Kentucky Driver Manual 10-11-2023

Section One: The Driver's License

About This Manual

• Kentucky residents must secure a Kentucky driver's license to drive on state roadways.
• The manual helps drivers understand safe driving practices and traffic laws.
• Studying the manual prepares drivers for the required testing to obtain a license.

Types of Driver's Licenses and Permits

• Commercial Driver's Licenses (Class A, B, C): Required for drivers operating commercial vehicles.
  • Class A: Vehicles over 26,001 pounds with towed weight over 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B: Single vehicles over 26,001 pounds.
  • Class C: Single vehicles under 26,001 pounds with hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers.
• Operators License (Class D): Standard license for motor vehicles, required for residents aged 16 and above.
• Moped License (Class E): For operating mopeds, requires a minimum age of 16.
• Motorcycle License (Class M): Requires completion of knowledge and skills tests or a motorcycle rider education course.

Licensing Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
• First-time applicants must pass vision, knowledge, and skills tests.
• Additional requirements for those under 18 include parental consent and compliance with the Graduated Driver License Program.

Testing Requirements and Preparation

• Vision Screening: Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 required.
• Written Test: Covers driving rules and requires a minimum score of 80%.
• Road Test: Evaluates practical driving skills, including vehicle control and adherence to traffic laws.

Test Scheduling

• Tests are by appointment only via the Kentucky State Police's online scheduling tool.

Out-of-State License or Driving on an Existing License

• Out-of-state licenses must be transferred within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Certain conditions allow continued use of an existing license.

Driver License Renewal and Updates

• Licenses expire based on age and can be renewed up to six months in advance.
• Updates are required for address or name changes.

Loss of Driving Privileges

• Licenses can be suspended for reasons such as DUI, failure to maintain insurance, or accruing excessive points.

Section Two: General Information

Motor Vehicle Registration

• Vehicles must be registered with the county clerk within 15 days of purchase or bringing into Kentucky.

Insurance Law

• Vehicles must maintain minimum liability coverage.
• Failure to maintain insurance results in fines and possible jail time.

Medical Review Board

• Identifies drivers with impairments that affect safe vehicle operation.

Motor Vehicles and the Environment

• Emphasizes emissions testing and environmental responsibility.

Organ Donation

• Drivers can register as organ donors when obtaining or renewing a license.

Section Three: Be in Shape to Drive

Vision and Hearing

• Regular eye exams are crucial, and hearing awareness is important for safe driving.

Fatigue and Driver Distractions

• Avoid driving when fatigued and minimize distractions like cell phone use.

Emotions and Aggressive Driving

• Stay calm and avoid aggressive behaviors that increase crash risk.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving

• Zero tolerance for under-21 drivers; impairment starts with the first drink.

Section Four: Before You Drive

Vehicle Inspection

• Ensure tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread.

Adjusting Seat and Mirrors

• Proper seating and mirror adjustments are vital for safety and visibility.

Using Safety Belts and Air Bags

• Mandatory use of seat belts; airbags are supplemental safety devices.

Child Passenger Safety Laws

• Children must be properly restrained, following specific height and age guidelines.

Secure Your Load

• Loads must be secured to prevent hazards on the road.

Section Five: Basic Driving

Starting and Moving the Vehicle

• Start engine with foot on brake; use signal when moving.

Steering and Backing Up

• Proper hand positioning for steering; back up carefully using mirrors.

Section Six: Rules of the Road

Yielding Right of Way

• Follow rules to determine when to yield at intersections and when turning.

Traffic Control Devices

• Obey signals, signs, and markings to ensure safe passage through intersections.

Traffic Signs

• Learn the meaning of various signs to navigate roads safely.

Section Seven: General Driving

Turning and Turnabouts

• Proper techniques for making right and left turns, including yielding to oncoming traffic.

Intersections and Roundabouts

• Navigate intersections safely and understand roundabout usage.

Road Sharing with School Buses

• Stop for buses loading/unloading; exceptions for roads with four or more lanes.

Parking

• Follow parking guidelines and understand no-parking zones.

Lane Use

• Use lanes correctly based on speed and purpose; avoid left lane for passing only.

Section Eight: Safe Driving Tips

Visual Search

• Keep eyes moving, checking for potential hazards on the road.

Speed and Space Management

• Adjust speed for conditions and maintain safe following distances.

Backing and Communicating

• Back up slowly and use signals to communicate intentions to others.

Section Nine: Emergency Situations and Avoiding Crashes

Emergencies

• Options include braking, steering, or accelerating to avoid crashes.

Dealing with Skids

• Regain control by steering into the skid and avoiding brakes.

Vehicle Malfunctions

• Learn how to handle issues like brake failure or tire blowouts.

Section Ten: Sharing the Road

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

• Yield and maintain awareness for non-motorized road users.

Motorcyclists and Commercial Vehicles

• Allow space and be mindful of their unique needs on the road.

Emergency Vehicles and Move-Over Laws

• Yield to emergency vehicles; move over for roadside incidents.

Section Eleven: Special Driving Situations

Night Driving

• Use appropriate beams and increase following distance.

Work Zones and Rural Roads

• Adjust driving in work zones and be cautious on rural roads with potential hazards.

Safe Trailering

• Properly load and secure trailers; adjust driving to accommodate trailer dynamics.

Section Twelve: Test Your Knowledge

• Sample questions to test understanding of the manual's content.