Kentucky Permit Practice Test

How to use this KY practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Kentucky Driver Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

KY practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable KY practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the KY bank

Every question below comes from the Kentucky question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What visual field does Kentucky's bioptic program require?

   1. 180 degrees horizontally
   2. No field requirement
   3. 90 degrees in each eye
   4. 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically in the better eye
   Show answer

   120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically in the better eye. The bioptic program requires a visual field of 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically in the better eye, along with 20/200 acuit Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Who must accompany a Kentucky permit holder while the permit holder is driving?

   1. Any passenger at least 18 years old in the back seat
   2. A licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat
   3. A parent only, regardless of age or seat
   4. A licensed driver at least 16 years old in another vehicle
   Show answer

   A licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. A permit holder must be accompanied by a person with a valid operator’s license who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenge Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: The learner's permit phase for teens

3. 3. What type of roadway location can the pictured fluorescent yellow school sign identify?

   
   1. A one-way street entrance
   2. A railroad crossing with several tracks
   3. A school zone or school crossing
   4. A general guide route to a city
   Show answer

   A school zone or school crossing. Fluorescent yellow warning signs can identify school zones and school crossings. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows

4. 4. When Kentucky work zone signs state that fines are double, what additional condition must exist for that rule?

   1. The work must occur only at night
   2. The road must be closed completely
   3. At least one bona fide worker must be present
   4. A police car must be parked at the entrance
   Show answer

   At least one bona fide worker must be present. Kentucky allows doubled fines in a highway work zone when signs announce that fines are double and at least one bona fide worker is present. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Funeral processions

5. 5. Traffic is backed up beyond railroad tracks. When may you start across?

   1. When your front wheels can reach the far side
   2. Only when there is enough space to get completely across and off the tracks
   3. As soon as the vehicle ahead begins moving
   4. Whenever no train is currently visible
   Show answer

   Only when there is enough space to get completely across and off the tracks. Before starting across railroad tracks, make sure the available space will hold your entire vehicle beyond them. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

6. 6. What warning does the pictured WRONG WAY sign give?

   
   1. The driver is traveling in the wrong direction
   2. The driver is approaching a rough pavement section
   3. The driver may use the lane only to pass
   4. The driver must stop because a school zone begins
   Show answer

   The driver is traveling in the wrong direction. WRONG WAY tells a driver that travel is going in the wrong direction. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings, crosswalks and lane use

7. 7. At what breath alcohol level does a Kentucky ignition interlock device stop the vehicle from being operated?

   1. Above .02
   2. Above .08
   3. Above .15
   4. Above .04
   Show answer

   Above .02. The ignition interlock device prevents a driver from operating the vehicle if the driver's breath-alcohol concentration exceeds .02. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Implied consent and DUI penalties

8. 8. When may a Kentucky permit holder under 18 drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m.?

   1. Any time with a friend who is 18
   2. Never, with no exceptions
   3. Only on weekends
   4. Only if the person can demonstrate good cause for driving
   Show answer

   Only if the person can demonstrate good cause for driving. Permit holders under the age of 18 may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless they can demonstrate good cause for driving. Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: The learner's permit phase for teens

9. 9. An oncoming driver leaves high beams on at night. Where should you direct your gaze to reduce glare?

   1. Directly into the oncoming lights
   2. At the center of your rearview mirror
   3. Toward the right side of the road
   4. At the floor until the vehicle passes
   Show answer

   Toward the right side of the road. Looking toward the right side helps avoid being dazzled by an approaching vehicle’s high beams. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Headlights, turn signals and night driving

10. 10. What must a driver expect from a vehicle carrying hazardous materials when it reaches a railroad crossing?

    1. It may bypass the crossing on the shoulder
    2. It may continue if no train is visible
    3. It stops only at crossings with gates
    4. It must stop at every railroad crossing
    Show answer

    It must stop at every railroad crossing. The manual tells drivers that vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad crossings. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

11. 11. You are circulating in a roundabout and reach your street. What should you do?

