Free Kentucky permit practice tests with 140 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official Kentucky driver handbook. The official Kentucky written knowledge test has 40 questions and requires 80% to pass.
About the Kentucky written test
Knowledge (written) test: 40 multiple-choice questions on road rules and signs from the Kentucky Driver Manual; passing score is 32/40 (80%). Administered by KSP. Retake available the next available day if failed.
Vision screening: Required with KSP at the permit-application stage.
Road (skills) test: Administered by KSP after the 180-day permit period and at age 16+. Covers vehicle control, intersections, turns, parking, and maneuvers. Vehicle must be registered and insured. 7-day wait to retake after a failure.
Getting licensed in Kentucky
Instruction Permit (Stage 1 — "Permit Phase"): As of March 11, 2025, the minimum age is 15 (previously 16). Applicants must be at least 15 to take the written and vision tests with KSP. A parent/legal guardian listed on the birth certificate must sign the application and must accompany the applicant to the KSP testing appointment. The permit holder must always have a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat. During this stage the driver must complete at least 60 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night, recorded on the Practice Driving Log. The permit must be held at least 180 days, and the driver must be at least 16, before applying for the intermediate license. Permit cost: $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID). A temporary paper permit is issued until the permanent card arrives by mail. If the written test is failed, the applicant may return the next available day to retake it.
Intermediate License (Stage 2): Available after holding the permit ≥180 days, reaching age 16, completing the 60 logged hours, and passing the KSP road skills test. A licensed driver 21+ must accompany the applicant to the road test, and the completed/signed Practice Driving Log plus proof of insurance for the test vehicle are required. If the road test is failed, the applicant must wait 7 full days before retaking it. Intermediate license cost: $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID). Restrictions while intermediate: no driving between midnight and 6:00 a.m. (exceptions for emergency, school, or work) and no more than one non-family passenger younger than 20 at a time (unless accompanied by a licensed instructor). The driver must hold the intermediate license at least 180 days, be at least 17, and complete the required driver-education course before advancing.
Full (Unrestricted) License (Stage 3): Issued after completing the Graduated Licensing course, holding the intermediate license ≥180 days, and reaching age 17. A parent/legal guardian must accompany the applicant to the Regional Office. A 4-year license is $21.50 ($24.00 REAL ID).
Kentucky written-test FAQ
As of 2025, at what age can you apply for a Kentucky instruction permit?
15.
How many questions are on the Kentucky knowledge test, and how many must you answer correctly?
40 questions; 32 correct (80%).
Who administers the written and road tests in Kentucky?
The Kentucky State Police (KSP).
How long must you hold the instruction permit, and what minimum age must you reach, before the intermediate license?
At least 180 days, and at least age 16.
How many supervised driving hours are required, and how many at night?
60 hours total, including 10 at night.
Who must accompany an instruction-permit holder while driving?
A licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
What are the intermediate-license nighttime driving restrictions?
No driving between midnight and 6:00 a.m. (except for emergency, school, or work).
How many non-family passengers may an intermediate licensee carry?
No more than one passenger younger than 20 (unless with a licensed instructor).