Kentucky permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost
Kentucky permit test questions, answered with facts from the Kentucky State Police.
You need 80% to pass the Kentucky written knowledge test (instruction permit), per the Kentucky State Police; it has a driving rules, regulations and procedures section and a highway signs section, and questions come from the official Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (updated 7-23-26).
Practice format (commonly reported): The Kentucky State Police does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 40 questions with 32 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.
The Kentucky written knowledge test in brief
How many questions are on the Kentucky permit test?
The Kentucky State Police does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 40 questions with 32 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.
What is the pass mark for the Kentucky permit test?
You need 80% to pass, per the Kentucky State Police. Our practice tests mark 32 of 40 (80%), the commonly reported format.
Is the Kentucky permit test hard?
You need 32 of 40 (80%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 40-question format you can get at most 8 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (updated 7-23-26) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.
How much does the Kentucky permit test cost?
$15 — Instruction permit ($18.00 REAL ID), per the Kentucky State Police.
Is there a free Kentucky permit practice test for 2026?
Yes. This site has 2 free Kentucky written knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 40 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 32 of 40 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.
Time limit, retakes, age and ID
How long is the Kentucky permit test?
The Kentucky State Police does not publish a time limit for the Kentucky written knowledge test.
Can I retake the Kentucky permit test if I fail?
GDLP, 18-20 and Over-21 pages: 'If you fail the written test, you may return the next available day to retake it.' (Road test: wait seven days.) No attempt limit published. All written tests require a KSP appointment ('Yes. All written and road tests must be scheduled with the Kentucky State Police.').
How old do you have to be to take the Kentucky permit test?
The minimum age is 15, per the Kentucky State Police.
What do I need to bring to the Kentucky permit test?
GDLP page (under 18): 'Original birth certificate or certified copy'; 'Social Security card required as proof'; one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID; a parent/guardian's proof may be used); 'TC 94-200 KY High School Compliance Verification Form issued by the applicant's school'; 'A parent or legal guardian listed on the birth certificate must sign the application' and must accompany the applicant to the testing appointment. Manual: 'PHOTOCOPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS'. 18+: birth certificate, Social Security card, one proof of residency (two for REAL ID) dated less than one year. Vision screening at the KSP test.
Which handbook is the Kentucky permit test based on?
The official Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (updated 7-23-26). You can read it on the official site.
Official source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Driver Licensing; tests given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). Handbook: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police).
Start the free Kentucky written knowledge test practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz
Last updated October 13, 2026.