Overview
This lecture covers the key knowledge and legal requirements for driving in Kentucky, including driver licensing, driving rules, vehicle operation, safety practices, and handling special situations.
Driver Licensing in Kentucky
- Kentucky issues several types of licenses: Class A, B, C (commercial), D (operator), E (moped), and M (motorcycle).
- License applicants must meet age, residency, and vision standards.
- Drivers under 18 follow a Graduated Driver License Program: Permit (180 days, 60 hours practice), Intermediate, then Full License.
- Required documents include birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, and, for teens, school compliance form.
- Nonresidents, military, and those transferring from out-of-state must follow specific procedures.
- Licenses must be renewed periodically and updated after address or name changes.
Testing & Preparation
- Vision screening is mandatory; 20/40 minimum acuity is required.
- Written tests cover driving rules, signs, and safe practices; 80% is passing.
- Road skills test evaluates stops, backing, turns, parking, and overall control.
- All vehicle equipment must be functional and legal for the road test.
Safe Vehicle Operation
- Regularly check tire pressure and tread; properly adjust seat and mirrors.
- Always use seat belts and ensure proper child restraints.
- Air bags are supplemental and require correct usage of safety belts.
- Loads must be securely fastened to prevent hazards.
Rules of the Road
- Yield right of way when required, especially at intersections, for pedestrians, and emergency vehicles.
- Know and obey traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings.
- Understand correct procedures for passing, lane use, and parking.
Safe Driving Practices
- Constantly scan ahead, to the sides, and behind using proper visual search techniques.
- Adjust speed for weather, visibility, curves, and traffic conditions.
- Maintain a minimum 4-second following distance and increase in poor conditions.
- Avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Emergency Situations & Crashes
- To avoid crashes: brake, steer or accelerate as needed.
- In a skid, look where you want to go and steer accordingly; avoid slamming brakes.
- In a collision, stop at the scene, provide aid, and exchange information.
- Know proper response to vehicle malfunctions (brake failure, tire blowout, power loss).
Sharing the Road
- Yield and be cautious around pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and large commercial vehicles.
- Move over for emergency vehicles and follow Kentucky’s move-over laws.
- Special caution required for work zones, school buses, funeral processions, and slow-moving vehicles.
Special Driving Situations
- At night, use high beams when no vehicles are approaching; dim for oncoming or following vehicles.
- Drive slower on rural roads, in work zones, or in poor visibility.
- When trailering, secure loads, load heavier in front, and drive slower.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Graduated Driver License (GDL) — A phased process for new drivers under 18 to gain experience before full driving privileges.
- CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) — Required for operating large or commercial vehicles.
- Space Cushion — The safe distance between your vehicle and others to give time to react.
- Implied Consent Law — Requires drivers to submit to alcohol/drug testing if suspected of DUI.
- No Zone — Blind spots around large commercial vehicles.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) — Prevents wheel lockup during emergency braking.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Kentucky Driver Manual fully before taking any licensing test.
- Gather all required documents for permit or license applications.
- Schedule driver testing appointments via the Kentucky State Police online tool.
- Practice safe driving habits and log required hours if under 18.
- Complete an approved driver education course if required.
- Ensure vehicle maintenance and legal compliance before any road test.