Photo: Charles Delano, USACE Louisville District, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kentucky drivers who get their first permit before 18 go through three phases: learner’s permit, intermediate license and full unrestricted license. The two early phases share the same core restrictions: no driving from midnight to 6 a.m. without good cause, and no more than one unrelated passenger under 20. This page sets out every rule for each phase and what happens if you break one.
Kentucky graduated licensing at a glance
| Rule | Permit (under 18) | Intermediate license (under 18) | Full license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 | 16 (KRS 186.452; manual says 17, see below) | 17 |
| Minimum time in phase | 180 days | 180 days | None |
| Supervisor required | Yes, licensed driver 21+ in front passenger seat | No | No |
| Midnight to 6 a.m. | Not allowed without good cause | Not allowed without good cause | No restriction |
| Passengers | Max 1 unrelated person under 20 | Max 1 unrelated person under 20 | No GDL limit |
| Alcohol limit under 21 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 until 21 |
| To move up | 60 hours logged, KSP road test | 4-hour driver education course | n/a |
Permit phase rules
- Drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Carry your permit whenever you drive.
- No more than 1 unrelated passenger under 20.
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless you can show good cause, such as an emergency, school activity or work.
- Hold the permit at least 180 days and log 60 hours of practice, 10 at night. See the Kentucky 60 hour practice driving log.
- Days spent suspended under the No Pass/No Drive law do not count toward the 180 days. See Kentucky No Pass No Drive law explained.
Then you take the KSP road skills test.
16 or 17 for the intermediate license?
Kentucky law (KRS 186.452) sets the intermediate license age at 16, after at least 180 days on the permit, and the KYTC Graduated Driver Licensing page (drive.ky.gov) agrees. The 2026 Kentucky Driver Manual says “reaching age 17” for the same step, but the statute and KYTC’s current instructions say 16, so use 16 when you book. Age 17 is the minimum for the full, unrestricted license under 18.
Intermediate license rules
After you pass the road test, you get your intermediate license from the Regional Office ($15, or $18 for REAL ID, as of November 2026). You can drive alone, with two restrictions:
- Curfew: no driving from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. unless you can show good cause, such as an emergency, school or work-related activity.
- Passengers: while you are under 18, no more than 1 unrelated person under 20.
Also:
- Carry the intermediate license whenever you drive.
- Complete the required 4-hour driver education course. Options: Kentucky driver education options for teens.
Full unrestricted license
You qualify when all three are true:
- You have held the intermediate license for 180 days.
- You have completed an approved driver education course.
- You are at least 17.
Go to a Regional Office with a parent or guardian. A 4-year license costs $21.50 ($24 for REAL ID) as of November 2026. Bring 1 proof of residency (2 for REAL ID) if your address has changed.
Turning 18 early: once you are 18, you can apply for the full license without finishing the 180 intermediate days, as long as you have completed the driver education course.
What happens if you break a rule?
| Violation | Effect |
|---|---|
| Breaking a permit or intermediate restriction, or a moving violation under KRS 186, 189 or 189A | At least 180 more days from the date of the violation before you can move to the next phase |
| Reaching 7 points (more than 6) under 18 | Hearing and possible suspension |
| Alcohol concentration 0.02 or more under 21 | Violation of Kentucky’s zero tolerance law |
| Dropping out or being academically deficient | School reports you and your driving privilege is suspended |
| Parent or guardian withdraws responsibility | Permit or license canceled until a new application is signed or you turn 18 |
More: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21 and points systems and license suspensions.
Phones
Kentucky law (KRS 189.294) bars drivers under 18 with a permit, intermediate license or operator’s license from using a personal communication device while the vehicle is moving. The KYTC parent guide says this includes hands-free use. Bills to change Kentucky’s phone laws were filed in 2025, so confirm the current rule with KYTC. National overview: hands-free and texting laws.
Common questions
How many passengers can a Kentucky permit holder carry?
The supervising driver plus no more than 1 unrelated person under 20. The limit applies to unrelated passengers under 20 only.
Can I drive after midnight on an intermediate license to get home from work?
The rule allows driving with good cause, and the manual gives emergencies, school and work-related activities as examples. Be ready to explain.
Does a speeding ticket reset my time?
Yes. A moving violation adds at least 180 days from the date of the violation before you can move up.
Do these rules apply if I get my first permit at 18?
No intermediate phase. Drivers 18 to 20 hold the permit 180 days, then take the road test for a full license. The supervisor rule still applies while on a permit.
How does Kentucky compare with other states?
See US graduated driver licensing compared.
Main guide: learning to drive in Kentucky.
Sources
- Kentucky State Police, “Kentucky Driver Manual” (updated July 2026), Section One: Applicants Under Age 18 (kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “Graduated Driver Licensing Program” (drive.ky.gov)
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “Under 18 Permit Restrictions” (drive.ky.gov)
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “No Pass/No Drive Law” (drive.ky.gov)
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “Graduated Driver’s License: A Parent’s Guide for First Time Drivers” (drive.ky.gov)