Kentucky driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Kentucky asks, answered in two or three sentences from Kentucky’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Kentucky law says you must carry your license whenever you drive and show it when an officer asks. If you can't show it, that can be used in court as proof you were driving without a license. If you bring your license to court, valid on the day you were stopped, that's a defense to the charge.
Sources: KRS 186.510 · KRS 186.620 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Kentucky law says you can't write, send or read texts, instant messages or email while your car is moving on the road.
Sources: KRS 189.292 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
If you're under 18 with your first license, called an intermediate license, you can have just 1 unrelated passenger under 20.
Sources: Kentucky driver’s manual p. 7 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the road test, you have to wait 7 days before you can retake it.
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — 18–20 Year Olds · Kentucky driver’s manual p. 9 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, hold your permit at least 180 days and be at least 16 before your intermediate license; from 18 to 20, it's also 180 days. If you're 21 or older, you hold it 30 days before the road test.
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Under 18 · Kentucky driver’s manual pp. 8, 9 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
Kentucky requires liability coverage of $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 per accident for injuries, $25,000 for property damage. Or you can carry one policy with a single limit of $60,000.
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Mandatory Insurance · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
If anyone is hurt or the car can't be driven, you must call the police right away. If police don't investigate and damage is over $500, you must file a written report within 10 days. Under Kentucky law, if you're under 18, whoever signed your license application shares the bill for damage you cause.
Sources: KRS 189.635 · KRS 186.590 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
Kentucky law says you can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: KRS 189.450 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
Yes, Kentucky law bans texting, reading texts or email only while your car is moving on the road. Stopped at a red light, that ban doesn't cover you.
Sources: KRS 189.292 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Kentucky law, the regular speeding fine is doubled near a school when the flasher lights are flashing. The regular fine depends on how far over the limit you were, from $1 up to $100 if you were going way over.
Sources: KRS 189.394 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
On a permit, you must always have a licensed driver who is 21 or older sitting in the passenger seat beside you.
Sources: Kentucky driver’s manual p. 8 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Kentucky driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Kentucky’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question