Master the Kentucky Permit Test
Your Guide to Success
Getting your Kentucky permit is a big step toward hitting the road. But first, you have to pass the Kentucky permit test. This guide covers everything from acing the test to what to bring on test day. You’ll also find helpful study resources and extra guidance if you’re under 18.
Understanding the Kentucky Permit Test
The Kentucky permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover road rules, signs, and safe driving practices from the 2025 Kentucky Driver Manual.
You need 32 correct answers (80%) to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including an oral version.
If you can’t read English, you must answer road sign questions independently, based on your knowledge. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals should contact their testing site to request a sign language interpreter.
Acing the Kentucky Permit Test: Top Tips
Understand the Kentucky Driver Manual. This guide has almost everything you need to pass your written permit test. Use the driver’s license information guide for any additional information.
Take Kentucky practice tests to boost your confidence and improve knowledge retention. Practice tests help you get familiar with the question phrasing. Become comfortable taking the required knowledge tests before taking it for real.
Focus on tricky subjects like Kentucky’s “Move Over Law.” This law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.
What to Expect on Test Day
Bring required documents to the Kentucky permit test, including proof of identity, social security card, and residency (check the IDocument Guide for acceptable documents).
The permit fee is $10. For those under 18, bring a School Compliance Verification Form signed by your school due to Kentucky’s No Pass/No Drive law.
This form proves you’re attending school and don’t have outstanding truancies. You’ll also need parental consent and their presence at the DMV or Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Review the graduated licensing requirements before your appointment.
Kentucky Permit Test: What If You Fail?
Many people fail the Kentucky permit test because they don’t study the Kentucky Driver Manual or take practice tests. Thorough preparation and commitment are key to passing. Find a licensed driver who can assist you with driving practice. Learn more about driver education programs, which will improve your overall comfort level when it comes to driving and increase confidence during the driving test and skills test schedule.
If you fail, don’t give up. You can retake the test after a mandatory waiting period. This period varies depending on the testing site backlog, potentially from a few days to weeks. It’s best to consult the Kentucky State Police website (KSP) to review re-testing procedures and understand driver licensing in Kentucky.
Between attempts, identify why you failed. Retaking the test costs money. Bring moral support—a friend or family member—to your second test for encouragement. Take more permit practice tests, too.
Locations for the Kentucky Permit Test
You can take the Kentucky permit test at any regional office of the Kentucky State Police. Some driver licensing regional offices accommodate walk-ins, but you should call in advance for details.
Appointments are recommended due to high test volume and might be required at your select location. Check the Kentucky State Police website for test locations and to schedule an appointment. You can review police driver testing information to understand what the test CDL entails.
If your appointment time conflicts with other engagements, certain regional Kentucky Driver’s License offices offer walk-in testing on select days. Contact the Kentucky driver licensing office near you for current wait times and hours for the knowledge test, as they may vary. Most driver’s license offices have hours M-F, 8a – 4p local time. Saturday testing availability differs depending on regional offices. Be sure to look at available driver licensing services at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The Kentucky Transportation Secretary runs the Cabinet.
| City | Address | Directions |
|---|---|---|
| Bardstown | 860 West Stephen Foster Ave Suite A, Bardstown, KY 40004 | Get Directions |
| Bellevue | 103 Landmark Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073 | Get Directions |
| Bowling Green | 360 8th Ave Suite 111, Bowling Green, KY 42101-2135 | Get Directions |
| Burlington | 6159 1st Financial Drive, Suite #200, Burlington, KY 41005 | Get Directions |
| Catlettsburg | 2900 Louisa Street, Suite 2, Catlettsburg, KY 41129 | Get Directions |
FAQs
What are the requirements to get your learner’s permit in Kentucky?
You must be at least 16 years old. Gather the required paperwork (ID, residency, etc.). You can see more documents needed at drive.ky.gov.
You’ll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. Be sure to understand what the Kentucky Graduated License Program involves.
What is the permit test like in Kentucky?
It’s a 40-question, multiple-choice test based on the 2025 Kentucky Driver’s Manual. The testing fee is typically around $10.00.
You can take the permit test in other languages or orally. Regardless of the format, the road signs section must be completed using your existing knowledge.
How can I pass my permit test on the first try?
Study the Kentucky Driver’s Manual and complete many practice tests until you feel confident. This test is about knowledge tests, so no road skills test is involved, like backing up or driving in various conditions.
How many questions can I miss on the Kentucky permit test?
You can miss a maximum of 8 out of 40 questions. The permit practice tests will ensure you pass your first try, saving testing fees and time. Contact your local testing site and request a testing schedule or more details.
Conclusion
Passing the Kentucky permit test is a significant step, achievable with the proper preparation. Use the Kentucky Driver Manual and take Kentucky practice tests. With effort, you’ll be driving soon.