Kentucky Drivers Manual Overview

Table of Contents

• Graduated Licensing Laws for New Drivers
• Licensing Process
• Commercial Drivers License
• Rules of the Road
• Seeing Well
• Communicating to Other Drivers
• Adjusting Speed
• Keeping a Space Cushion
• Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailer Trucks
• Handling Emergencies
• Motorcycles
• Mopeds
• Trail Bikes and ATVs
• Bicycles
• Keeping in Shape
• Protecting Your Drivers License
• Traffic Signals and Signs
• General Information
• Organ Donation
• Smart Driving

Graduated Licensing Laws for New Drivers

• Permit Phase

  • Age requirement: 16 years
  • 180-day instruction period
  • Supervised driving required
  • Restrictions on nighttime driving
  • Practice driving: 60 hours required
  • Passenger restriction: 1 unrelated person under 20
  • Prohibition of driving under influence and serious violations

• Intermediate Phase

  • Requires passing skills test
  • Same nighttime and passenger restrictions as permit phase
  • Zero Alcohol Tolerance for drivers under 21

Licensing Process

• Eligibility: Age 16 and not having driving privileges withdrawn
• Required documents: Social Security Card, Birth Certificate
• Graduated License Program requirements for under 18
• Road test requirements: Permit, vehicle registration, insurance

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

• Classes A, B, and C based on vehicle weight and use
• Exemptions include military, emergency vehicles, farm vehicles

Rules of the Road

• Traffic Control
  • Intersections: Signals, signs, right-of-way
  • Traffic signals: Red, Yellow, Green
  • Flashing lights and arrows
• Turning and Lane Usage
  • Right Turns on Red
  • Lane markings and lane changes
• Parking
  • Parallel parking steps
  • Handicapped parking laws

Seeing Well

• Importance of vision: Looking ahead, checking mirrors
• Night driving tips: Proper usage of high beams

Communicating to Other Drivers

• Importance of signaling: Direction changes, emergencies
• Proper horn use

Adjusting Speed

• Speed limits in Kentucky
• Adjusting for road conditions and visibility

Keeping a Space Cushion

• Importance of maintaining distance
• Tips for following and side/rear spacing

Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailer Trucks

• Awareness of truck blind spots
• Safe passing and stopping distances

Handling Emergencies

• Slippery surfaces and skids
• Mechanical failures and appropriate responses
• Collision avoidance techniques

Motorcycles

• Laws and safety education programs
• Operator and vehicle requirements
• Hazards and safety tips for motorcyclists

Mopeds, Trail Bikes, and ATVs

• Moped licensing and operation
• Legal use of ATVs and trail bikes

Bicycles

• Traffic laws applicable to bicycles
• Rules for cyclists and motorists

Keeping in Shape

• Impact of alcohol, drugs, health, and emotions on driving
• DUI laws and penalties
• Importance of alertness and avoiding distractions

Protecting Your Drivers License

• Suspension, revocation, and cancellation reasons
• Kentucky point system and penalties

Traffic Signals and Signs

• Standard colors and shapes
• Regulatory, warning, and directional signs

General Information

• Vehicle registration and insurance requirements
• Organ donation registration
• Smart driving tips to conserve energy and reduce pollution

This manual serves as a comprehensive guide for prospective and current drivers in Kentucky, covering essential topics from licensing processes to safe driving practices and emergency handling.