Driver License Classification

To apply for your first Kentucky drivers license, you must first pass

First-time applicants must complete all three tests to ensure readiness for driving independently.

At age 16, before you start driving in Kentucky, you must first

Teens must pass the vision and written tests, and complete driver education to begin supervised driving.

If you hold a learner’s permit in Kentucky, you must wait

Drivers under 18 must also log 60 driving hours, including 10 at night, before taking the road test.

To legally ride a motorcycle in Kentucky, you must have

Kentucky law requires either a motorcycle endorsement or permit to operate a motorcycle on public roads.

If you are under 18 and applying for a license, you must get

Minors must provide legal consent from a parent or guardian to obtain any type of drivers license.

When applying for a motorcycle permit, you are required to

This test covers motorcycle safety, handling, and traffic laws specific to two-wheeled vehicles.

To upgrade from a permit to a full drivers license, you must

Proof of driver training and a successful road test are required to earn an unrestricted operator’s license.

To apply for a CDL in Kentucky, you must first

A Commercial Learner’s Permit is required before taking the CDL skills test, based on the vehicle you plan to drive.

To drive a bus or transport hazardous materials, you must have

Endorsements are required for transporting passengers or hazardous materials due to the increased responsibility and risk.

When applying for a Kentucky Real ID, bring

You must show verified documents such as a birth certificate, SSN card, and two proofs of Kentucky residency.

If you fail the road test three times in Kentucky, you may be

After three failures, additional education or training may be required before retesting.

When your license expires in Kentucky, you must

Licenses can be renewed up to 6 months early. Retesting may be required if the license is expired too long.

To legally drive a moped in Kentucky, you must

Mopeds require at least a moped license or a standard drivers license for legal operation.

If you move to Kentucky and want to drive, you must

You must do this within 30 days and may need to pass a vision or written test depending on your previous license.

Adults 18+ applying for their first license in Kentucky may

Although driver education is not required, passing all vision, written, and road tests is still necessary.

To drive a combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs, you must

Class A CDLs are required for operating large tractor-trailers or towing heavy loads in interstate or commercial transport.

If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course in Kentucky, you may

Completion of a certified safety course can substitute for the road test, speeding up the licensing process.

After a license suspension, to reinstate your Kentucky license you must

You may also need to provide proof of insurance, attend hearings, or complete additional steps based on the violation.

If you are under 21 and convicted of DUI in Kentucky, your license

Kentucky enforces strict penalties for underage DUI, including automatic license suspension and additional penalties.

To drive a farm vehicle under specific conditions, you may

Some agricultural drivers may operate vehicles on rural routes without a full CDL under Kentucky’s limited-use exemption.

If your name or address changes, you must

Kentucky law requires timely updates to personal information to maintain valid licensing records.