Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Kentucky

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Kentucky?


In the state of Kentucky, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16 years old. All minors must complete a State-approved Driver’s Education Program, and they must hold a valid learner’s permit for at least 180 days prior to taking the driving test. Additionally, anyone under 18 years old must have parental consent to receive their license.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Kentucky?


For Learner’s Permit holders, drivers must be at least 16 years old and must have held the permit for a minimum of 180 days before applying for an intermediate driver’s license. For intermediate license holders, drivers must be at least 18 years old and must have held the intermediate license for a minimum of 180 days before applying for a regular driver’s license.

3. How does the GDL program in Kentucky define a supervised driving period?


In Kentucky, a supervised driving period is defined as a period of time in which a licensed driver who is 21 years or older is present in the front seat and supervises a GDL licensee who is driving. The supervising driver must be in full control of the vehicle and must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times. During this period, the GDL licensee must have a valid driver’s license and must follow all traffic laws and regulations.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Kentucky?


In Kentucky, drivers under the age of 18 are restricted to night-time driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or are traveling to or from a school, work, or religious activity. Additional restrictions apply to drivers 16 and 17 years old who do not meet any of the exceptions listed above. These drivers are not permitted to drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., and must not have more than one passenger in the vehicle besides themselves.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Kentucky?


Yes, there are several common exceptions to the GDL program in Kentucky. These exceptions include those who are age 18 or older; those with a valid driver’s license from another state; those with an active military ID; those participating in an approved driver’s education course; and those with a restricted driver’s license.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Kentucky?


In Kentucky, teens must complete a total of 60 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, before they can obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Kentucky?


In Kentucky, drivers with a provisional license are subject to the following restrictions:

-Drivers must be at least 16 years old
-Drivers must have held their instruction permit for at least 180 days
-Drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
-Drivers may not drive between midnight and 6am
-Drivers may not transport more than one passenger who is under the age of 20 unless the passenger is an immediate family member
-Drivers may not use a cell phone while driving, except to make an emergency call

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Kentucky?


In Kentucky, a driver with a provisional license is only allowed to carry one passenger who is not an immediate family member.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Kentucky?


In Kentucky, drivers must hold a valid provisional license for at least 12 months before they are eligible to apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Kentucky?


Yes, drivers under 18 must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old whenever they are driving in Kentucky.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Kentucky?


Yes. Kentucky has a law that prohibits all drivers under 18 years old from using any type of cellular device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes talking on a cell phone, sending texts, or using any type of social media application.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Kentucky?


No, drivers with provisional licenses in Kentucky are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Kentucky?


Yes, there are restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Kentucky. Drivers with provisional licenses must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or someone 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license. They can only drive between 6 AM and 10 PM unless accompanied by an adult. They must also not drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Kentucky?


In order to take the driving test to receive a driver’s license in Kentucky, you must:

1. Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.

2. Have had an instruction permit for a minimum of six (6) months.

3. Have a valid Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for a Social Security number.

4. Have completed an approved driver education course, if you are under eighteen (18) years old.

5. Be able to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test.

6. Bring proof of identity and residency in the state of Kentucky.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Kentucky?


Yes. All drivers with provisional licenses in Kentucky are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in Kentucky require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in Kentucky does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Kentucky?


Yes, there are special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Kentucky. Upon completion of an approved driver’s education program, GDL participants must have their license verified by the Kentucky State Police. If the driver is found to be in compliance with all GDL requirements, an “Approved Driver Education” designation will be added to the driver’s license. This designation will remove the nighttime driving restriction and allow for unrestricted driving privileges.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Kentucky?


Yes, there are exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet may grant an exemption from the GDL program to someone under age 18 if they have been active duty or reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces, or have completed a basic driver training course approved by the cabinet. In addition, any person who has completed a Driver’s Education Program and holds a valid instructional permit for at least 6 months may be granted an exemption from the GDL program by the cabinet.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Kentucky?


Yes, drivers aged 21 or older are not subject to the Kentucky Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program regulations.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Kentucky?


The penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Kentucky vary depending on the violation. Generally, a minor will be fined $10 for the first offense of not having their learner’s permit or driver’s license with them while driving and $20 for each subsequent offense. More serious violations, such as driving after curfew or failing to obey passenger restrictions, can result in fines of up to $100, license suspension for up to six months, and/or even jail time. Additionally, court costs and assessments may apply.