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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. Drivers should always signal when:
Changing lanes.
Pulling out of a parking space.
All of the above.
2. Drivers should keep a minimum following distance of:
four seconds during favorable weather and traffic conditions.
one second, with an additional second when approaching an intersection.
two seconds, with an additional second for any vehicle in front of them.
3. When parking your vehicle downhill on a two-way street:
Keep your front wheels straight.
Turn your front wheels to the right.
Turn your front wheels to the left.
4. To avoid hydroplaning you should:
Keep your tires properly inflated.
Slow down when roads are wet.
All of the above.
5. What should you do when preparing to turn right on a roadway with a bike lane?
Cross the bike lane and then yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane.
Signal your turn and yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane.
Check for and yield to bicyclists coming from the opposite direction.
6. When following another vehicle at night, you should:
Turn off your headlights.
Use your high beams.
Use your low beams.
7. ___________ are green with white letters and symbols.
Warning signs
Destination signs (guide signs)
Regulatory signs
8. To turn right at an intersection with a steady red light, you should:
Stop, signal, then turn if it is safe to do so and there’s no sign prohibiting the turn on red.
Signal and wait until the light turns green.
Slow down and look for traffic before turning.
9. A driver distraction is anything that:
Causes aggressive behavior while driving.
Causes excessive concentration while driving.
Takes the attention away from driving.
10. This road sign means:
stop sign ahead
Side road ahead.
Railroad warning.
Stop 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.