License classes and the tests

Key points

1. Class D is the basic operator's license. Class E is for mopeds only, and Class M is for motorcycles.

   Source: Handbook p. 1

   “The Class D license is the basic Operator's License. The Class E is for mopeds only, and the Class M is for motorcycles.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 1

2. You must be a Kentucky resident at least 16 years old, and a parent or guardian must sign if you are under 18.

   Source: Handbook p. 2

   “Applicants must be a Kentucky resident and be at least 16 years of age. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 2

3. All first time applicants must pass the vision, knowledge and skills tests.

   Source: Handbook p. 2

   “All first-time applicants must pass the vision, knowledge, and skills tests.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 2

4. You need visual acuity of at least 20/40, with or without glasses, before taking the written test.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 (corrected or uncorrected) is required before the applicant will be allowed to move on to the written test.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 10

5. After a referral to a vision specialist, applicants at 20/60 or better may test for a permit or license.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “applicants whose visual acuity is 20/60 or better shall be eligible to test for an instruction permit or operator's license.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 10

6. You need a score of at least 80% to pass the written test.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Applicants must make a minimum score of 80% to pass this test.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

7. Even on an oral test, you must answer the signs portion from your own knowledge.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “However, the signs portion of the test must be answered by applicants from their own knowledge and understanding.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

8. Any collision, traffic violation or dangerous act can mean automatic failure of the road test.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Any collision, traffic violation, or dangerous act may result in automatic failure, and the test will not be completed.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 13

9. Failing to follow the examiner's instructions two times during the road test disqualifies you.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Failure to follow the Examiner's instructions two times during the test will result in being disqualified.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 13

10. If you fail the road test, wait at least one week before trying again.

    Source: Handbook p. 6

    “If you fail the road skills test, you must wait at least one week from the date of the failure before attempting the test again.”
    Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Kentucky practice test

1. 1. What minimum score must an applicant earn to pass Kentucky's written driver test?

   1. 70%
   2. 80%
   3. 75%
   4. 90%
   Show answer

   80%. Applicants need at least 80 percent to pass the written test. The 70 percent and 75 percent options set lower thresholds, while 90 percent demands more than the manual requires. The test covers driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs, so studying the manual is the preparation cue. An applicant who cannot read English may receive an oral test under the stated process, but the passing percentage remains the minimum score given here.

2. 2. What minimum age must an applicant reach to apply for a Kentucky operator's, motorcycle, or moped license?

   1. 14 years
   2. 15 years
   3. 16 years
   4. 18 years
   Show answer

   15 years. Kentucky's July 2026 driver manual lowered the licensing starting point: an applicant must have reached the fifteenth birthday before applying for an operator's, motorcycle, or moped license. That matches KRS 186.450, which lets a person who is at least 15 years old apply for an instruction permit. Fourteen is below that floor. Sixteen was the age printed in earlier editions of the manual, so it is now outdated, and 18 is simply higher than the minimum. Reaching the minimum age only opens eligibility; the applicant still needs driving privileges that have not been withdrawn and must complete the permit, testing, and graduated licensing steps.

3. 3. A Kentucky applicant fails the road skills test. How long must they wait to try again?

   1. The next business day
   2. 30 days
   3. At least one week from the date of the failure
   4. Six months
   Show answer

   At least one week from the date of the failure. If you fail the Kentucky road skills test, you must wait at least one week from the date of the failure before attempting it again, and you are encouraged to practice in that time. The next business day is too soon. Thirty days and six months are longer than the rule. Remember that you cannot drive yourself to the test unless a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.

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.