How to Get Your Driver's License in Kentucky
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Kentucky. Kentucky uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.
GDL Stages in Kentucky
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Complete driver education course
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Intermediate License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 180 days
- Complete 60 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
- No more than 1 unrelated passenger under 20
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold intermediate license with clean record for at least 6 months
- Complete required intermediate period
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
- Only 1 unrelated passenger under 20 is permitted during the intermediate license phase.
How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift after 6 months with a clean record or at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to GDL restrictions and can obtain a full license after passing the required tests.
Kentucky-Specific Information
Kentucky requires 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, which is among the higher supervised driving requirements in the country. The state uses the under-20 age cutoff for the passenger restriction rather than the more common under-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Kentucky.
Kentucky uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
- Only 1 unrelated passenger under 20 is permitted during the intermediate license phase.
Adults age 18 and older in Kentucky can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to GDL restrictions and can obtain a full license after passing the required tests.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Kentucky learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Kentucky.
Kentucky drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Kentucky Transportation Cabinet guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the most current information.