Kentucky DMV practice test
40 practice questions written from the official handbook, Kentucky Driver Manual, Updated 7/23/26. The mock test asks 40 questions and needs 32 correct.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The Kentucky State Police, Driver Testing Branch did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 40 questions and needs 32 correct to pass.
The real Kentucky test
The manual says applicants must make a minimum score of 80 percent to pass but prints no question count. 40 questions and 32 correct are our practice target; check kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov before your test.
Check before your test. The Kentucky DMV does not publish the test size in a document we could find. Our number is a practice target.
Rule source: Kentucky Driver Manual, Written Test.
Official handbook
Kentucky Driver Manual
Read the handbook (PDF, Kentucky State Police, Driver Testing Branch) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol concentration that violates the law for a Kentucky driver under 21 | 0.02 or more | 26 |
| Practice driving hours for a Kentucky permit holder | 60 hours, 10 of them at night | 6 |
| Who must ride with a Kentucky permit holder | A licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat | 6 |
| Points that can suspend a Kentucky driver under 18 | More than six points | 5 |
| Hours a Kentucky intermediate license holder may not drive without good cause | Midnight to 6 a.m. | 6 |
| Unrelated passengers under 20 allowed with a Kentucky intermediate license | One | 7 |
| Points in two years that may suspend a Kentucky driver 18 or older | 12 points (7 if under 18) | 17 |
| How long Kentucky points last on a record | Two years from the conviction date | 17 |
| Kentucky speed limit on interstate highways and parkways | 65 mph | 49 |
| Kentucky speed limit on all other state highways | 55 mph | 49 |
| Kentucky speed limit in a business or residential district | 35 mph | 49 |
| Kentucky speed limit in an off-street parking facility open to the public | 15 mph | 49 |
| Minimum following distance in the Kentucky manual | 4 seconds | 51 |
| Alcohol concentration that violates Kentucky's DUI law | 0.08 or above | 26 |
| License suspension for a first Kentucky DUI in ten years | Four to six months | 27 |
| Fine range for a first Kentucky DUI conviction | $200 to $500 plus court costs | 27 |
| Jail time range for a first Kentucky DUI conviction | 48 hours to 30 days | 27 |
| BAC that is an aggravating circumstance for Kentucky DUI penalties | 0.15 or higher | 27 |
| Passenger age that is an aggravating circumstance for Kentucky DUI | Under 12 years of age | 27 |
| When Kentucky requires headlights | From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise | 54 |
| Height at or below which a Kentucky child needs a child restraint system | 40 inches or less | 31 |
| Kentucky child the booster seat law covers | Under age 8 and between 40 and 57 inches tall | 31 |
| Type of Kentucky seat belt enforcement | Primary enforcement | 30 |
| When a Kentucky driver must stop for a school or church bus | When it is stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers, until people are clear and the bus moves | 44 |
| Stopping distance for an average freight train at 55 mph | A mile or more | 37 |
| What Kentucky move-over law requires around stopped emergency vehicles | Slow down and move into the left lane on four-lane highways when safe | 66 |
Questions about the Kentucky test
How many questions are on the Kentucky DMV written test?
The agency does not publish the number of questions. Our mock test uses 40. The manual says applicants must make a minimum score of 80 percent to pass but prints no question count. 40 questions and 32 correct are our practice target; check kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov before your test.
How many questions do I need to pass the Kentucky written test?
You need 80% to pass. The agency does not publish the number of questions, so our mock test needs 32 of 40.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 40 practice questions from the official handbook, Kentucky Driver Manual, Updated 7/23/26. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the Kentucky DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
Kentucky Driver Manual, Updated 7/23/26, published by the Kentucky State Police, Driver Testing Branch. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 40 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.What score must an applicant make to pass the Kentucky written test?
The Test
- 80 percent
The manual says applicants must make a minimum score of 80 percent to pass the written test. Handbook: Written Test, page 10.
- 2.What subjects are on the Kentucky written test?
The Test
- Driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs
The manual says the test contains questions on driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs. Handbook: Written Test, page 10.
- 3.How many hours of practice driving must a Kentucky permit holder log?
Licensing and GDL
- 60 hours, 10 at night
The practice driving log must list 60 hours of practice driving, 10 of them at night. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 6.
