Kentucky Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The Kentucky Driver's Permit Knowledge Test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct answers (80%) to pass. It has 2 parts: Rules of the Road (30 questions, 24 correct to pass) and Road Signs (10 questions, 8 correct to pass). The test fee is $15 permit ($18 REAL ID). The questions are based on the Kentucky Driver Manual. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 40-question Kentucky practice test.

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Kentucky Permit Test at a glance

Official name Kentucky Driver's Permit Knowledge Test
Questions 40 (Rules of the Road: 30, Road Signs: 10)
Pass mark 32 of 40 (80%); 24 of 30 in Rules of the Road, 8 of 10 in Road Signs
Test fee $15 permit ($18 REAL ID)
Time Approx. 30 minutes
Official handbook Kentucky Driver Manual
Official page Kentucky licensing office
Free practice test 40 questions with answers

Getting Your Learner's Permit in Kentucky: Your 4-Step Checklist

  1. Step 1: Are You Eligible for a Permit?

    • Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
    • You must pass a vision screening.
  2. Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

    You need proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, and proof of residency, like a utility bill or school report card.

  3. Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

    The cost for the permit and test varies by county but is typically around $15.

  4. Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

    The knowledge test has 40 questions in two parts, and you must pass both:

    • 30 questions on rules of the road (must get 24 right).
    • 10 questions on road signs (must get 8 right).
  5. Step 5: Learner's Permit Rules & Restrictions

    As a permit holder, you must follow these rules:

    • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat.
    • No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for school, work, or an emergency.

Free Kentucky practice questions

The first 10 questions of Kentucky Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 40 questions.

  1. 1. Who among the following is ineligible to obtain a Kentucky driver's license?

    Show answer

    Answer: b) Anyone whose license is currently suspended or revoked.

    You are not eligible for a license if your license is currently suspended or revoked.

  2. 2. Illustration for: What is the recommended minimum distance to allow when passing a bicyclist? What is the recommended minimum distance to allow when passing a bicyclist?

    Show answer

    Answer: d) 3 feet.

    At least three feet of space is recommended when passing bicyclists.

  3. 3. What is the minimum recommended following distance when following a motorcyclist?

    Show answer

    Answer: b) 4 seconds.

    When following a motorcyclist, allow for a minimum 4-second following distance, or more in wet conditions.

  4. 4. When backing up, especially in parking lots, what should you be particularly checking for?

    Show answer

    Answer: a) Pedestrians.

    Check for pedestrians in your path before backing, especially in parking lots or places where there are many pedestrians.

  5. 5. Are autocycle operators required to wear a helmet?

    Show answer

    Answer: d) No, they are exempt from headgear requirements.

    An operator of an autocycle is exempt from any headgear requirements.

  6. 6. When must you dim your high beam headlights for an oncoming vehicle?

    Show answer

    Answer: d) When within 500 feet.

    You must dim your lights whenever you come within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles to avoid blinding the other driver.

  7. 7. What is the minimum visual acuity required in at least one eye to drive in Kentucky?

    Show answer

    Answer: b) 20/60

    Drivers in Kentucky must have a visual acuity of 20/60 or better in at least one eye.

  8. 8. Which of the following is a warning sign that an aging driver may need a driving evaluation?

    Show answer

    Answer: a) Getting lost on routes that were once familiar.

    A warning sign for aging drivers is getting lost while driving on routes that were once familiar.

  9. 9. At what Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level is vision impacted for all drivers?

    Show answer

    Answer: b) 0.02 BAC.

    Vision, the most important sense for driving, is impacted at 0.02 BAC for all drivers.

  10. 10. How can over-the-counter drugs for colds or allergies affect your driving?

    Show answer

    Answer: c) They can make you drowsy.

    Many over-the-counter drugs, such as those for colds or allergies, can cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive.

Kentucky Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the Kentucky Permit Test?

The Kentucky Driver's Permit Knowledge Test has 40 questions. It is split into Rules of the Road (30 questions) and Road Signs (10 questions).

How many questions can you miss on the Kentucky Permit Test?

You need 24 of 30 in Rules of the Road and 8 of 10 in Road Signs, 32 of 40 in total (80%).

How much does the Kentucky Permit Test cost?

The Kentucky test fee is $15 permit ($18 REAL ID). Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the Kentucky Permit Test take?

Approx. 30 minutes.

What should I study for the Kentucky Permit Test?

Study the Kentucky Driver Manual; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free Kentucky Practice Test 1 has 40 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath Kentucky practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (40 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 354 more Kentucky practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the Kentucky Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

Kentucky guides

The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the Kentucky Driver's Permit Knowledge Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 393 Kentucky questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).

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Scan the code to get the FlashPath app with more Kentucky practice tests, an exam simulator and review of the questions you miss.

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