    1. Exit without signaling so following drivers stay alert
    2. Stop inside the circle until all entering traffic clears
    3. Proceed to the appropriate exit, signal your intent, and exit
    4. Change direction and travel clockwise to the exit
    Show answer

    Proceed to the appropriate exit, signal your intent, and exit. Roundabout traffic travels counterclockwise around the raised center island. Yield to circulating traffic when entering. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Roundabouts and traffic circles

12. 12. Which combination requires a Kentucky Class A commercial license?

    1. A single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating below 26,001 pounds that is placarded for hazardous materials
    2. Any single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more towing nothing
    3. Any combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds
    4. A single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating below 26,001 pounds designed to carry more than 16 people including the driver
    Show answer

    Any combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds. Class A covers a combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed vehicle's gross vehicle weight r Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: License classes and the tests

13. 13. Before a driving trip, how can you protect yourself against unexpected delays and emotional upset on the road?

    1. Leave at the last possible minute to stay focused
    2. Skip rest and food so nothing distracts you
    3. Plan to make up lost time by speeding later
    4. Give yourself extra time by leaving a few minutes early for delays or unexpected problems
    Show answer

    Give yourself extra time by leaving a few minutes early for delays or unexpected problems. Give yourself extra time for a driving trip by leaving a few minutes early for delays or unexpected problems. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Fatigue, distraction and emotions

14. 14. During a police traffic stop, when should you get out of your vehicle?

    1. When the officer requests it
    2. Immediately after stopping
    3. As soon as you locate your license
    4. Whenever you want to explain the violation
    Show answer

    When the officer requests it. Remain seated in the vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and school buses

15. 15. Which drug effect warns a driver to check labels before driving after taking pep pills, uppers, or diet pills?

    1. They can make you nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate, and can affect your vision
    2. They always improve concentration for long drives
    3. They affect only appetite and never driving
    4. They become safe when combined with alcohol
    Show answer

    They can make you nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate, and can affect your vision. Pep pills, uppers, and diet pills can make you nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate, and can affect vision. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, other drugs and the BAC limits

16. 16. What maximum speed may a vehicle still meet while qualifying as a moped in Kentucky?

    1. Not more than 30 miles per hour
    2. Not more than 25 miles per hour
    3. Not more than 20 miles per hour
    4. Not more than 35 miles per hour
    Show answer

    Not more than 30 miles per hour. A moped must be capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour, together with limits on brake horsepower, cylinder capacity, Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: License classes and the tests

17. 17. How do safety belts change a person's chances of surviving a crash, according to Kentucky's seat belt discussion?

    1. Chances are two times greater if the occupant stays inside the vehicle
    2. Chances are five times greater if the occupant stays inside the vehicle
    3. Chances are unchanged if the vehicle has air bags
    4. Chances improve only at speeds below 25 mph
    Show answer

    Chances are five times greater if the occupant stays inside the vehicle. The manual says chances of surviving a crash are five times greater if you stay inside the protection of the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

18. 18. What is a child booster seat designed to do for a child passenger?

    1. Elevate the child to properly sit in a federally approved lap and shoulder belt system
    2. Replace all seat belts with a padded cushion
    3. Face the child rearward until age eight
    4. Attach the child directly to the vehicle frame
    Show answer

    Elevate the child to properly sit in a federally approved lap and shoulder belt system. A child booster seat is a child passenger restraint system meeting the specified federal standards. Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

19. 19. After a young driver finishes the graduated process and the regional office issues the full unrestricted license, what arrives first for immediate use?

    1. A temporary license printed on paper until the card arrives by mail
    2. Only a mailed card, with nothing to carry meanwhile
    3. A sticker placed on the old intermediate permit
    4. A verbal approval with no document
    Show answer

    A temporary license printed on paper until the card arrives by mail. The regional office issues a temporary license printed on paper to use until the license card arrives by U.S. mail. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: The intermediate license and full license

20. 20. On what basis may citizens report a driver to Kentucky's Medical Review Board as incapable of operating a vehicle safely?

    1. An affidavit signed by at least two citizens
    2. One anonymous phone call with no names given
    3. A single social media post about the driver
    4. A petition signed by ten neighbors
    Show answer

    An affidavit signed by at least two citizens. A driver may be reported when named in an affidavit to the Medical Review Board by at least two citizens as incapable of properly operating Full explanation in Test 20

21. 21. What limitation of mirrors must a driver remember while backing up?

