KY · TC knowledge test

Free Kentucky TC Permit Practice Test 2026

Start the Kentucky practice test ↓
VariesQuestions on test
201Practice questions
80%Passing score
15 years oldMinimum age

Get ready to pass your Kentucky TC written test on the first try. Our free Kentucky permit practice tests are based directly on the official Kentucky Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Kentucky-specific regulations. You need 80% correct to pass, so preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.

Practice test 1

Take the Kentucky TC Permit Practice Test Now

25 questions drawn from the Kentucky driver handbook, 80% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Kentucky tests are listed below.

Kentucky TC Practice Test 1

Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Kentucky driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.

  • 25 questions
  • 80% to pass (20 correct)
  • About 15 minutes
  • Explanation after every answer
Open full-page version

Ways to practice

Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.

LearnPractice testsAnswer a question, then see the right answer and why. Best while you are still learning the rules.Tests 1-4 · 25 questions eachOpen practice tests →StudyFlashcardsRead a question, think of the answer, then tap to reveal it. Save the ones you are still learning.Every question in the bank, by topicOpen flashcards →Check you are readyMock testAnswer the whole test first; nothing is marked until you submit. Then review every answer with its explanation.40 questionsOpen mock test →

Also try: the Kentucky cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.

Kentucky Permit Practice Tests

201 unique questions in the Kentucky bank (38 Kentucky-specific) - practice until you are confident

Test 1

Practice Test 1

25 questions · 80% to pass

Start Test
Test 2

Practice Test 2

25 questions · 80% to pass

Start Test
Test 3

Practice Test 3

25 questions · 80% to pass

Start Test
Test 4

Practice Test 4

25 questions · 80% to pass

Start Test

More Kentucky Practice Tests

DMV Test Simulator

40 questions · Mock test, answers at the end

Official Kentucky Driver's Handbook

The TC writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.

Read the Handbook ↗

Kentucky Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)

Free printable version: 100+ Kentucky questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the TC test facts on the cover. Or print a 40-question test. All state PDFs →

Download PDF ⬇
Official facts

Kentucky Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit) Test: Quick Facts

Verified against Transportation Cabinet publications - last reviewed September 2026.

Official permit nameInstruction Permit (Learner's Permit)
Questions on the testNot published by the TC
Passing score80% correct
Wrong answers allowedDepends on test length (not published)
Minimum age15 years old
Under-21 alcohol limit0.02% BAC or higher
Permit / test fee$15 ($18 REAL ID)
If you failMay return the next available day to retake; no attempts limit published
Online testingNo - the knowledge test must be taken in person.
Driver's educationRequired for applicants under 18.
Supervised practice60 hours incl. 10 at night (Practice Driving Log signed by parent/guardian)
Permit holding period180 days (ages 15-20); 30 days for applicants 21+
Testing agencyTransportation Cabinet (TC)
Try a few

Sample Kentucky Permit Test Questions

Three of the Kentucky-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The Kentucky bank behind the tests above holds 201 unique questions.

  1. 1. Kentucky's 'Zero Alcohol Tolerance' law means a driver under 21 is in violation at a BAC of:

    • A. 0.02 (correct)
    • B. 0.05
    • C. 0.08
    • D. 0.10

    Why: Kentucky's zero-tolerance law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or higher.

  2. 2. In Kentucky, how long must a permit holder under 18 hold the permit before applying for an Intermediate License?

    • A. At least 180 days (correct)
    • B. At least 30 days
    • C. At least 90 days
    • D. At least 1 year

    Why: Kentucky permit holders ages 15-20 must hold the permit for at least 180 days. Drivers under 18 then take the road test for an Intermediate License, while those 18-20 test for a full license.

  3. 3. Kentucky's graduated licensing program requires permit holders to complete how many hours of supervised practice driving?

    • A. 60 hours, 10 at night (correct)
    • B. 40 hours, 5 at night
    • C. 30 hours, 10 at night
    • D. 100 hours, 20 at night

    Why: Kentucky requires 60 hours of supervised practice driving - at least 10 of them at night - logged before applying for an Intermediate License.