- 4.Who must accompany a Kentucky permit holder while driving?
Licensing and GDL
- A licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat
A permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 occupying the front passenger seat. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 6.
- 5.What happens if a Kentucky driver under 18 accumulates more than six points?
Licensing and GDL
- The driving privilege may be suspended
A driver under 18 who accumulates more than six points may have their driving privilege suspended. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 5.
- 6.When may a Kentucky intermediate license holder not drive without a good cause?
Licensing and GDL
- Between midnight and 6 a.m.
An intermediate license holder may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless there is a good cause such as school, work or an emergency. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 6.
- 7.How many unrelated passengers under 20 may ride with a Kentucky intermediate license holder who is under 18?
Licensing and GDL
- One
A driver under 18 with an intermediate license is limited to one unrelated person under 20. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 7.
- 8.How many points in a two-year period may suspend a Kentucky driver who is 18 or older?
Licensing and GDL
- 12 points
Upon accumulating 12 points (7 if under 18) within a two-year period, the privilege to drive may be suspended. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 17.
- 9.How long do points assessed under the Kentucky system last?
Licensing and GDL
- Two years from conviction
Points expire two years from the date of conviction, though the conviction stays on the record for five years. Handbook: The Driver's License, page 17.
- 10.When no limit is posted, what is the speed limit on Kentucky interstate highways and parkways?
Speed and Space
- 65 mph
The unposted limit is 65 mph on interstate highways and parkways. Handbook: Kentucky Speed Limits, page 49.
- 11.When no limit is posted, what is the speed limit on all other Kentucky state highways?
Speed and Space
- 55 mph
The unposted limit is 55 mph on all other state highways. Handbook: Kentucky Speed Limits, page 49.
- 12.When no limit is posted, what is the speed limit in a Kentucky business or residential district?
Speed and Space
- 35 mph
The unposted limit is 35 mph in a business and residential district. Handbook: Kentucky Speed Limits, page 49.
- 13.What is the speed limit in a Kentucky off-street parking facility open to the public?
Speed and Space
- 15 mph
The speed limit in an off-street parking facility offered for public use is 15 mph. Handbook: Kentucky Speed Limits, page 49.
- 14.What minimum following distance does the Kentucky manual give?
Speed and Space
- 4 seconds
The manual says to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front. Handbook: Providing Adequate Following Distance, page 51.
- 15.Which situation calls for more following distance in Kentucky?
Speed and Space
- When following a motorcycle
The manual says to allow extra space when following motorcycles, in bad weather, and behind vehicles that stop at railroad crossings. Handbook: Providing Adequate Following Distance, page 51.
- 16.At what alcohol concentration is a Kentucky driver in violation of the DUI law?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.08 or above
A person violates the DUI law by operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 26.
- 17.What alcohol concentration applies to a Kentucky driver under 21?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.02 or more
All Kentucky drivers under 21 are subject to zero alcohol tolerance, defined as 0.02 blood alcohol concentration. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 26.
- 18.Can a Kentucky driver be convicted of DUI with an alcohol concentration under 0.08?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Yes, if there is evidence of impaired driving
The manual says you can still be in violation with a concentration under 0.08 if there is evidence of impaired driving. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 26.
- 19.How long is the license suspension for a first Kentucky DUI conviction within ten years?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Four to six months
A first conviction within a ten-year period brings a license suspension of four to six months. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 27.
- 20.What fine range applies to a first Kentucky DUI conviction?
Alcohol and Drugs
- $200 to $500 plus court costs
A first conviction is fined not less than $200 nor more than $500 plus court costs. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 27.
- 21.What jail time applies to a first Kentucky DUI conviction?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 48 hours to 30 days
A first conviction carries imprisonment from 48 hours to 30 days. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 27.
- 22.Which BAC is an aggravating circumstance that requires mandatory jail time in Kentucky?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.15 or higher
An alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher within two hours of driving is listed as an aggravating circumstance. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 27.
- 23.Which passenger makes a Kentucky DUI an aggravating circumstance?
Alcohol and Drugs
- A passenger under 12 years of age
Operating a motor vehicle while transporting a passenger under 12 years of age is an aggravating circumstance. Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive, page 27.
