Overview
This lecture covers the core knowledge required for safe driving and licensure in Kentucky, including licensing processes, traffic laws, driver safety, and best practices for sharing the road.
Types of Driver Licenses and Permits
- Kentucky issues Class A, B, C (commercial), D (operator), E (moped), and M (motorcycle) licenses.
- CDL (commercial license) is required for vehicles meeting specific weight or passenger criteria.
- Class D is the standard operator's license for most drivers.
- Moped (Class E) and motorcycle (Class M) licenses have specific age and testing requirements.
Licensing Requirements
- Minimum age is 16 for all licenses; under 18 requires parent/guardian consent.
- Graduated Driver License Program applies to drivers under 18 (permit, intermediate, unrestricted license).
- Documents required: birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, and school compliance.
- Testing includes vision, written, and road skills exams.
Testing and Preparation
- Vision screening requires at least 20/40 acuity; corrective lenses may be mandated.
- Written knowledge tests require 80% to pass and are available in multiple languages.
- Road skills tests include vehicle inspection, backing, turning, parking, and compliance with laws.
Traffic Laws and Road Rules
- Yield right-of-way in intersections, to pedestrians, and where posted.
- Understand and obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Kentucky has primary seat belt and child passenger safety laws.
- Passing, parking, and turning rules must be followed; know school bus stop laws.
Safe Driving Practices
- Avoid distractions (phone, eating, conversations).
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; BAC limit is 0.08 (0.02 for under 21).
- Maintain safe speeds and following distances (minimum 4 seconds).
- Use mirrors and perform visual searches regularly.
Sharing the Road
- Always yield to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency vehicles.
- Allow full lane width for motorcyclists; beware of vehicle blind spots (esp. large trucks).
- Obey move-over laws and use caution near slow-moving vehicles, work zones, and rural roads.
Special Driving Situations
- Use high beams at night only when no oncoming traffic; dim lights within 500 feet of vehicles.
- In work zones, reduce speed and increase following distance.
- Adjust driving for weather, road surface, and visibility.
Emergency Situations
- In a skid, steer in the direction of the rear, avoid hard braking.
- In case of collisions, stop, assist, and exchange information; report as required by law.
- For vehicle malfunctions (blowout, brake failure), maintain control and pull off safely.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Graduated Driver License Program — Three-phase licensing process for drivers under 18.
- CDL (Commercial Driver's License) — License for operating commercial vehicles.
- No Zone — Blind spots around large trucks and buses.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) — Helps maintain steering during hard braking.
- Implied Consent Law — Legal requirement to submit to BAC testing if suspected of DUI.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Kentucky Driver Manual for more details.
- Collect all required documents before scheduling testing.
- Complete driver education and practice driving logs as needed.
- Study road signs, signals, and markings for the written test.
- Schedule and attend vision, written, and road skills tests.