Free Kentucky TC Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Transportation Cabinet (TC) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 80% correct. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the TC tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A yellow sign showing a bicycle means:
What's on the Kentucky Practice Test 1
The TC does not publish how many questions are on the real Kentucky knowledge test, and to pass you need 80% correct. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 21
- Traffic laws 15
- Safe driving 4
- Alcohol & drugs 3
- Speed limits 3
- Right of way 3
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 1
- Emergencies 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Kentucky. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. Under Kentucky DUI law, driving impaired with a passenger under what age is an aggravating circumstance that brings mandatory jail time?
- A. 10
- B. 16
- C. 12 (correct)
- D. 18
Why: Transporting a passenger younger than 12 is one of Kentucky's aggravating circumstances. Others include a BAC of 0.15 or more, refusing a test, and going over 30 mph above the limit.
Source: official Kentucky driver handbook, p.27 (PDF p.35), Aggravating Circumstances
2. Before getting an Intermediate License in Kentucky, teen drivers must record their practice in a:
- A. Practice Driving Log (correct)
- B. Personal diary
- C. DMV phone app only
- D. School attendance form
Why: Kentucky requires teens to document their 60 supervised practice hours in an official Practice Driving Log.
Source: official Kentucky driver handbook, Section One, p.5, Requirements for the Road Test
3. When driving in heavy rain, you should:
- A. Use high-beam headlights to see better
- B. Use low beams and leave more following distance (correct)
- C. Turn on hazard lights and drive at normal speed
- D. Use cruise control to keep a steady, safe speed
Why: In rain, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off rain), reduce speed, and increase following distance to at least 4-6 seconds. High beams can reduce visibility in rain.
4. How do most state handbooks tell you to measure a safe following distance?
- A. Count car lengths - one car length is enough at any speed
- B. Count the seconds between it and you passing a fixed point (correct)
- C. Stay close enough to read the license plate of the car ahead
- D. Follow at a distance in feet equal to your speed in mph
Why: Handbooks teach a time-based gap: pick a fixed object and count the seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. The minimum differs by state (2, 3 or 4 seconds), with most recommending 3 to 4 seconds in good conditions; add time in rain, at night or behind large vehicles. Check your state handbook for its exact number.
5. What shape is a stop sign?
- A. Hexagon (6-sided)
- B. Pentagon (5-sided)
- C. Octagon (8-sided) (correct)
- D. Triangle (3-sided)
Why: Stop signs are always octagonal (8-sided) and red. This unique shape allows drivers to recognize them even when covered in snow or seen from behind.
6. In most states, how far before a turn must you begin signaling on a city street?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 100 feet (correct)
- C. At least 20 feet
- D. At least 500 feet
Why: Most states require a signal at least 100 feet before turning (CA, TX, NY, FL, MN and many others). Some require more on faster roads (200-300 feet) and Tennessee sets 50 feet, so check your own handbook. Always signal, even if you see no one around.
More Kentucky facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Kentucky permit practice test page.
Kentucky TC Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the TC
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 80% correct
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Transportation Cabinet
More Kentucky Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Kentucky Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your TC exam.