Kentucky Online Driver Education and Kentucky Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Kentucky? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Kentucky has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Kentucky.

Kentucky Instruction Permit (aka--Learners' Permit)

You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible to receive an instruction permit in Kentucky.

When you're ready to take your permit test, you will need to make an appointment to visit your local Circuit Court Clerk's office. Be sure to take the following documents with you to the Circuit Court Clerk's office:

• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Proof of Residence in Kentucky
• A school compliance verification form (if you're under 18)
• Your parent or guardian, They will need to sign a financial responsibility waiver form

Once you receive your instruction permit, you may begin driving so long as you have a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat and actively supervising you while you drive.

Kentucky Intermediate Driver's License

In order to apply for an intermediate driver's license in Kentucky, you will need to have met the following state requirements:

• Have had your instruction permit for at least 180 days in good standing
• Completed at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night) You will need to keep a driving practice log & verification form
• If you're under 18, you'll need to have completed either a graduate license course (4 hours), a high school drivers education course, or a private driver training course

When you're ready to apply for your intermediate driver's license, go back to your local Circuit Court Clerk's office and take the road test. If you pass it, you will be issued a Kentucky intermediate driver's license.

With an intermediate driver's license, some restrictions still apply for the first 180 days:

• No driving between 12 midnight and 6am unless you are driving to or from work, a school-related activity, or in the event of an emergency (sorry, a sudden hamburger crave is not an emergency)
• You may only have one (1) passenger who's less than 20 years old (immediate family is excluded from this restriction)

After you have held your intermediate driver's license for 180 days with a clean driving record, you may apply for an unrestricted Kentucky driver's license.

Kentucky Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

The law requires you to carry auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of coverage required is as follows:

• $25,000—personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000—peronsl injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000—property damage
• $50,000--underinsured motorists

Driving without required insurance coverage is a crime. If you are caught driving without auto insurance/liability coverage you will face having your license suspended plus a hefty fine.

Kentucky Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence in Kentucky will get you into a heap of trouble. Upon your FIRST Kentucky DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• Jail Time--2 to 30 days
• A fine ranging from $200 to $500
• Suspension of your license for 30 to 120 days
• Alcohol or Drug Treatment Program for 90 days
• Community Service ranging from 48 hours to 30 days

Further DUI violations will result in more severe penalties, including extended jail time, increased fines, increased community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Kentucky Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Kentucky currently forbids teen-aged drivers who hold either an instructional permit or an intermediate license from using a cell phone or text-messaging device while driving.

Kentucky Drivers Education

For a list of state-approved driver's education courses in Kentucky, please contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.