- 24.When may you turn right at a steady red light in Kentucky?
Signals and Right of Way
- After stopping, when the turn is not prohibited
If the roadway is clear and turns are not prohibited, you may turn right at a steady red light after stopping. Handbook: Traffic Signals, page 41.
- 25.What does a flashing yellow arrow mean in Kentucky?
Signals and Right of Way
- Proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow
A flashing yellow arrow means proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow. Handbook: Flashing Lights, page 42.
- 26.At an intersection without signs or signals where two vehicles arrive at about the same time, who goes first?
Signals and Right of Way
- The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
At an uncontrolled intersection the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Handbook: Right-of-Way, page 41.
- 27.When turning left in Kentucky, whom must you yield to?
Signals and Right of Way
- Oncoming traffic
On a left turn you must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard. Handbook: Right-of-Way, page 41.
- 28.What do orange diamond or rectangular signs mean in Kentucky?
Signals and Right of Way
- A work zone
Orange signs mark work zones and warn of construction, maintenance or emergency operations. Handbook: Traffic Signs, page 46.
- 29.When must a Kentucky driver stop for a school or church bus?
School Buses and Railroad
- When it is stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers, until all people are clear and the bus is moving
By law you must stop for a bus stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers and remain stopped until all people are clear of the roadway and the bus is in motion. Handbook: Rules for School Buses, page 44.
- 30.How far does an average freight train at 55 mph need to stop?
School Buses and Railroad
- A mile or more
The stopping distance for an average freight train at 55 mph may be a mile or more. Handbook: Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, page 37.
- 31.At a Kentucky crossing with more than one track, when may you start across after a train passes?
School Buses and Railroad
- When you have a clear view in both directions, because a second train could come
Do not start up as soon as the train passes; wait for a clear view in both directions because a second train could approach. Handbook: Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, page 37.
- 32.What type of seat belt enforcement law does Kentucky have?
Seat Belts and Children
- Primary enforcement
Kentucky's seat belt law is primary, so officers can stop drivers observed not wearing a seat belt. Handbook: Seat Belt Law, page 30.
- 33.Who must wear a seat belt in a Kentucky vehicle manufactured after 1981?
Seat Belts and Children
- The driver and all passengers
The driver and all passengers must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt unless the passenger is in a child restraint system. Handbook: Seat Belt Law, page 29.
- 34.What is the height rule for Kentucky's child restraint requirement?
Seat Belts and Children
- A child 40 inches or less must be in a child restraint system
Any driver transporting a child 40 inches or less must secure the child in a federally approved child restraint system. Handbook: Child Passenger Safety Laws, page 31.
- 35.Which Kentucky children must use a booster seat or child restraint?
Seat Belts and Children
- Under 8 years old and between 40 and 57 inches tall
A child under 8 who is between 40 and 57 inches tall must be secured in a child booster seat or child restraint. Handbook: Child Passenger Safety Laws, page 31.
- 36.What must you do when a Kentucky emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren on?
Sharing the Road
- Yield right-of-way by pulling over to the edge of the road and avoid blocking intersections
You must yield to an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren by pulling over to the edge of the road, avoiding blocking intersections. Handbook: Emergency Vehicles, page 64.
- 37.What does Kentucky's move-over law require near an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder?
Sharing the Road
- Approach slowly and move into the left lane on four-lane highways when safe
Drivers must exercise due caution, approaching slowly and moving into the left lane on four-lane highways if it is safe. Handbook: Emergency Vehicles, page 66.
- 38.Why should you not turn left in front of an oncoming truck or bus in Kentucky?
Sharing the Road
- They may be going faster than you think and need more distance to stop
The manual warns that trucks and buses may be going faster than you think and take longer to stop than a car. Handbook: Large Trucks and Buses, page 63.
- 39.When does the Kentucky manual say headlights must be illuminated?
Night Driving
- From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise
Headlights must be illuminated from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and are advised in rain, snow or fog. Handbook: Use headlights, page 54.
- 40.When should you turn your headlights on even if the law does not require it?
Night Driving
- Whenever you have trouble seeing other vehicles
The manual says to turn headlights on whenever you have trouble seeing other vehicles, because they are probably having trouble seeing you. Handbook: Use headlights, page 54.