Free Kentucky DMV Practice Test (2026)

Kentucky · Checked October 2026

Practice for the Kentucky permit test with a learning path built around the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Regional Offices (testing by Kentucky State Police) rules: a Kentucky-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

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Kentucky permit test at a glance

QuestionsNot published

To pass80%

Min. permit age15

AgencyKYTC

The Kentucky State Police give the written test on driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs, and you need a score of at least 80% to pass. It is offered in English, Spanish and many other languages, with oral or audio versions for applicants who cannot read English; the Kentucky Driver Manual is the only approved study source.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Regional Offices (testing by Kentucky State Police) does not publish the exact number of questions, so our timed simulation uses a standard 25-question format with the official passing score of 80%.

Tip: Start with module 1, “Kentucky laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to Kentucky, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

Kentucky traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	Kentucky rule	Source
Under-21 alcohol limit	If you are under 21, you are breaking the law with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more.	wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov
DUI limit and implied consent	Adults may not drive with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; a first DUI brings a $200 to $500 fine, 48 hours to 30 days in jail and a 4- to 6-month suspension. By driving you consent to a blood, breath or urine test, and refusing can lead to suspension.	wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov
Texting while driving	No driver may write, send or read text-based messages on a personal communication device while the vehicle is moving. Using GPS and dialing to make a call are allowed for drivers 18 and older.	apps.legislature.ky.gov
Phones for drivers under 18	Drivers under 18 may not use a personal communication device at all while driving, except to call for help in an emergency. Built-in or stand-alone GPS units are allowed.	apps.legislature.ky.gov
Seat belts	In vehicles made after 1981, the driver and all passengers must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.	apps.legislature.ky.gov
Child passenger seats	A child 40 inches tall or less must ride in a child restraint, and a child under 8 who is between 40 and 57 inches tall must use a booster seat. The fine is $50 plus a $10 fee.	wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov
Default speed limits	Unless posted otherwise: 35 mph in business or residential districts, 55 mph on other state highways, and 65 mph on interstates and parkways (some segments may be posted at 70 mph).	apps.legislature.ky.gov
Move-over law	When you approach a stopped emergency or public safety vehicle with flashing lights, or a disabled vehicle showing a warning signal, move to a lane not next to it on a road with four or more lanes if it is safe; otherwise slow down to a safe speed.	apps.legislature.ky.gov

Kentucky learner permit and teen license rules

Drivers under 21 must hold the permit at least 180 days (drivers 21 and older: 30 days); under 18 you must also be 16 to get an intermediate license.
Complete at least 60 hours of supervised practice, including 10 at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
Drivers under 18 must complete an approved 4-hour driver education course (Alive at 25, RightLane Online or a high school course) before the full unrestricted license.
Permit and intermediate drivers under 18 may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they have good cause, such as work, school or an emergency.
Under 18, you may carry no more than one unrelated passenger under age 20, and you may not use a cell phone or other personal communication device while driving.
A violation adds at least 180 days before you can move to the next step.
You can get a full unrestricted license after holding the intermediate license 180 days and reaching age 17.

How to get your Kentucky learner's permit

Schedule your written test with the Kentucky State Police (you must be at least 15) and complete a pre-application in MyDrive.
Gather your documents from the KYTC IDocument Guide plus the TC 94-200 Kentucky High School Compliance Form from your school.
Go with your parent or legal guardian, who must sign your application and come to the testing appointment.
On test day, show your documents at the KYTC Regional Office, then take the vision test (20/40 minimum) and the written test with KSP.
After you pass, return to the Regional Office and pay $15 for the permit ($18 for REAL ID); a temporary paper permit is issued until your card arrives by mail.
Start your 60 hours of supervised driving and keep a signed Practice Driving Log for the road test.

Sample Kentucky-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our Kentucky module. Each one is based on the official Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police, updated July 23, 2026) or Kentucky law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. What is the minimum age to apply for a Kentucky instruction permit?

14
15
15 and a half
16

Show answer

Correct answer: 15. Since March 25, 2025, Kentucky lets you apply for an instruction permit at 15. Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov

2. How long must a Kentucky driver under 21 hold an instruction permit before the next license step?

30 days
90 days
180 days
1 year

Show answer

Correct answer: 180 days. Drivers under 21 must hold the permit at least 180 days without a violation; only drivers 21 and older have a 30-day minimum. Source: drive.ky.gov

3. How much supervised practice must a Kentucky teen complete before the intermediate license?

60 hours, including 10 at night
40 hours, including 5 at night
50 hours, including 10 at night
30 hours, none required at night

Show answer

Correct answer: 60 hours, including 10 at night. Kentucky requires at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night, recorded in a signed practice log. Source: drive.ky.gov

4. In Kentucky, the person supervising a permit driver must be a licensed driver at least how old?

Show answer

Correct answer: 21. A licensed driver 21 or older must sit in the seat beside the permit holder at all times. Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the Kentucky rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed Kentucky exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I really get a Kentucky permit at 15?

Yes. House Bill 15 lowered the permit age from 16 to 15, effective March 25, 2025. You still have to wait until 16, and hold the permit 180 days, before an intermediate license.

Which driver education courses count in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists three 4-hour options: Alive at 25 (free, in person or by Zoom), RightLane Online ($12.50), or an approved high school course. Drivers under 18 must finish one before applying for the full unrestricted license.

Can I take the Kentucky written test in Spanish?

Yes. The written test is offered in Spanish and more than 20 other languages, and it can be given orally or with audio for applicants who cannot read English. Call KSP driver testing to arrange an oral test or an interpreter.

What happens if I break a permit or intermediate-license rule in Kentucky?

Breaking the curfew or passenger rules, or getting a moving violation or DUI, adds at least 180 days from the violation before you can move to the next license step. A driver under 18 with more than 6 points may also be suspended.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Regional Offices (testing by Kentucky State Police) does not publish its exam. Our Kentucky module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official Kentucky sources

Every Kentucky fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Regional Offices (testing by Kentucky State Police) website or Kentucky law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Regional Offices (testing by Kentucky State Police) before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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