Intermediate & full unrestricted license

After 180 days on your permit, schedule a road test with the KSP Driver Testing Branch. Pass it and the examiner places an 'Intermediate License' sticker on your permit. After 180 more days plus a driver education course, you can get your full unrestricted license.

Kentucky's graduated licensing at a glance

Kentucky's graduated licensing at a glance
Phase	Minimum time	Key limits
Learner's permit	180 days	21+ licensed driver in front seat; 60-hour log
Intermediate license	180 days + driver ed	No driving 12–6 a.m.; 1 unrelated rider under 20
Full unrestricted	No minimum	Zero tolerance (.02) still applies under 21

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Bring to the road test:

Registered vehicle plus proof of insurance: insurance card, current policy, or agent's written binder
For a rental car: your name must be on the rental contract as an operator
Practice Driving Log signed and certified by your parent/guardian: 60 hours, 10 at night
GDL Skills Test Eligibility Letter, dated within seven days of its print date

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Know the rule

It's unlawful to drive yourself to the road test unless a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. Violating this or any traffic law at the test site gets your test rescheduled.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

1 week

Minimum wait after failing the road skills test before retesting

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Know the rule

Intermediate drivers must carry the license at all times and may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless they show good cause, such as emergencies, school or work-related activities.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Also on the intermediate license:

Under 18: passengers limited to 1 unrelated person under 20
Zero Alcohol Tolerance (.02 BAC) for all drivers under 21
A restriction, KRS 189 moving or KRS 189A DUI violation adds at least 180 days before a full license
Under 18 with more than six points: driving privilege may be suspended

Handbook p. 13 ↗

Know the rule

If your permit was issued before 18, you must enroll in an approved driver training program before your 18th birthday and complete it before moving to the full unrestricted phase.

Handbook p. 13 ↗

Acceptable driver training:

Classroom version—free to Kentucky drivers
Online version—$11.00
A high school driver education course
A private course at an approved driver training school, including 4 hours of classroom training

Handbook p. 13 ↗

Know the rule

Alive at 25 and RightLane completions reach the Division of Driver Licensing automatically; allow two full business days. Mail other completions yourself, with your license/permit number, name and date of birth.

Handbook p. 14 ↗

Know the rule

After 180 days on the intermediate license plus the course, book at any Driver Licensing Regional Office. You'll get a paper temporary license until the card arrives by mail. Bring 1 proof of residency (2 for REAL ID) if your address has changed.

Handbook p. 13 ↗

Put it into practice

You passed your road test in March. In July, still on your intermediate license, you get a speeding ticket. That moving violation adds at least 180 days, counted from the ticket date, before you can apply for your full unrestricted license.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

After holding a permit for 180 days, what must a driver pass to obtain an intermediate license?

The skills/road test
A defensive driving course
A second vision screening
Another written test

Answer: The skills/road test

The intermediate license is obtained by passing the skills/road test after the 180-day permit period.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

If an applicant fails the road skills test, how long must they wait before attempting it again?

At least 90 days
At least 24 hours
At least 30 days
At least one week

Answer: At least one week

Applicants who fail the road skills test must wait at least one week before retesting.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

An intermediate license holder under 18 generally may not drive between:

1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Answer: 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Like permit holders, intermediate license holders under 18 may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. without good cause.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

To move from an intermediate license to a full unrestricted license, a driver must hold the intermediate license for at least:

30 days with no other requirement
90 days and pass a second road test
180 days plus driver education
365 days with no other requirement

Answer: 180 days plus driver education

After holding the intermediate license 180 days and completing required driver education, the driver is eligible for a full license.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

A driver whose permit was issued before age 18 must enroll in an approved driver training program:

Within 10 days of getting their permit
Only if they fail the road test once
Before their sixteenth birthday
Before their eighteenth birthday

Answer: Before their eighteenth birthday

Drivers under 18 must enroll before their eighteenth birthday and complete the program before full licensure.

Handbook p. 13 ↗

It is unlawful for a permit holder to drive themselves to their road test appointment because:

Permits are not valid on test day
The examiner must drive them there
They must be accompanied by a parent only
A licensed driver 21+ must ride with them

Answer: A licensed driver 21+ must ride with them

Permit holders must always be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat, including on the way to the test.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Kentucky's graduated licensing at a glance

Bring to the road test:

Also on the intermediate license:

Acceptable driver training:

Check your understanding

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