Kentucky DMV written test
Kentucky DMV Cheat Sheet
The Kentucky knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Kentucky DMV test numbers to memorize
The Kentucky knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 8. The test is given by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
40
Questions on the test
32
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
8
Questions you can miss
16 for instruction permit
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $12. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at Kentucky State Police Driver Testing branch or Circuit Clerk office
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments required at KSP Driver Testing branches. Schedule online at telegov.egov.com/ksp.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Kentucky
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of Kentucky residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Kentucky retake rules
Fail the written permit test and you can return the next available day. Fail the road skills test and you must wait 7 full days. Kentucky publishes no cap on attempts and no non-commercial retest fee: the $15 permit fee is a credential fee, not a test fee. CDL rules differ: a 24-hour wait after a failed knowledge test, a $5 retest fee for the combination, air brake and endorsement knowledge tests, a $50 retest fee for each skills attempt after the first, and a 7-day wait before a fifth skills attempt.
- knowledge_test (CDL) after failure number 1: wait 1 day.
- road_skills_test (CDL) after failure number 4: wait 7 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- Mandatory 7-day waiting period before any further CDL skills-test attempt.
- $50.00 retest fee charged for each CDL skills-test attempt after the first.
Some retake details for Kentucky are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with KYTC / KSP before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Kentucky
- Under 18
- Must be at least 16. Parental consent required. Must hold permit for 180 days. Must complete 60 hours supervised driving (10 at night). Graduated licensing restrictions until 18.
- Permit versus license
- An instruction permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for 180 days. Intermediate license at 16.5 with restrictions. Full license at 18.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at Kentucky State Police Driver Testing branches or Circuit Clerk offices.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Kentucky: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Somali, Swahili, and Vietnamese. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with KYTC / KSP before you rely on it.
The study source is the Kentucky Driver Manual (September 2023 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Kentucky practice questions
These free Kentucky questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
- 6
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free Kentucky study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Kentucky questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1