Kentucky Permit Test Study Guide (2026)

A free Kentucky TC written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Transportation Cabinet handbook.

Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026

From the Bluegrass around Lexington to Louisville's interstates and the hills of eastern Kentucky, the state's knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way, and the rules on seat belts, school buses, and DUI. Our Kentucky practice permit test follows the official Kentucky Driver Manual so you pass your written exam with confidence.

What to Expect on the Kentucky Permit Test

The Transportation Cabinet (TC) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. The TC does not publish the number of questions; to pass you need 80% correct. You must be at least 15 years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Kentucky driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the TC asks.

Topics Covered on the KY Written Test

  • Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
  • Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
  • Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
  • Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
  • Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
  • Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances

How to Prepare for the Kentucky Permit Test

The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Kentucky Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The TC writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 80% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.

Official Kentucky TC Information

For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Transportation Cabinet website. You can also read the official Kentucky driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.

Kentucky Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Kentucky TC written test?

The TC does not publish how many questions are on the Kentucky knowledge test. To pass you need 80% correct.

When are new drivers in Kentucky not allowed to drive?

Under-18 permit and intermediate drivers: no driving midnight-6 a.m. Permit holders under 18 may not drive from midnight to 6:00 a.m. unless they can show good cause. Intermediate license holders have the same hours. (p.5 (PDF p.13), Permit Driving)

How many passengers can a new driver in Kentucky carry?

Drivers under 18 with permit or intermediate license: 1 unrelated passenger under 20. Kentucky limits intermediate drivers to one unrelated passenger under 20 years of age. (Section One, p.6, Intermediate License Driving)

Who must ride with a permit holder in Kentucky?

Permit supervisor: licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat. Permit holders may drive only with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat, and must carry the permit. (p.5 (PDF p.13), Permit Driving)

What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Kentucky?

A driver under 21 in Kentucky violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of 0.02% or higher - far below the 0.08% adult limit.

How many questions can you miss on the Kentucky permit test?

You need at least 80% correct. The TC does not publish the number of questions on the test, so the number you can miss depends on the test you get - on our 40-question simulator that is 8.

What is the Kentucky learner's permit officially called?

Kentucky issues the Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit). It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.

How much does the Kentucky permit cost?

The published fee is $15 ($18 REAL ID). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Transportation Cabinet website before your visit.

What happens if I fail the Kentucky permit test?

If you fail, Kentucky lets you retake the knowledge test. May return the next available day to retake; no attempts limit published. Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.

Can I take the Kentucky permit test online?

No - the knowledge test must be taken in person.

Is driver's education required for a Kentucky permit?

Required for applicants under 18.

How long do I have to hold my Kentucky permit?

Minimum holding period: 180 days (ages 15-20); 30 days for applicants 21+. Required supervised practice: 60 hours incl. 10 at night (Practice Driving Log signed by parent/guardian).

Sources & Methodology

Every Kentucky question on this page is written from the official Kentucky driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Transportation Cabinet publications. Last reviewed: September 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.

Chad Henry – Reviewer

After 25 years of teaching driver education

Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Study Guides to Help You Pass

All articles →
Traffic Laws

Hand signals for the permit test: left, right, stop, and when the law requires them

The three driver hand signals every permit test asks about, which arm to use, and when 14 state handbooks say you must or may use them.

Traffic Laws

10 Driving Rules That Change at the State Line (With the Handbook Page for Each)

Ten permit-test rules that differ by state - hydrant distance, school bus stops, Move Over speeds, headlights - with a handbook page for each.

Test Info

What's on the motorcycle permit test, and how it differs from the car test

What the motorcycle knowledge test covers, where its questions come from, the gear and SEE rules it asks about, and how states give or waive it.

Practice Permit Tests in Other States

Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Kentucky? Jump straight to another state's free TC-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.

Louisiana Permit Practice TestMaine DMV Practice TestPractice Permit Test for MarylandMichigan Driving Test PracticeMissouri Permit Practice TestNew Jersey DMV Practice TestPractice Permit Test for PennsylvaniaAlabama Driving Test Practice

Start Your Kentucky Permit Test Prep Now

Free, unlimited practice. No registration required.

Take Kentucky Practice Test 1 - Free