Kentucky’s House Bill 15
Turning sweet 16 in Kentucky used to mean a trip to the DMV. Now Kentucky teens have less of a wait time to get behind the wheel. Kentucky’s House Bill 15 has passed, meaning 15 year olds are now eligible to apply for their driver’s permits.
Introduced to the House on January 8th, Kentucky’s House Bill 15 proposed to “allow persons who are at least 15 years old to apply for a motor vehicle instruction permit”. The bill moved it’s way through Senate, the Department of Transportation and was effectively passed with a 90-5 vote on March 13th. Delivered and signed by Governor Andy Beshear, the bill is now in effect as of March 25th, 2025.
For families with 15 year olds, the steps to acquiring a permit remain the same.
- Pass a written knowledge test (study using the KY Driver Manual, click here)
- Take a vision test
- Apply for a permit at local DMV
When applying for a permit, bring the following documents:
- Original Birth Certificate (or certified copy)
- Social Security Card (must bring card as proof)
- One proof of Residency (two for REAL ID)
- School Compliance Verification Form issued by their school
A parent or legal guardian that is listed on the applicant’s birth certificate must also sign the license/ID card application form.
Permit holders must abide by certain rules to maintain their permit status, including:
- May only driver with a licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat
- Limited to one unrelated passenger under 20 years old
- Before obtaining a full, unrestricted license, drivers must complete a driver’s training program
- Additional rules may apply, see drive.ky.gov
Drive safe, Kentucky!
Learn more about the new driver licensing law for 15-year-olds by clicking here.
