What to bring to the Kentucky KSP / KYTC permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the KSP / KYTC's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- Original birth certificate or certified copy (no photocopies)
- Social Security card
- One proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID)
- Under 18: TC 94-200 School Compliance Verification Form and a parent/legal guardian to sign (court-ordered guardianship papers if not on the birth certificate)
Fees
- Learner's permit: $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID)
- Intermediate license: $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID)
- 4-year driver's license: $21.50 ($24.00 REAL ID)
- 8-year driver's license: $43.00 ($48.00 REAL ID)
- RightLane online graduated licensing course: $12.50 (classroom Alive at 25 is free)
- Learner's permit renewal: $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID)
The vision test
Screening: 20/40 (corrected or uncorrected) to proceed to the written test; applicants who don't meet it are referred to a specialist and may test with 20/60 or better. Medical Review Board standard: at least 20/60 in at least one eye, horizontal field at least 35° left and right, vertical field 25° above and below fixation. Bioptic Driving Program for lower acuity.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- Properly registered vehicle and proof of liability insurance (card, policy or written binder)
- Rental car only if the applicant is named on the rental contract
- Under 18: Practice Driving Log signed by parent/guardian (60 hours, 10 at night)
- A licensed driver 21 or older to accompany the permit holder to the test
After you pass: your permit
- Hold it for at least 180 days for permit holders 15-20; 30 days for applicants 21 and older before the road test.
- Log 60 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat; carry your permit
- Passenger limit: 1 unrelated person under 20
- Under 18: no driving midnight to 6 a.m. without good cause
- Under 18: no use of a personal communication device while driving except to call for help in an emergency
- Zero tolerance under 21 (.02 BAC)
- Under 18: any permit violation, moving violation or DUI adds at least 180 days before the intermediate license; more than 6 points may bring suspension
- No Pass/No Drive: a School Compliance Verification Form is required
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the KSP / KYTC says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the Kentucky permit test?
15.
How much does the Kentucky permit test cost?
Permit $15 ($18 for REAL ID). No separate test fee is listed.
Can I take the Kentucky permit test online?
The KSP / KYTC gives the knowledge test in person: Written knowledge test given by Kentucky State Police at regional testing offices, by appointment only (appointments released Mon-Fri at 8 a.m., up to three weeks out). Vision screening first. Covers driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs; the Kentucky Driver Manual is the only approved study source.
Do I need an appointment?
Check the KSP / KYTC's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: Kentucky State Police Driver Testing (testing) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Driver Licensing (licenses), checked 2026-10-27.