Free Kentucky DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed Kentucky DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Kentucky knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Kentucky DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

Kentucky's default unposted limit for other state highways is 55 mph per the manual's speed limit section.
The manual specifies 15 mph as the default limit for off-street parking lots absent posted signs.
The manual instructs drivers to observe the posted, typically reduced, school zone limit and be especially careful near crossings.
KRS sets 65 mph on interstates and parkways, 55 mph on other state highways, and 35 mph in business/residential districts.
State law sets 35 mph in business or residential districts, compared to 55 mph on other state highways and 65 mph on interstates/parkways.
KRS 189.394's graduated fine chart starts at $1 for 1 mph over and rises to $55 for 25 mph over on roads with limits of 15 to 70 mph.
KRS 189.394(5) doubles any speeding fine when the violation occurs in a school zone with flashing lights installed and active.
Speeding 16-25 mph over the limit on any road carries 6 points, while 11-15 mph over on a limited-access highway is 3 points, and 10 mph or less over on a limited-access highway is 0 points.

Right of way

Kentucky law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Kentucky's manual gives escorted funeral processions the right-of-way through intersections, led by a vehicle showing flashing yellow, red, or blue lights.
The manual notes the procession's right-of-way yields only to emergency vehicles, trains, or a directing police/safety officer.
The manual describes an informal courtesy rule where the first driver to reach a narrow or single-lane bridge generally proceeds first.
The general right-of-way rule requires yielding to vehicles already in a roundabout before entering, similar to other traffic already in an intersection.
The manual's general right-of-way rule requires yielding to vehicles already on a limited-access road before entering it.
The standard rule at an uncontrolled intersection is that the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Drivers must always yield to pedestrians who are blind, identifiable by a white cane or guide dog, regardless of signals or crosswalk markings.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

A BAC of .15 or higher results in enhanced penalties with a mandatory minimum jail sentence under Kentucky's DUI law.
Kentucky's per se DUI threshold is 0.08 BAC for drivers 21 and older, but only 0.02 BAC for drivers under 21, measured within 2 hours of driving.
Drivers under 21 face a much lower per se DUI threshold of 0.02 BAC, compared to 0.08 for drivers 21 and older.
A first DUI offense within 10 years carries a $200 to $500 fine and/or 48 hours to 30 days in county jail, with a mandatory minimum of 4 days if aggravating circumstances are present.
A second DUI within 10 years carries 7 days to 6 months jail, with a mandatory minimum of 14 days if aggravating circumstances exist, and no suspension or early release on the minimum term.
A third DUI offense within 10 years carries a $500 to $1,000 fine and 30 days to 12 months jail, with a mandatory minimum of 60 days if aggravating circumstances exist.
A fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years is a Class D felony, carrying a mandatory minimum 240 days imprisonment if aggravating circumstances are present.
Kentucky law lists six aggravating circumstances for DUI sentencing, including testing 0.15 BAC or higher, driving 30+ mph over the limit, wrong-way driving, causing death/injury, refusing a chemical test, and transporting a passenger under 12.
This lesser offense for under-21 drivers carries a $100-$500 fine or 20 hours of community service, without the jail penalties of the standard DUI statute.

Signals and markings

The manual describes the escort vehicle leading a funeral procession as showing flashing yellow, red, or blue lights.
A flashing red signal is treated the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop, then yield to vehicles already in or entering the intersection.
Headlights are legally required not just at night but any time weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.
On a plain green light, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.
The truck apron is a raised, paved area only meant for large truck wheels; ordinary vehicles should never drive on it.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to proceed through the intersection with caution rather than requiring a full stop.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
A steady yellow signal warns that the light is about to turn red, so drivers should stop if they can do so safely.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when it is safe.
The manual requires dimming high beams for oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.
A dashed yellow line means passing is allowed when there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic, unlike a solid yellow line.
A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to change to red, so drivers should slow and prepare to stop if it is safe to do so.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

The manual states autocycle operators are exempt from the helmet requirement that applies to ordinary motorcyclists.
The manual recommends roughly 60 percent of cargo weight toward the front of the trailer and 40 percent toward the rear for stability.
The manual advises that no driver should assume the right-of-way even when technically entitled to it, favoring caution over asserting a legal right.
Texting while driving is assigned 3 points, the same weight as careless driving or a stop-sign violation.
Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment similarly to impairment, and can lead to microsleeps that cause the driver to lose control.
The manual stresses that no one should ever assume they automatically have the right of way, since other drivers may not yield as expected.
Children under 7 must use a child restraint system meeting 49 CFR 571.213 standards unless they are 57 inches or taller.
Scanning further ahead gives drivers earlier warning of hazards, slowing traffic, or obstacles, allowing more time to react safely.
The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
General right-of-way practice, reflected in the manual, is that the first vehicle to arrive and stop proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the right.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
A several-second following distance, often cited as at least 3 seconds under normal conditions, provides reaction time to avoid rear-end collisions.
Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
Safe lane changes require checking mirrors, checking blind spots by looking over the shoulder, and signaling the intended move before moving over.
The manual explains posted limits are for ideal conditions, and driving that speed in bad conditions can still be cited as too fast for conditions.
Work zones require reduced speed and heightened alertness because of workers, equipment, and changing lane patterns.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The downward-pointing red and white triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give way to traffic as needed, stopping only if required for safety.
The octagon shape combined with red coloring is reserved exclusively for stop signs, requiring a full stop.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a full stop before entering the intersection, regardless of visible cross traffic.
The triangular shape is uniquely reserved for Yield signs, telling drivers to slow and give way rather than come to a full stop.
The eight-sided octagon shape is reserved exclusively for Stop signs so it can be recognized even from behind or in poor visibility.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
The triangular yield sign shape signals drivers to give the right-of-way as needed to other traffic or pedestrians.
Yellow warning signage in this context provides an advisory safe speed recommendation for hazards like curves, distinct from a legally binding limit.
A circular sign with a diagonal slash through it is used nationally to show that a prior restriction (like a speed limit) no longer applies.
White rectangular signs with black lettering are the standard shape and color used for regulatory information like speed limits or turn rules.
The handbook instructs drivers at yield signs to slow down and yield to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a complete stop at the marked line or intersection before proceeding when safe.
The railroad advance warning sign is round with an X and R R symbol, one of the only circular warning signs used on US roads.
The handbook's statutory speeds apply only when no other limit is posted, meaning posted signage takes precedence.
Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
Yellow diamond signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

