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Kentucky Driver Manual Overview

May 15, 2025

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.