Below are video materials to demonstrate what is expected during the motorcycle and 3 wheel skills exams.
Drivers whose permits were issued under the age of 18 are required to complete a driver education program before moving to the full, unrestricted licensing phase. Before you are eligible to obtain a full, unrestricted license, you must complete a driver training program.
Kentucky has Graduated Licensing laws in place to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities by controlling a young driver’s exposure and progressively moving the driver into more difficult driving experiences prior to full licensure.
Acceptable methods of completing the course are as follows:
You can check your course eligibility here.
To schedule appointments for a CDL Skills Test or the TSA HazMat Fingerprinting/Background, call 800-542-5990 then press 1 for CDL Skills Test, press 2 for TSA HazMat, or press 3 for more information.
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. All driver testing materials can be viewed and downloaded free of charge.
Can someone else accompany my child to the road test?
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 at (800) 542-5990, Option #3.
How do I estimate 100 feet for using my turn signal?
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 of hearing?
Contact your testing site to make an appointment and request a sign language interpreter.
Can I use the parallel park assist during my road test?
The applicant must complete this maneuver without assistance.
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 may only be used for testing if the applicant provides the rental agreement and the applicant is listed as the renter. The agreement must show that the applicant is insured, and the vehicle must meet all other requirements.
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.
MOTORCYCLE LICENSEFor 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.
For more information, please visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
CDL Skills Test: Call (800) 542-5990 to schedule a CDL Skills Test.
Visit drive.ky.gov for an extensive list of violations that could result in the loss of commercial driving privileges for time periods ranging from 24 hours to life.
Taking the CDL road test is a non-farm related event. You will need to have a licensed driver with you when you arrive for your test. Failure to do so will result in cancelation of your test.
As many times as you need, but only once per day.
Do I need to provide my own vehicle for a CDL road skills test?
Yes. Kentucky State Police does not provide applicants with a vehicle to use for the road skills test.
Air Brakes do not determine whether a CDL is required to operate a vehicle. The GVWR of a vehicle determines whether a CDL is required to operate the vehicle.
The USA PATRIOT Act requires all drivers who transport hazardous material to undergo a security threat assessment. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program to implement this requirement.
How often do I have to complete the TSA Security Threat Assessment?
The security threat assessment must be completed every five (5) years. The Division of Driver Licensing will send an applicant currently holding a CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement a notification letter approximately 60 days before the expiration of the security threat assessment. This notification will advise the applicant to initiate and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check before the expiration date.
How do I schedule an appointment for the TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprinting/background)?
To make an appointment or check the status of a security threat assessment, applicants may contact KSP Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling (888) 655-9655. If the applicant does not currently hold a CDL, they must obtain a CDL permit before contacting KSP to set up an appointment to be fingerprinted.
What is the fee for the fingerprint-based criminal background?
The fingerprint-based criminal background check will cost $115.00, paid by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order. The check should be made to the Kentucky State Treasurer and given to the examiner when the fingerprints are taken. You can also pay online before the appointment with a debit/credit card at ONLINE HAZMAT FINGERPRINT PAYMENT. This fee is for the fingerprint-based criminal background check only. This is not a fee for the Hazardous Material Endorsement.
What is the renewal process for CDL hazmat endorsement holders?
All CDL hazmat endorsement holders will be required to take the written hazmat knowledge test and vision test at the time of renewal of the Commercial license unless it has been less than two (2) years from the last test date. The testing fee is $5.00. Upon successful completion of the test, the license will be issued with the hazmat endorsement.
If I already have a CDL with hazmat endorsement in another state, am I able to transfer it to Kentucky?
Yes, but all commercial drivers transferring to Kentucky with a hazmat endorsement will be required to take the hazmat knowledge and vision tests. The testing fee is $5.00. For additional information, please visit drive.ky.gov
