Kentucky Lowers Age for Obtaining a Driving Permit: Here’s What You Need to Know

Did Bill 15 Pass in Kentucky?

Kentucky state legislature approved Bill 15 and it was signed into law on March 11, 2025. Bill 15 effectively lowers the age required to obtain a driving permit in Kentucky to 15 years old.

In The Article

Is Kentucky Changing the Permit Age

Yes! Effective March 11^th, the legal permit age for Kentucky drivers was changed to 15 years old. Kentucky joined several other states who are allowing lower permit ages. However, Kentucky drivers will not be among the youngest in the country, as several states, including Iowa, Idaho, Alaska, Kansas and more allow teens to get their learner’s permits as young as 14 years old.

Can 15 Year Olds Drive in KY?

At the age of 15, Kentuckians can get their driving permit after taking a written knowledge and vision test. Those applying for permits must visit a Kentucky State Police Driver Testing Center with a parent or legal guardian.

How to Get Your Driver’s License in Kentucky

Kentucky employs a Graduated Driver Licensing program for teens who obtained their original permit between the ages of 15 and 17. This program gives drivers an intermediate license after they pass their driving exam.

While holding their permit, drivers must log at least 180 hours of driving, and fill out their Practice Driving Log.

After the permit phase, drivers between the age of 15 and 17 will get an intermediate license. Drivers who are 16 years old and older can schedule a driving test with the Kentucky State Police to apply for their intermediate license. You’ll have to take a road skills test, and once that is passed, the Kentucky State Police examiner will add an “Intermediate License” sticker on the driver’s permit.

Drivers must hold their intermediate license for at least 180 days, complete a driver education course, and be at least 17 years old to get their full unrestricted driver’s license.

What Are the Rules for a Permit Driver in Kentucky?

Permit drivers are only allowed to drive when they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

Additionally, they are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12AM and 6AM without good cause (which can include school-related activities, emergencies, and work-related activities.

If a permitted driver is convicted of a moving violation, they must restart their 180 hours of practice driving.

What Are the Pros of Allowing 15 Year Olds to Get Their Learner’s Permit?

The bill states “…there is a need to expand economic and cultural opportunities for the Commonwealth’s youth through increased transportation options…”

Lowering the age of permitted drivers not only gives teens the ability to have their independence in driving earlier, but it also helps relieve the responsibilities of families in Kentucky communities by having more licensed drivers in cases of emergency, and daily need.

What Are the Cons of Allowing 15 Year Olds to Get Their Learner’s Permit?

Statistically, teen drivers are in more accidents than more mature drivers under the age of 65. Changing the driving age could lead to more accidents in Kentucky, as scientists believe teens are less mentally developed than drivers between the ages of 25 and 45.

While the rules of the road and driver’s education courses can help reduce the number of accidents throughout Kentucky, it’s essential to consider this as a potential con of changing the driver’s permit age.

Will There Be More Accidents in Kentucky Now That the Driver’s Permit Age Has Been Lowered?

While teen deaths due to automobile accidents are staggering statistics, the key to young driver safety is education. If you have a child that will be getting their learner’s permit at the age of 15, make sure they have the emotional maturity and education they need to succeed on the road. Teach them about your experiences driving, and show them that patience, and avoiding risky driving practices are the first two steps in driver’s safety.

Additionally, helping them understand the rules of the road can help reduce risk of accidents.

While there will be some wrecks that are unavoidable, ensuring your teen is safe on the roads can help reduce the risk of car wrecks on Kentucky roads.