For the KY permit test, what to bring is an original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, one proof of Kentucky residency (two for a REAL ID), the $15 permit fee ($18 for REAL ID) and, if you are under 18, your school compliance form and a parent or legal guardian. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) lists these on drive.ky.gov. Photocopies are not accepted.
KY permit test: what to bring under 18
KYTC's Graduated Driver Licensing page lists these for applicants under 18:
- Proof of identity: your original birth certificate or a certified copy. Hospital-issued certificates do not count.
- Your Social Security card, showing your current name.
- One proof of Kentucky residency, or two for a REAL ID.
- The TC 94-200 Kentucky High School Compliance Verification Form, issued by your school.
- A parent or legal guardian listed on the birth certificate to sign the application. KYTC says your parent or guardian must come with you to your testing appointment.
- The fee: $15 for a permit, or $18 for a REAL ID permit.
Ask your school for the TC 94-200 a week or two ahead. Schools need time to fill it out, and you cannot get the permit without it.
What to bring to the permit test in KY at 18 or older
KYTC's page for ages 18 to 20 lists one proof of identity, your Social Security card and one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID), with the same $15 or $18 fee. Applicants 21 and older have their own KYTC page, so check it before you go. You do not need the school form or a parent.
Which residency proofs count?
KYTC's proof documents list accepts items like these. Some must be dated within one year, and a P.O. box does not count as a physical address.
| Dated within one year | Most current version |
|---|---|
| Utility or telephone bill | Kentucky property tax bill |
| Bank statement | Kentucky vehicle registration or title |
| Pay slip or salary statement | Lease, rental agreement or mortgage statement |
| State or federal tax return | Insurance policy |
| Kentucky voter registration card | Kentucky school enrollment record |
| U.S. Postal Service postmarked mail | Most recent W-2 or 1099, not handwritten |
Teens often use a parent's documents for residency. Rules on that can vary, so check the KYTC ID Document Guide at drive.ky.gov before your visit.
Kentucky permit test schedule: how test day works
Kentucky splits the visit between two agencies. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) give the written and vision tests, and KYTC's Regional Driver Licensing Offices issue the permit.
- Book onlineSchedule your written and vision test with KSP through the online scheduler linked from drive.ky.gov. KSP says you can book at any regional location, whatever county you live in.
- Optional: start in myDriveKYTC lets you begin a pre-application in myDrive before your visit. You need an account.
- Regional office firstOn test day, KYTC says you visit the Regional Office first to show your documents.
- Test with KSPTake the written and vision tests with KSP. Teens must be at least 15.
- Back to the Regional OfficeAfter passing, return to the Regional Office to get your learner's permit.
The Kentucky Driver Manual sets the pass mark at 80 percent. If you fail the written test, KYTC says you may return the next available day to retake it.
Common reasons people get turned away
- A photocopy or hospital certificate instead of an original or certified birth certificate.
- A Social Security card that shows an old name.
- A residency document older than one year, or one that shows only a P.O. box.
- No TC 94-200 form from school.
- No parent or legal guardian at the appointment for a teen.
FAQ
What do I need to bring to the KY permit test?
An original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, proof of Kentucky residency and the fee. Under 18, add the TC 94-200 school form and a parent or legal guardian.
What to bring to permit test KY if I want a REAL ID?
The same documents plus a second proof of Kentucky residency. The REAL ID permit costs $18 instead of $15.
How do I check the Kentucky permit test schedule?
Book through the KSP online scheduler linked from drive.ky.gov. You can choose any regional testing location in the state.
Does my parent have to come to the Kentucky permit test?
Yes, if you are under 18. KYTC says your parent or legal guardian must come with you to your testing appointment.
What if I fail the Kentucky permit test?
KYTC says you may return the next available day to retake the written test.
