Free Kentucky Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official Kentucky driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 5
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 4
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Vehicle Equipment — 3
- Points & Penalties — 1
- Safe Driving — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are Kentucky-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. Kentucky's basic speed rule requires you to drive:
- At a speed reasonable for conditions
- 10 over the limit
- At the posted max always
- As fast as traffic
Show answer
Answer: At a speed reasonable for conditions
Always drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions.
2. Keeping a 'space cushion' around your vehicle helps you:
- Have room to react and avoid crashes
- Look good
- Drive faster
- Save gas only
Show answer
Answer: Have room to react and avoid crashes
A space cushion gives you room to react and escape trouble.
3. If your turn signals stop working, you should:
- Turn without warning
- Use the horn only
- Not signal
- Use hand signals
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
4. A Kentucky intermediate license holder must:
- Memorize the number
- Leave it home
- Have the license in possession at all times when driving
- Carry a copy
Show answer
Answer: Have the license in possession at all times when driving
Keep your intermediate license in your possession whenever you drive.
5. Unless otherwise posted, the Kentucky speed limit in a business or residential district is:
- 35 MPH
- 25 MPH
- 40 MPH
- 30 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 35 MPH
35 MPH is the limit in a business/residential district.
6. On long or steep grades, large/slow vehicles in Kentucky should use:
- The left lane
- The shoulder
- The right lane
- Any lane
Show answer
Answer: The right lane
Large vehicles that must go slowly (about 35 mph) use the right lane.
7. When passing a bicyclist in Kentucky, you should:
- Pass close
- Speed up
- Give space and pass only when safe
- Honk and squeeze by
Show answer
Answer: Give space and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when it is safe.
8. Kentucky's seat-belt law requires:
- Only the driver
- Only children
- Occupants to buckle up
- No one
Show answer
Answer: Occupants to buckle up
Buckle up — Kentucky enforces its seat-belt law.
9. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you should:
- Stop in your lane
- Speed up
- Pull to the right and stop
- Turn left
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.
10. During Kentucky's intermediate phase, passengers are limited to:
- 2 friends
- 1 unrelated person under age 20
- 4 passengers
- No limit
Show answer
Answer: 1 unrelated person under age 20
Intermediate drivers may carry only 1 unrelated person under age 20.
11. The only thing that will reduce your BAC over time is:
- Time
- A cold shower
- Coffee
- Exercise
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time lowers your blood alcohol level.
12. Unless otherwise posted, the Kentucky speed limit on interstate highways and parkways is:
- 65 MPH
- 55 MPH
- 60 MPH
- 70 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 65 MPH
65 MPH is the limit on interstate highways and parkways unless posted otherwise.
13. A Kentucky driver under 18 who accumulates more than how many points may be suspended?
- 6
- 12
- 9
- 3
Show answer
Answer: 6
More than 6 points can suspend an under-18 driver's privilege.
14. To be licensed in Kentucky you must pass a:
- Physical fitness test
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Swim test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required for licensing.
15. If you plan to drink, the safest choice is to:
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
- Eat first
- Wait 15 minutes
- Drive slowly
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a designated driver or other sober ride.
16. In Kentucky, the minimum age to get a driving (learner's) permit is:
- 18
- 17
- 15
- 16
Show answer
Answer: 16
You must be at least 16 to get a Kentucky driving permit.
17. Kentucky law requires your vehicle to have:
- Two headlights and two taillights
- One headlight
- No taillights
- Only fog lights
Show answer
Answer: Two headlights and two taillights
Your vehicle must have two headlights and two taillights.
18. During the Kentucky permit phase, you must drive with a licensed adult who is seated:
- Anywhere
- Not required
- In the front seat beside you
- In the back
Show answer
Answer: In the front seat beside you
A licensed adult must sit in the front seat beside the permit holder.
19. Unless otherwise posted, the Kentucky speed limit in an alley is:
- 25 MPH
- 10 MPH
- 20 MPH
- 15 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 15 MPH
15 MPH is the limit in an alley.
20. A commercial driver in Kentucky is considered DUI at a BAC of:
- .08
- .04
- .10
- .02
Show answer
Answer: .04
Commercial drivers are DUI at .04.