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Does my teen need drivers ed to get a license in Kentucky?

Yes, for a driver under 18 who wants an unrestricted license. Kentucky requires an approved Graduated Driver Licensing course: the 4-hour driver education course. The state's course list includes an online option. Before that, your teen needs a permit and 60 hours of supervised driving practice.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Drivers under 18 must complete an approved Graduated Driver Licensing courseThey must finish it before applying for an unrestricted license.
Verified. drive.ky.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
A required 4-hour driver education courseYour teen also holds the intermediate license for at least 180 days and is at least 17 before the full license.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
The state's course list includes an online course optionThe listed price is $12.50.
Same source and date as above
Supervised driving
At least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, 10 of them at nightA licensed driver age 21 or older must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times.
Same source and date as above
Cost
One listed course is free for Kentucky driversIt is available in person or by Zoom.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the rule. Drivers under 18 must complete an approved Graduated Driver Licensing course before applying for an unrestricted license. Applicants must be at least 15 years old to take the written and vision tests with the Kentucky State Police.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the state's driver education options. One option is an online course, another is free in person or by Zoom, and a school-based option is free too. If you use a school course, make sure it is approved and meets the 4-hour in-classroom requirement.

  3. Step 3. Complete the required 4-hour driver education course. Your teen also needs at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, and must hold the intermediate license for at least 180 days and be at least 17 before applying for a full unrestricted license.

  4. Step 4. Make sure the completion reaches the state. Completion of the free in-person course is submitted directly to the Division of Driver Licensing. With a school course, completion documents must be mailed to KYTC.

Before you pay

Check that the course is approved and meets the 4-hour requirement before you pay.

Compare the options the state lists: one is free in person or by Zoom, and the online course is listed at $12.50.

With a school course, ask who sends in the completion documents, since the driver is responsible for submitting them to KYTC.

Questions

Does a parent have to sign for my teen?

Yes. Drivers under age 18 cannot apply for a permit or license without a parent or legal guardian signature accepting responsibility. A parent or legal guardian listed on the birth certificate must sign the application. If the parent or guardian is not listed, court-ordered paperwork is required.

What does my teen bring to the permit testing appointment?

All required documents, including the TC 94-200 KY High School Compliance Form from your teen's school. A parent or legal guardian must also go to the testing appointment.

What do we need for the road test?

Among the road test requirements, a licensed driver age 21 or older must accompany your teen to the testing location, and your teen brings the completed and signed Practice Driving Log. If your teen fails, the wait before retaking it is seven full days.

Where do school course papers go?

Mail them to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing, Attn: Driver Education, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622.

Can a parent take back responsibility?

Yes. A parent or guardian may withdraw responsibility at any time by submitting the required form to a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Once it is entered, the minor's permit or license is canceled until another application accepting responsibility is signed.

What to do next

Start with Kentucky's Graduated Driver Licensing page, then choose how your teen will take the course.

drive.ky.gov

Sources we read