The manual states the Secretary of Transportation can authorize up to 70 mph on specific highway segments.
The manual prohibits driving between funeral procession vehicles or otherwise trying to gain right-of-way ahead of the procession.
The manual exempts autocycle operators from needing a motorcycle license or endorsement, unlike standard motorcyclists.
The manual requires hazardous materials carriers to stop at all railroad crossings, even where no gates or active signals are present.
The Kentucky manual states applicants must answer at least 80 percent of questions correctly to pass the written test.
The manual is published by Kentucky State Police in coordination with the Transportation Cabinet's DRIVE division, which administers licensing.
While an older 2006 edition is still hosted online, the 2023 revision from Kentucky State Police is the current operative manual.
Kentucky law permits doubling fines in a properly marked work zone with a bona fide worker present, so speeding there risks a higher penalty than usual.
A business district exists where buildings in business/industrial use occupy 300 feet of frontage within a 600 foot stretch, on one side or collectively on both sides.
Kentucky suspends privileges at 12 points within 2 years for drivers 18 and older, but only 7 points for drivers under 18.
Failing to stop for a church or school bus carries 6 points, the same weight as reckless-driving-adjacent violations.
Points are removed 2 years from the date of conviction, but the Cabinet is required to maintain a driver's history for 5 years.
Kentucky GDL requires a minimum 180 day permit holding period before intermediate licensing at 16, then another 180 days on intermediate status before a full license at 17, along with 60 hours of supervised practice including 10 at night.
Kentucky GDL law requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be seated in the front passenger seat at all times during the learner's permit phase.
Turning 18 while on an Intermediate License allows immediate application for a full license upon completing the GDL course, regardless of how long the Intermediate License was held.

Emergencies

The manual describes emergency vehicles as showing flashing red or blue lights, which drivers must yield to and pull over for.
Hazardous materials carriers must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of visible train activity, so drivers behind them should expect and safely wait through this stop.
Regardless of whether a crossing has gates or signals, drivers must never attempt to beat a visible train and must stop and wait for it to clear.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right side of the road, clear of intersections, and stopping until the vehicle passes.
KRS 189.930 requires drivers to stop parallel to the curb, clear of any intersection, when an emergency vehicle's lights are visible from 500 feet or an audible signal is given; it also bars following within 500 feet of an operating emergency vehicle.
KRS 189.930 requires moving a full lane away from a stationary emergency, public safety, or disabled vehicle if it is safe to do so, or otherwise reducing speed and maintaining a safe speed for conditions.
The Move Over Law's amber-light tier covers highway maintenance vehicles, requiring drivers to move over or slow down similarly to emergency vehicles.
Since moose eyes don't glow like deer eyes under headlights, drivers must scan for a large silhouette instead.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right shoulder; on a divided highway of 4+ lanes, they should move over a lane away if it is safe to do so.
Standard practice is to safely move to the right and stop, clearing the path for the emergency vehicle to pass.
23 V.S.A. § 1050(b) requires moving over a full lane if safe, or slowing to a reasonable speed if the driver must remain in the adjacent lane.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over and stopping, clearing the intersection first if already inside it.
Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
Drivers are expected to keep a substantial following distance after an emergency vehicle passes, rather than closing in immediately.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Drivers must yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles operating with active lights and siren.
When changing lanes is not safe, the Move Over Law still expects drivers to reduce speed and use caution passing the stopped vehicle.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
Move Over laws require drivers to move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle with warning lights activated, to protect people near the roadway.
The Move Over Law has escalating consequences: a basic violation carries a modest fine and point penalty, a violation causing a crash carries a higher fine, and one causing death or serious injury carries the harshest penalty.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
The manual specifies the stop requirement does not apply when a physical median or other barrier separates the two roadways, unlike a simple painted line.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
On divided highways of 4+ lanes, drivers should move over a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when it can be done safely.
Standard right-of-way and safe-driving practice requires yielding to emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping until they pass.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Kentucky DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Kentucky DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Kentucky DMV cheat sheet