Kentucky Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Passing score
- 80% minimum score
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division…
The Kentucky Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new driver in Kentucky must pass before getting a learner's permit. It's administered by the Kentucky State Police, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing overseeing the broader licensing program.
Overview
The written test contains questions on driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. Road signs aren't a separate exam — they're folded into the same test, covered in Section Six: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs of the Kentucky Driver Manual, which is the only approved study source for the test.
- Driving rules and regulations
- Right-of-way and traffic procedures
- Highway and traffic sign recognition
Testing offices offer the exam on tablet devices that can present it audibly in English and several other languages.
Cost and registration
A standard Kentucky learner's permit costs $15.00 ($18.00 for a REAL ID-compliant version). A full 4-year driver's license runs $21.50 ($24.00 REAL ID), and an intermediate license costs $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID). Applicants must also complete a required 4-hour driver education course. Check the official Kentucky fee schedule for any additional charges.
Exam format
The Kentucky State Police does not publish a fixed number of questions for the written test, but you need a minimum score of 80% to pass. If you fail, you can return the next available day to retake the written test; a failed road test requires a seven-day wait before retesting.
Frequently asked questions
What score do I need to pass the Kentucky written test?
You need a minimum score of 80% to pass Kentucky's written knowledge test.
How much does a Kentucky learner's permit cost?
A standard Kentucky permit costs $15.00 (or $18.00 for a REAL ID-compliant version).
What is the minimum age to take the Kentucky written test?
Applicants must be at least 15 years old to take the written and vision tests with the Kentucky State Police.
How many hours of supervised driving are required before an intermediate license?
Kentucky requires at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours completed at night, before you can move to an intermediate license.
How long must I hold a learner's permit before applying for an intermediate license?
You must hold your permit for at least 180 days and be at least 16 years old before applying for an intermediate license.
What happens if I fail the written test or the road test?
If you fail the written test, you can return the next available day to retake it. If you fail the road test, you must wait a full seven days before retesting.
Sources
- 1.Graduated Driver Licensing Program - DRIVE (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (written/road testing administered by Kentucky State Police) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police, rev. 10-11-2023) — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (written/road testing administered by Kentucky State Police) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Graduated Driver Licensing Program - DRIVE (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (written/road testing administered by Kentucky State Police)drive.ky.gov
- Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police, rev. 10-11-2023)Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (written/road testing administered by Kentucky State Police)wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov
- Driver Testing | Kentucky State PoliceKentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (written/road testing administered by Kentucky State Police)kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: