After you pass in Kentucky: restrictions and your licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the restrictions on a Kentucky intermediate license.
• You can explain what counts as good cause for driving late at night.
• You can describe what happens if you break a restriction or get a ticket.
• You can say exactly what you need to move to a full license.
• You can explain how the No Pass/No Drive law still affects you.

What you need to know and understand

• You must carry your intermediate license whenever you drive.
• No driving from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. unless you can show good cause, such as an emergency, school or work.
• If you are under 18, you may carry no more than one unrelated passenger under 20.
• Drivers under 18 may not use a phone or other personal communication device while driving, except to call for help in an emergency.
• Violations add at least 180 days from the date of the violation before you can apply for a full license.
• For a full license you need 180 days on the intermediate license, completed driver education and age 17.

Living with the limits

Plan your evenings so you are home before midnight. If you have a late shift or a school event, be ready to explain why you are driving. Keep passengers to one unrelated friend under 20; family members do not count toward that limit. Zero tolerance still applies: for drivers under 21, an alcohol concentration of 0.02 is a violation.

The No Pass/No Drive law still applies while you are 16 or 17. Dropping out or falling behind in school can lead to your license being revoked.

What can set you back

• Breaking the night or passenger restriction.
• Any moving violation under KRS Chapter 189, such as speeding or running a stop sign.
• Any DUI-related violation under KRS Chapter 189A.
• Building up more than six points while under 18, which can lead to suspension.
• A parent or guardian withdrawing responsibility, which cancels your license until another application is signed or you turn 18.

Getting your full license

1. Hold the intermediate license for at least 180 days without violations.
2. Complete your driver education course and make sure KYTC has the completion on file.
3. Turn 17.
4. Visit any KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office. A parent or guardian must come with you if you are under 18. Bring a proof of residency if your address has changed (two for REAL ID).
5. Pay the fee (KYTC lists $21.50 for four years, or $24 for REAL ID) and drive on the paper temporary license until your card arrives by mail.

Common mistakes

• Giving three friends a ride home after a game. Only one unrelated passenger under 20 is allowed.
• Assuming the limits end at 17 automatically. You must apply for the full license.
• Forgetting that a single speeding ticket adds at least 180 days to your intermediate period.
• Taking a quick call while driving. For drivers under 18 it is illegal.

Test yourself: After you pass in Kentucky: restrictions and your licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Kentucky Bioptic Driving Program
• Kentucky No Pass No Drive Law Explained
• Kentucky Permit and Intermediate License Rules for Teens