The intermediate license and full license

Key points

1. After holding the permit 180 days, you may schedule the road test for your intermediate license.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “After holding the permit for 180 days, the driver may schedule an appointment with the Kentucky State Police Driver Testing Branch to apply for their intermediate license.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

2. Intermediate drivers may not drive from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. unless for good cause, such as emergencies, school or work.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “The driver is not permitted to drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the driver can demonstrate a good cause for driving, such as emergencies, school, or work-related activities.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

3. An intermediate driver under 18 may carry only 1 unrelated passenger under 20.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “Passenger restriction if the driver is under 18 - limited to 1 (one) unrelated person under 20 years of age.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

4. All drivers under 21 face zero alcohol tolerance, defined as .02 blood alcohol concentration.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “All drivers under 21 years of age are subject to "Zero Alcohol Tolerance" (Defined as .02 Blood Alcohol Concentration).”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

5. A violation adds at least 180 days before you may apply for a full unrestricted license.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “it will add an additional minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the violation before the driver may apply for a full unrestricted license.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

6. Hold the intermediate license 180 days and finish the required driver education course to become eligible for a full license.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “After holding the intermediate license for 180 days and completing the required driver education course (see Driver Education Training), the driver will be eligible for a full unrestricted license.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

7. If your permit was issued under 18, you must enroll in approved driver training and complete it before the full license phase.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “issued under 18 shall, before the person's eighteenth birthday, enroll in an approved driver training program, and must complete the program before moving to the full, unrestricted licensing phase.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

8. The classroom driver education course is free, and the online version costs $11.00.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “The classroom version is offered free of charge to KY drivers. Enroll for Classroom Version The online version costs $11.00.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

9. A private driving school course must include four hours of classroom training.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “Must include four (4) hours of classroom training.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 7

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Kentucky practice test

1. 1. With a Kentucky intermediate license, when may the driver drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.?

   1. Any time with one friend
   2. Never
   3. Only with good cause, such as emergencies, school, or work-related activities
   4. Only with a sibling 18 or older
   Show answer

   Only with good cause, such as emergencies, school, or work-related activities. An intermediate license holder is not permitted to drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the driver can demonstrate good cause for driving, such as emergencies, school, or work-related activities. Riding with a friend is not good cause. Never is too strict. Kentucky does not list an 18 year old sibling as an exception, unlike some other states. The same hours apply to permit holders under 18.

2. 2. What must a Kentucky intermediate license holder do to become eligible for a full unrestricted license?

   1. Hold it 30 days and pass a new written test
   2. Hold the intermediate license 180 days, complete driver education, and reach age 17
   3. Turn 21
   4. Log 100 more practice hours
   Show answer

   Hold the intermediate license 180 days, complete driver education, and reach age 17. The July 2026 Kentucky manual says drivers are eligible for a full unrestricted license after holding an intermediate license for 180 days while also completing the driver education requirements and reaching age 17. Kentucky accepts a free classroom course, an online course, high school driver education, or an approved private school course with four hours of classroom training. Thirty days and a new written test are not the rule, and age 21 and 100 extra practice hours are not requirements.

3. 3. What does the online version of Kentucky's graduated licensing course cost?

   1. $12.50, while the classroom version is free
   2. $50
   3. Both versions are free
   4. $100
   Show answer

   $12.50, while the classroom version is free. Kentucky's July 2026 driver manual lists the acceptable ways to complete graduated licensing training: the classroom version is free for Kentucky drivers, the online version now costs $12.50, and a high school driver education course or a private course at an approved driver training school also qualifies. Earlier editions listed the online course at $11, so that figure is out of date. Completing one of these programs is required before a young driver can move to the full, unrestricted license. Choose the format that fits the family schedule, and keep proof of completion for the licensing appointment.

Source: the Kentucky Driver Manual, Section One: The Driver's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.