Kentucky DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Kentucky driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Kentucky-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Kentucky driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Kentucky test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Kentucky-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Kentucky Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	40 questions, must score 32/40 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	16
Minimum License Age	16 years 6 months
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 70 mph \| Residential: 35 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 3 to 6. 12 points in 2 years results in license suspension.

Rules Specific to Kentucky

Kentucky requires new drivers to hold a permit for 180 days before applying for a license
The state assigns 6 points for reckless driving and 4 points for speeding 26+ mph over the limit
Kentucky has graduated driver licensing (GDL) with nighttime driving restrictions for drivers under 18

Sample Kentucky Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Kentucky. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

When no speed limit is posted, what is the default speed limit on interstate highways and parkways?
- A. 55 mph
- B. 60 mph
- C. 65 mph
- D. 70 mph
Answer: 65 mph. Kentucky’s driver manual lists statutory speed limits when not posted; interstates and parkways default to 65 mph.
Under the booster-seat law, a child under age 8 who is between what heights must ride in a booster seat?
- A. 30–50 inches
- B. 35–55 inches
- C. 40–57 inches
- D. 45–60 inches
Answer: 40–57 inches. In Kentucky, children under 8 who are 40 to 57 inches tall must be secured in a child booster seat.
If you plan to turn at an intersection, how far before the turn should you signal?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 75 feet
- C. At least 100 feet
- D. At least 200 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signal early so other road users can react; Kentucky’s driver manual specifies signaling 100 feet before an intersection turn.
What happens to fines for speeding in a highway work zone when the required signs are displayed?
- A. They are cut in half
- B. They stay the same
- C. They are doubled
- D. They are tripled
Answer: They are doubled. Kentucky law allows fines to be doubled for speeding in a properly signed work zone (with additional conditions described in the manual).
On a four-lane highway, when approaching a police or other authorized emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder, what is the correct action if traffic conditions permit?
- A. Stay in the right lane and maintain speed
- B. Move into the left lane away from the stopped vehicle and proceed cautiously
- C. Stop in your lane until the emergency vehicle leaves
- D. Turn on high beams to alert other drivers
Answer: Move into the left lane away from the stopped vehicle and proceed cautiously. Kentucky’s move-over guidance is to slow down and change lanes away from the stopped emergency vehicle when it is safe to do so.
What is the minimum age to apply for a Kentucky permit?
- A. 15
- B. 15½
- C. 16
- D. 16½
Answer: 16. You must be at least 16 to take the vision and knowledge tests and apply for a permit.
How long must a Kentucky permit holder under 21 hold the permit before an intermediate license?
- A. 90 days
- B. 180 days
- C. 1 year
- D. 18 months
Answer: 180 days. You must hold the permit for at least 180 days.
How much logged practice driving does Kentucky require before an intermediate license?
- A. 40 hours, 10 at night
- B. 50 hours, 10 at night
- C. 60 hours, 10 at night
- D. 70 hours, 15 at night
Answer: 60 hours, 10 at night. The Practice Driving Log must show at least 60 hours, including 10 at night.
How many unrelated passengers under 20 may a Kentucky permit holder or driver under 18 carry?
- A. None
- B. One
- C. Two
- D. Three
Answer: One. Passengers are limited to one unrelated person under 20.
Kentucky permit holders under 18 may not drive between which hours without good cause?
- A. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- B. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 6 a.m.
- D. 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Answer: Midnight and 6 a.m.. Permit holders under 18 can't drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they show good cause, like an emergency, school, or work.
What score is required to pass the Kentucky knowledge test?
- A. 70%
- B. 75%
- C. 80%
- D. 85%
Answer: 80%. Applicants must score at least 80%. The signs portion must be answered without assistance even if the rest is given orally.
What happens to a Kentucky driver under 18 who accumulates more than six points?
- A. Nothing until 12 points
- B. Their driving privilege may be suspended
- C. A warning letter only
- D. A fine only
Answer: Their driving privilege may be suspended. Drivers under 18 who accumulate more than six points may have their driving privilege suspended.
Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit on Kentucky state highways that aren't interstates or parkways?
- A. 45 mph
- B. 55 mph
- C. 60 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: 55 mph. Interstates and parkways default to 65 mph; all other state highways default to 55 mph.
How far ahead must Kentucky high-beam headlights reveal a person?
- A. 100 feet
- B. 200 feet
- C. 350 feet
- D. 500 feet
Answer: 350 feet. High beams must reveal a person 350 feet ahead, and low beams 100 feet ahead.
What following distance does the Kentucky manual say to keep at minimum?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 4 seconds. Try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds.
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how far does it take to brake to a stop (not counting reaction)?
- A. About 50 feet
- B. About 100 feet
- C. About 158 feet
- D. About 300 feet
Answer: About 158 feet. Kentucky's manual says braking at 50 mph on dry pavement can take about 158 feet.
What penalty can a Kentucky vehicle owner face for failing to maintain insurance?
- A. A warning
- B. A $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, plus registration revocation
- C. A $50 fine
- D. Points only
Answer: A $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, plus registration revocation. Failing to maintain insurance is a criminal offense with a $500–$1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, and revoked registration.
What are Kentucky's minimum liability insurance limits?
- A. $15,000 / $30,000 / $10,000
- B. $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
- C. $30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000
- D. $50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000
Answer: $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000. Kentucky requires $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage, or a $60,000 single limit.
Which of these is an aggravating circumstance for a Kentucky DUI?
- A. Driving at night
- B. Transporting a passenger under 12
- C. Driving a truck
- D. Having a passenger over 65
Answer: Transporting a passenger under 12. Aggravating circumstances include a BAC of 0.15 or higher, refusing a test, and transporting a passenger under 12.

Kentucky Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Kentucky permit test?

The Kentucky knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Kentucky?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Kentucky is 16. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16 years 6 months.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Kentucky?

Kentucky calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the Kentucky driver point system work?

Points range from 3 to 6. 12 points in 2 years results in license suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Kentucky?

Typical limits in Kentucky are up to 70 mph on highways, 35 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Kentucky government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Kentucky Driver Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Kentucky driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Kentucky government agency.