    1. Mirrors show the area immediately behind the vehicle best
    2. Mirrors do not show the area immediately behind the vehicle
    3. Mirrors replace looking through the rear window
    4. Mirrors are only for traffic approaching from the front
    Show answer

    Mirrors do not show the area immediately behind the vehicle. Mirrors do not show the area immediately behind the vehicle, so backing also calls for looking directly through the rear window with the rig Full explanation in Test 21

22. 22. When should you avoid sounding your horn close to a bicyclist?

    1. Whenever the bicycle is moving faster than you
    2. When there is no chance of a crash requiring a warning
    3. Only when the rider has signaled a turn
    4. Only in areas with marked bicycle lanes
    Show answer

    When there is no chance of a crash requiring a warning. A nearby horn can startle a bicyclist and cause the rider to steer into your path. Avoid using it simply to announce that you are close. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians and blind pedestrians

23. 23. Which distraction category covers the mental workload of thinking about something other than driving?

    1. Visual distraction
    2. Cognitive distraction
    3. Manual distraction
    4. Mechanical distraction
    Show answer

    Cognitive distraction. Cognitive distraction covers tasks defined as the mental workload associated with thinking about something other than the driving task. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Fatigue, distraction and emotions

24. 24. How often should a driver glance at the speedometer to stay at a safe and legal speed?

    1. About once a minute
    2. Only when passing a police vehicle
    3. Once at the start of each trip
    4. Never, if traffic flow feels right
    Show answer

    About once a minute. The manual recommends making a habit of glancing at the speedometer about once a minute to ensure a safe and legal speed. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Kentucky speed limits

25. 25. How should the front passenger seat be set in a vehicle with air bags, and what should passengers keep off the dashboard?

    1. Seat fully forward; arms may rest on the dashboard
    2. Seat position does not matter with air bags
    3. Seat reclined fully; feet may rest on the dashboard
    4. Seat as far back as possible; keep arms, legs, and personal items off the dashboard
    Show answer

    Seat as far back as possible; keep arms, legs, and personal items off the dashboard. To help avoid serious injury from air bag deployment, the passenger seat should be set as far back from the dashboard as possible. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

26. 26. On a main road and a minor road, which driver must yield?

    1. The driver who reaches the center line first
    2. The driver on the main road
    3. The driver traveling below the speed limit
    4. The driver on the minor road
    Show answer

    The driver on the minor road. Kentucky assigns the yield duty to the driver on the minor road when traffic meets a main road. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, lane changes and passing

27. 27. Why should a passing maneuver be completed as quickly and safely as possible?

    1. It gives the other driver more time to stop for you
    2. It lets you skip checking for oncoming traffic
    3. It makes signaling unnecessary before returning
    4. Staying alongside longer increases exposure to the other vehicle moving toward your lane
    Show answer

    Staying alongside longer increases exposure to the other vehicle moving toward your lane. Time spent alongside another vehicle exposes you to its possible movement toward your lane. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings, crosswalks and lane use

28. 28. What is the usual appearance of a Kentucky warning sign?

    1. White with green letters and rectangular
    2. Yellow with black lettering or symbols and diamond shaped
    3. Blue with white symbols and circular
    4. Orange with red letters and octagonal
    Show answer

    Yellow with black lettering or symbols and diamond shaped. Most warning signs use a yellow background with black lettering or symbols and a diamond shape. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, work zone and guide signs

29. 29. 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 Ken Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: The intermediate license and full license

30. 30. Which warning signs may be fluorescent yellow?

    
    1. Work zones, detours, and construction equipment only
    2. Railroad crossings, hospitals, and fuel stations
    3. Interstate routes, city limits, and county roads
    4. School zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings
    Show answer

    School zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings. The manual names school zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings as examples of warning signs that may be fluorescent yellow. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows

31. 31. For a person under 18 convicted of an alcohol offense, what does the manual say about the license suspension?

