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Kentucky Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Kentucky: six steps, from the first class to the insurance call.

Requirements checked: October 2026, against official state licensing sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing.

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  1. 1

    Driver’s ed in Kentucky

    Requirement
    Required for drivers under 18: a 4-hour approved course, chosen from Alive at 25 (free, in person or Zoom), RightLane Online ($12.50, online), or a participating high school course. Exact timing in the GDL sequence is described differently across KYTC materials.

    Online driver’s ed for Kentucky

    Aceable offers state-certified online courses your teen can complete at home.

    DRVN may earn a referral fee if you enroll through this link.

    Find an online driver’s ed course
  2. 2

    Get a Kentucky learner’s permit

    Minimum age
    15
    The test
    Written knowledge and vision tests administered by Kentucky State Police (schedule through KSP; bring documents to a KYTC Regional office the same day first).
    What to bring
    Original or certified birth certificate, Social Security card, one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID), a TC 94-200 KY High School Compliance Verification Form from the school, and a parent or legal guardian listed on the birth certificate to sign the application; permit fee $15 ($18 REAL ID).
  3. 3

    Practice driving with a parent

    Supervised hours
    60 hours, including 10 at night
    Time on the permit
    180 days (and at least age 16)

    Track every practice hour with DRVN

    Log hours and routes as you drive, follow lesson plans for each stage, and check off skills. Free.

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  4. 4

    Pass the road test

    Minimum age
    16
    The road test
    Road skills test by appointment with Kentucky State Police (go straight to KSP on test day); bring the completed and signed Practice Driving Log, a licensed driver 21 or older, and a properly registered and insured vehicle; intermediate license fee is $15 ($18 REAL ID).
  5. 5

    Know the rules for new drivers

    Restrictions
    No driving midnight-6 a.m. except for work, school, or emergencies, and no more than one unrelated passenger under 20 unless supervised by a licensed adult 21 or older.
  6. 6

    Add your teen to your car insurance

    When
    Call your insurer as soon as your teen gets a permit. Some policies cover permit drivers automatically and others need them listed; rates usually rise once your teen is licensed.
    Save money
    Ask about good-student and driver-training discounts, and compare quotes before your teen gets the first license.

Checked October 2026 against official Kentucky sources

Rules change. Confirm the details with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing before you go.

Meeting the requirements is only the beginning.

Your state determines when your teen is legally eligible to drive. Readiness depends on the experience, judgment, and independence they demonstrate before they drive alone.

See how to evaluate readiness

Turn the required hours into useful practice.

DRVN helps parents plan practice, track driving experience, and see what their teen still needs to work on before driving alone.

See how DRVN works

Kentucky city guides

Guides for the most popular Kentucky cities.

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