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Kentucky DMV Practice Test 2026

The Kentucky written knowledge test has 40 questions and requires a 80% score to pass. Use these free practice tests to study the rules of the road, traffic signs, and state-specific laws before your appointment.

Updated April 2026

How we help you prepare

328 practice questions to help you master the Kentucky DMV Test, 4 practice tests, 1 exam simulation

Kentucky requirement to pass

40 questions on the real test, 80% passing score (32 of 40), no time limit

Study by Category is a Pro Feature

Master each topic before your Kentucky written test. 4 categories are free to start.

Practice Runs

Complete practice runs to test your knowledge. Runs 1-2 are free.

Test 1: Rules of the Road

Right-of-way, turns, intersections, passing, lane changes

25 questions~15 min
Start Practicing

Test 2: Road Signs & Signals

Regulatory signs, warning signs, traffic signals, road markings

25 questions~15 min
Start Practicing

Test 3: Laws, Safety & Impairment

Pro

DUI/DWI, distracted driving, vehicle safety, general knowledge

25 questions~15 min
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Test 4: Defensive & Safe Driving

Pro

Defensive driving, adverse weather, sharing the road, safety

25 questions~15 min
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The Kentucky written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need 32 correct answers (80%) to pass. There is no time limit. Tests are administered by the KYTC / KSP. Questions cover road signs, traffic laws, and Kentucky-specific rules. Read how DMV IQ prepares you for test day.

About the Written Test

Kentucky's written knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 32 correct — an 80% passing score — to earn your instruction permit. Driver testing in Kentucky is uniquely handled by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), rather than a separate DMV agency.

Where and How to Take It

Tests are administered at Kentucky State Police Driver Testing branches and some Circuit Clerk offices across the state. Appointments are required at KSP branches and can be scheduled online through the TeleGov system. The test is computer-based and available in numerous languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Kentucky does not offer online testing.

What to Bring

Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of Kentucky residency. If you're under 18, parental consent is required. The permit fee is approximately $12. Kentucky also requires a vision screening before testing.

Test Day

After checking in for your appointment and completing document verification and vision screening, you'll sit at a computer terminal. The 40 questions cover road rules, traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, DUI laws, and safe driving practices. All questions are drawn from the Kentucky Driver Manual. There's no formal time limit.

If You Don't Pass

If you fail, you can return the next available day to retake the test. You're allowed up to 6 attempts. After 6 failures, you must wait 6 months before trying again. There's no additional retest fee — just schedule a new appointment.

Kentucky-Specific Details

Kentucky is one of the few states where driver testing is administered by the State Police rather than a DMV-type agency. The state's minimum permit age is 16, which is older than most states. Kentucky has robust graduated licensing — teens must hold a permit for 180 days and complete 60 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), which is among the highest supervised driving requirements in the country.

Permit vs. License

After passing, you receive an instruction permit. You must hold it for 180 days, complete 60 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), and drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. At 16 years and 180 days, you can get an intermediate license with nighttime curfew and passenger restrictions. Full unrestricted licensing comes at age 18.

Try It Yourself

Get a taste of the study experience. Answer a real question or preview the timed exam simulator.

Sample Flash Card

general knowledge

How many hours of supervised driving practice must a Kentucky permit holder complete before advancing to an intermediate license?

Try all 4 free practice runs

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25:00
Exam Simulator
1 / 40

When approaching a school zone during school hours, the maximum speed limit in Kentucky is:

A15 mph
B20 mph
C25 mph
D30 mph

Exam Simulator

Timed, 40-question test that mirrors the real Kentucky DMV exam. 80% to pass.

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40 questions80% to passTimed
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~0%Sample Score

Know exactly when you’re ready to pass the Kentucky DMV test

The IQ Readiness Score™ measures six dimensions of test readiness and estimates your probability of passing the Kentucky exam.

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Personalized study pathThe system finds your weakest topics and builds a focused plan so you study what matters most.
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Weak topic recoveryQuestions you miss come back automatically until you’ve truly learned them.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kentucky written test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct (80%) to pass. Questions are drawn from the driver manual.
You need 80% — at least 32 out of 40 questions correct. You can miss up to 8 questions and still pass.
You can take the test up to 6 times. After 6 failures, you must wait 6 months. You can retake the next available day after each failure with no additional fee.
The instruction permit costs approximately $12. A REAL ID license costs $48 for 8 years or $24 for 4 years. A standard license is $43 for 8 years.
Proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of Kentucky residency. Under 18 need parental consent. You'll also need to pass a vision screening.
Kentucky DMV Practice Test 2026 - Free KY Permit Test | DMV IQ