    1. It is replaced by a warning with no suspension
    2. It is automatically canceled permanently
    3. It is limited to exactly 30 days
    4. It may be longer than the listed suspension
    Show answer

    It may be longer than the listed suspension. Kentucky gives the under-18 driver a possible longer license suspension after an alcohol conviction. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Implied consent and DUI penalties

32. 32. Where must a driver stop when a stop line appears before a crosswalk?

    1. At the stop line before reaching the crosswalk
    2. On the crosswalk so the front bumper is visible
    3. Past the crosswalk near the intersection center
    4. At the nearest driveway beyond the intersection
    Show answer

    At the stop line before reaching the crosswalk. When a sign or signal requires a stop and a stop line comes before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed first. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings, crosswalks and lane use

33. 33. From what part of your lane should you begin a right turn?

    1. The leftmost portion after swinging wide
    2. The rightmost portion
    3. The center line of the opposing lane
    4. Any position if the turn signal is on
    Show answer

    The rightmost portion. Begin a right turn from the rightmost part of your lane and avoid swinging left first. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, lane changes and passing

34. 34. What response do warning signs encourage when a hazard may be ahead?

    
    1. Ignore the sign until another driver stops
    2. Accelerate so the hazard is passed immediately
    3. Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary
    4. Change lanes without checking nearby traffic
    Show answer

    Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. The manual tells drivers that warning signs should prompt slower driving and readiness to stop when necessary. Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows

35. 35. What visual acuity does Kentucky's bioptic driving program require with corrective lenses?

    1. Any acuity with the device
    2. 20/40 in each eye
    3. 20/20 in the better eye
    4. 20/200 or better in the better eye, and 20/60 with the bioptic device
    Show answer

    20/200 or better in the better eye, and 20/60 with the bioptic device. The bioptic driving program's minimum standards are distance acuity of 20/200 or better with corrective lenses in the better eye, 20/60 or b Full explanation in Test 10

36. 36. When adjusting the driver's seat, where should the top of the steering wheel sit?

    1. No higher than the top of the shoulders and below chin level
    2. At eye level for a clear view over it
    3. Above chin level but below the eyes
    4. At forehead level
    Show answer

    No higher than the top of the shoulders and below chin level. The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than the top of your shoulders and below chin level. Full explanation in Test 11

37. 37. During a traffic stop, how should you handle your hands and documents while waiting for the officer's request and when providing the documents?

    1. Gather license, registration, and insurance at once so they are ready
    2. Step out of the vehicle holding all documents
    3. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and limit movements; when documents are requested, say where they are and reach slowly with one hand on the wheel
    4. Reach into storage areas quickly to show cooperation
    Show answer

    Keep your hands on the steering wheel and limit movements; when documents are requested, say where they are and reach slowly with one hand on the wheel. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and limit movements rather than gathering documents immediately. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and school buses

38. 38. An applicant age 18 to 20 lets a Kentucky instruction permit expire and does not renew it within one year of expiration. What follows?

    1. The permit renews automatically for three more years
    2. The permit converts to a full license
    3. Only the road test must be repeated
    4. The written and vision tests must be repeated
    Show answer

    The written and vision tests must be repeated. For applicants ages 18 to 20, the permit is valid for three years and may be renewed. Full explanation in Test 13

39. 39. A Kentucky permit holder age 15 to 20 has passed the vision and written tests. For how long must that driver hold the permit at minimum?

    1. A minimum of 30 days
    2. A minimum of 90 days
    3. A minimum of 180 days
    4. A minimum of one year
    Show answer

    A minimum of 180 days. Permit holders ages 15 to 20 must hold their permit for at least 180 days. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: The learner's permit phase for teens

40. 40. What must Kentucky liability coverage provide besides bodily injury and property damage limits, and what is the exception?

    1. Collision coverage for every vehicle, with no exceptions
    2. Basic reparations benefits, unless the insured vehicle is a motorcycle
    3. Rental car coverage, unless the vehicle is a truck
    4. Roadside assistance for all insured vehicles
    Show answer

    Basic reparations benefits, unless the insured vehicle is a motorcycle. The policy must provide basic reparations benefits unless the insured vehicle is a motorcycle. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Renewal, registration and insurance