Kentucky Driver's License Written Test

New drivers license in Kentucky

Who Needs a License?

All new drivers and residents to the state of Kentucky must complete the driver’s license process through the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the county in which they are living and must hold a valid license in order to legally drive within state lines. Any persons over the age of 16 may begin the licensing process and the steps of application depend greatly on the age of the new driver and type of vehicle they plan to drive. There are several licenses available in the state including:

• A Standard License is issued to all adults meeting state requirements who wish to operate a personal motor vehicle.
• A CDL may be acquired if a resident wishes to drive for a living, special endorsement will allow future commercial employee to drive specific types including passenger vehicles.
• A special license must be obtained for those wishing to operate a moped or motorcycle on public roads.
• An intermediate license Dmvcheatsheets.com is issued as the second phase of the licensing process for minors and holds specific driving restrictions.

What are the requirements for getting a license?

Each Kentucky license must contain specific information regarding the applicant’s full legal name, date of birth and current resident address. Each applicant must prove these items with documentation that may include:

• An original birth certificate can be supplied to prove identity and birth date.
• A social security card must be provided to prove legal residence in the US.
• Applicants may prove residency with a utility bill, mortgage or any other document that provides the full legal name and current address of resident approved by the state.
• In addition, minor applicants must provide a parental signature on the application, a valid permit held for 180 days and school compliance verification.
• All new drivers must complete and turn in a ‘no-pass/no-drive’ form.
• In addition, all new drivers must pass the vision, written knowledge and road tests in order to proceed to licensing.

What tests do I need to take to get a license?

Several tests are required for new license applications and include:

• A vision screen to assure you can see well enough to drive safely.
• A knowledge test based on the information provided in the Drivers Handbook and found online at Dmvcheatsheets.com in the forms of cheat sheets. The questions will test your knowledge of Kentucky road signs and traffic laws. You must receive a score of 80% or better to pass the test Dmvcheatsheets.com.
• The road test is administered to new drivers after learners permit requirements have been met. Over 21 new applicants may test after holding a permit for 30 days, while minors under 21 must drive a minimum of 180 days before testing as part of the graduated licensing program. Tests are administered by privates companies based in the resident’s county.

Taking a Drivers Education course

Once you have received your enrollment letter from the Kentucky cabinet you may precede with the required driver’s education course for a graduated license. There are currently three options for the course that allow new drivers to complete traffic school through the online website, DVD/video or classroom options. Minors must complete the classroom option in order to fulfill requirements for a graduated license.

Preparing for the written test

Being well prepared for the testing process includes using your permit practice wisely on the roadways and studying hard. You can use the study materials available to you on the DMV website, the Kentucky Drivers Manual and many detailed practice tools found online. Studying hard no only prepares you for passing the test but becoming a safe driver on the roads as well. Study material is available such as:

• Cheat sheets will provide you with all the study material necessary to pass on the first try.
• Practice tests Dmvcheatsheets.com will gage your progress and further assist you in the studying process.
• Detailed Articles Dmvcheatsheets.com offer tips and tricks for testing well.

What to bring on test day

On test day, you will need to provide all of the required proofs for the information that will be found on your license. This includes proof of your name and birth date with a birth certificate, social security card and a document providing residency in the state. The ‘no pass/ no drive’ document can be printed in advance and completed beforehand.

Minors under the age of 18 will need to bring addition paperwork including the school compliance verification. A parent or guardian is needed for the permission signature on the application as well.

For driving tests, proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle must be brought, as well as licensed driver over the age of 21.

Taking the drivers test

The drivers test can be taken after all learners permit requirements have been met including the required amount of time you must practice with the permit. This will be 30 days if you are over 21 and 180 for teen drivers. The day of testing you will supply your own vehicle and must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21. The driver will not be accompanying you on the test, simply standing by in case you do not pass. Testing will consist of two phases:

• The examiner will ask for the proper identification which includes your valid permit, proof of insurance and proper registration. For rental vehicles the permit holders name must be on the lease agreement.
• The examiner will then proceed with the inspection if all documentation is provided. The inspection will include the cleanliness of the passenger side and seat belt in the car, all working switches on the dash such as windshield wipers and headlights. The safety portion will check to assure the car meets all safety standards.

The second phase will be the driving portion of testing. The examiner only will ride along and score your ability to drive in traffic under normal conditions. You will be given a series of instructions which must follow including backing up, turning and coming to a complete stop.

Taking the written test

The written test is administered after approval to all new applicants for a license or learners permit. A passing score of 80% or above must be received in order for the applicant to pass the test. It will consist of multiple choice test questions based on traffic laws, road signs and normal vehicle operation.

Studying for this test is important if you wish to receive a passing score and there are several ways to achieve this. Obtain and study a copy of the Kentucky driver’s manual. In addition, using the cheat sheets available to you at Dmvcheatsheets.com, will increase your chances of passing on the first try, offering detailed information on safe driving and traffic laws. Take practice tests Dmvcheatsheets.com also found on the website to assure that you are ready before attempting the test.

If you fail your test, you may retake on the next business up to six times in a row. On the sixth fail, you will be required to wait six months before attempting the test again.

Renewing a Kentucky Drivers license

Who needs to renew their license?

All drivers holding any license type must renew there license to continue driving on the roads. A license is good from the date it was received to the date of expiration listed on the license and expires on the driver’s birthday. The license is valid for four years and will remain legal up to 30 days past expiration.

How do I renew my KY driver’s license?

To renew a license, drivers must visit the Circuit court clerks office in person up to 30 days past expiration.

What tests do I need to take to renew

If your license has been expired for over one year, you must retake the vision and written exam in order to be reinstated.

Preparing to renew my Kentucky driver’s license

Gather your current driver’s license and renewal letter and visit your DMV office during hours. You may be required to take a vision screening and new photo at the time of renewal. Be sure to bring the appropriate renewal fee in a check, cash or money order. You may want to call ahead and find out if your office accepts credit and debit cards.

What is the cost to renew my license?

The cost of renewal is $20 and can be paid by check, cash and in some locations credit or debit cards.