Do I have to test in the county I live?
- As of July 5, 2022, Kentuckians who wish to obtain a stated driver’s permit or driver’s license will have the option to make driver testing appointments at any regional office throughout the Commonwealth, regardless of their county of residence. Click here: Regional Locations, to see a list of locations where testing services are offered. Follow these instructions: Appointment Instructions, to make an appointment at the location that best works for you.
What information should I study for the permit test?
- The only approved source material for the written/permit test is the Kentucky Driver Manual. Access the Kentucky Driver Manual online or by viewing it through the official KSP mobile app, ‘kspolice’. All driver testing materials can be viewed and downloaded free of charge.
I will have to take time off from work in order to accompany my child to the road test. Can someone else accompany my child to the test so I do not have to take off from work?
- Yes, anyone who is 21 years old or older and holds a valid driver’s license can accompany the child. NOTE: Kentucky law requires that a licensed driver 21 years of age or older must occupy the passenger at all times when a permit holder is operating a vehicle.
I have trouble reading. Can the Kentucky State Police administer the written test for me orally? If so, do I need to make an appointment for an oral test?
- Some locations have audio versions of the test. The test may be administered orally at locations where this service is not available. Please contact our office for additional information (800) 542-5990 Option #3.
I know you are supposed to use your turn signals at least 100 feet before a turn, but it is hard for me to estimate how far that is.
- If you line up 6 to 7 cars bumper-to-bumper, it equals approximately 100 feet. As you approach a turn, pretend those cars are parked at the side of the road, and activate your turn signal no later than the back of that line of cars.
How do I take the written permit test if I am deaf or hard hearing?
- Contact your testing site to make an appointment. The examiner will contact the Commission of Deaf and Hard Hearing, at 800-372-2907, and schedule a date and time for you to test with an interpreter.
Can I use the parallel park assist during my road test?
- The applicant must complete this maneuver without assistance.
Can I use the back up camera during my road test?
- Yes. However, the applicant should not be completely reliant upon this technology. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) offers some valuable guidance on this topic:
- Rear cameras are safety critical technologies. Safety critical technologies are permissible because they may prevent or reduce the severity of a crash, and are not simply features of convenience.
- Applicants should not become complacent and/or dependent solely upon a rear camera. Instead, incorporate use of the rear camera into executing backing maneuvers.
- Applicants are still required to demonstrate all necessary behaviors (for example checking mirrors, checking over the shoulder, etc.) for safely monitoring and maneuvering a vehicle during backing maneuvers.
Can I take the road test in a car that has temporary tags?
- As long as the tag matches the testing vehicle and is valid at the time of the test.
Can I use a rental car to take my road test?
- Rental cars are typically not permitted for operator road tests. However, rental cars may be used for testing as long as the applicant provides a rental agreement with the applicant listed as the renter. The rental agreement must show that the applicant is insured and the vehicle must meet all other requirements.
If I pass a motorcycle safety course, do I still have to take the motorcycle road test?
- Applicants for a motorcycle driver’s license shall be exempted from the licensing skill test if they present satisfactory evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course that includes a similar test of skill.
- For more information regarding rider training school courses, please visit www.ride.ky.gov or contact the Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program at (502) 564-1568.
What documents do I need to bring with me the first time for my permit test?
- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) website, drive.ky.gov, contains a wealth of information about the licensing process. Confidently identify which documents you need to bring by utilizing the KYTC IDOCUMENT GUIDE and you can also download a printable list of all acceptable documents from their website.