KENTUCKY DMV PRACTICE TEST

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If you operate a motor vehicle on public roadways in Kentucky you are required to have a driver’s license or driving permit. The KY DMV written test is based on information contained in the official Kentucky Driver's Manual, and is designed to check your knowledge of rules of the road, road signs, traffic laws and safe driving practices. The Kentucky written test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you'll need at least 32 correct answers to pass (80%). Practice with this sample test to familiarize yourself with the format of the Kentucky driver's license test.
1. Regulatory signs are:
white rectangles.
white triangles.
green rectangles.
2. If a vehicle is coming toward you at night with its high beams on, making it hard to see the road ahead, you should:
look ahead toward the left edge of your lane.
look straight ahead toward the middle of the lane.
look ahead toward the right edge of your lane.
3. When driving on a roadway with a single broken white line:
you may cross the broken white line to change lanes.
you may not cross the broken white line.
you may change lanes only if you are in the right lane.
4. At a 4-way stop:
the driver on the right must yield to the driver on the left.
the driver reaching the intersection first has the right-of-way.
the last driver to reach the intersection has the right-of-way.
5. When you approach this sign, you must:
school crossing sign
stop if necessary.
watch for workers crossing the road.
None of the above.
6. Drivers should use high beam headlights when:
they come within 50 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
following another vehicle.
there are no oncoming vehicles approaching.
7. This road sign means:
side road sign
All traffic must go straight ahead
A road joins from the right
All traffic must turn right
8. This road sign means:
pedestrian crossing
Pedestrian crossing
Bicycle crossing
School crossing
9. A large vehicle is backing up to unload goods. You should:
be patient and wait until the large vehicle has completed its backup maneuver.
try to pass close behind.
enter one of the blind spots and wait.
10. This sign means:
curve speed reduction
If you are driving at 40 MPH or less you must stay in the right-hand lane
Curve ahead, the recommended speed is 40 MPH or less
Curve ahead, drive at 40 MPH or more around the curve ahead
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Teens under 18 must follow the three steps of the Graduated Licensing Program to obtain a class D driver's license. To apply for a permit, you must be 16 years old. If you are under 21, after holding your permit for 6 months and completing a minimum of practice driving hours, you are eligible for an intermediate license. After holding the intermediate license for 6 months, you are ready for the full unrestricted license.
  • If you are over 18, you can apply for a permit, and after 6 months, you will be eligible for a full-unrestricted license. 
  • If you are over 21, you only need to hold the permit for 30 days before applying for a full-unrestricted license.

You can schedule an appointment online for your DMV written test at the Kentucky State Police website. Locate the Kentucky driver licensing office nearest to you and check its operating hours and available days. 
When applying for the first time, you need to bring specific documents:
  • One proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and an additional document if you have changed your name (marriage certificate, legal name change order).
  • One proof of Social Security number, such as an SS Card.
  • One proof of residency, such as a utility bill, telephone bill, or bank statement.
  • School Compliance Verification Form (for minors).
Use this tool to generate a personalized list of documents.

DMV written tests are available in Albanian, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Korean, Bosnian, Laotian, Burmese, Pashto, Cambodian, Polish, Chinese, Romanian, Croatian, Russian, Dari, Somali, Farsi, Spanish, French, Swahili, German, Thai, Hindi, Turkish, Japanese, and Vietnamese. If you are unable to read English, you can opt for an oral exam. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, please contact a driver licensing office and request an interpreter.

To pass the DMV written test, study the Kentucky Driver's Manual. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Practice with our free tests or choose DMV Premium for additional resources!
Restrictions vary according to your age and license type. If you have a permit license:
  • You can drive only under the supervision of a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  • You cannot transport more than one passenger under 20 (except for family members).
  • You cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for emergencies, school, or work activities.
  • Under 21 there is a "Zero Alcohol Tolerance" for those under 21.
If you have an intermediate license, the same driving hours, passenger, and alcohol restrictions apply, but you can drive alone during daylight hours.


The Kentucky instruction permit is valid for three years and can be renewed in person. Appointments are highly recommended because walk-in availability varies at different locations. If the permit is not renewed within one year of its expiration date, both the written and vision tests must be retaken.
If you do not pass your DMV written test in Kentucky, you can retake the test the following day. It is advisable to dedicate time to preparing adequately for the exam to enhance your chances of success.

KY DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 40
Correct answers to pass:32
Passing score:80%
Minimum age to apply: 16
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