Driving is one of the major steps one makes in their teenage years, but navigating the process can be stressful. For sophomores or those who haven’t gotten their license yet, here is your guide on how to start the road to your full drivers license. 

Step 1: Get your Permit 

The first step in getting your full Kentucky Driver’s License is passing the written exam and vision test. Each person wishing to take the test must: 

• Be at least sixteen years of age
• Bring their social security card, a certified birth certificate and proof of residence.

*Proof of residence can include a postmarked letter with your address on it 

• If under eighteen, a parent or guardian must come to sign the application and a guardian must have a certified copy of guardianship papers.
• If under eighteen, you must bring a School Compliance Verification form which you must get signed by a school counselor in advance. 

To study for this test, there are many online resources you can use to study, or you can view the Kentucky Driver’s Manual here. To book your permit test, click here. 

Step 2: Restricted License 

After passing your permit test, you can practice driving with a license driver over the age of 21 and must obtain 60 logged hours of driving, 10 of those in the dark. Only one person who is not related to the driver is allowed in the car (in addition to the 21+ person). 

You will not be allowed to drive between the hours of 12:00 am and 6:00 am unless it’s for school or work related activities. There is a 180 day waiting period between your permit and restricted test , but if you receive a traffic violation within this period, the 180 days will start over.

Once the 180 days are up, you are eligible to take the driving skills test. You can schedule that here. When arriving for your scheduled appointment you will need: 

• Current vehicle registration and insurance 
• At least ½ tank of gas 
• A windshield with no cracks or anything that would obstruct the view of the driver
• Tires that are properly inflated 
• Working headlights, taillights, horn, brake lights, mirrors, and turn signals (make sure you know how to turn them on!)
• Doors that close properly from the inside and outside 
• Your proof of hours written on your official form you were given at your permit test

If you don’t have a car that fits these requirements, you can get a car from a driving school or borrow a car from a friend or family member. The test itself consists of 7 parts: 

In addition, always make sure to check your mirrors and blind spots throughout the test. If you pass your restricted test, you will receive an orange sticker on the corner of your permit license. 

Step 3: Full License 

To get your full license you are required to complete a Driver Education program 180 days after you receive your restricted, which you can access here. Once you complete the course, submit proof of completion to 

ATTN: Driver Education

Division of Driver Licensing

200 Mero St

Frankfort, KY 40622

or fax it to (502) 564-0839.

A full license has no additional limits, you are officially a fully licensed driver. If you have questions or concerns, DriveKY has a FAQ section where you can find more information.