)
Kentucky requires all vehicles to be properly insured. In Kentucky, the mandatory insurance requirements are:
(Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-110 (2024).)
Failure to have valid insurance can result in a $500 to $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. For second or subsequent offenses committed within five years, the driver's license will be revoked, and the driver will face a $1,000 to $2,500 fine, and/or 180 days in jail. The vehicle's registration will also be revoked and the license plates suspended for one year or until proof of insurance is made. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § § 304.99-060.)