Kentucky: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Kentucky license classes, the graduated driver license program for drivers under 18, the permit and its limits, the documents to bring, the vision, written and road tests, renewal, REAL ID and the Medical Review Board. — Part 1
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Kentucky Driver Manual" (Updated July 23, 2026), Kentucky State Police.
All 34 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Who must first secure a Kentucky driver’s license, according to the manual?
- Any new or current resident who plans to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways
- Only new residents who plan to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways
- Only current residents who plan to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways
- Only drivers under 18 who plan to drive on Kentucky roadways
Show answer
Correct answer: Any new or current resident who plans to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways
Any new or current resident of Kentucky who plans to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways must first secure a Kentucky driver’s license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What does the manual call the best way to prepare for the testing required to obtain a Kentucky driver’s license?
- Taking the road test before the knowledge test
- Practicing only on limited-access highways
- Studying the contents of this manual
- Asking other drivers to quiz you at home
Show answer
Correct answer: Studying the contents of this manual
The manual states that studying its contents is the best way to prepare for the tests required for a Kentucky driver’s license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which license class is the basic Operator’s License in Kentucky?
- Class A
- Class D
- Class E
- Class C
Show answer
Correct answer: Class D
The Class D license is the basic Operator’s License; Classes A, B, and C are commercial, E is for mopeds, and M is for motorcycles.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which Kentucky license class is for mopeds only?
- Class D
- Class M
- Class A
- Class E
Show answer
Correct answer: Class E
The Class E license is for mopeds only.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which Kentucky license class is for motorcycles?
- Class M
- Class D
- Class E
- Class C
Show answer
Correct answer: Class M
The Class M license is the class for motorcycles.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which license classes are types of commercial licenses in Kentucky?
- Class B, D, and E
- Class C, D, and M
- Class A, B, and C
- Class A, E, and M
Show answer
Correct answer: Class A, B, and C
The Class A, B, and C licenses are the commercial license types.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What determines the type of driver’s license a Kentucky driver needs?
- The driver’s home county
- The vehicle driven
- The driver’s height and weight
- The number of years of driving experience
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicle driven
Kentucky licenses are represented by classes, and the vehicle driven determines the type of license needed.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Who counts as a commercial driver under the manual?
- Only a person who is paid wages to operate a commercial motor vehicle
- Only a person who owns the commercial motor vehicle that he or she drives
- Only a person who holds a Class D license and drives for a business
- A person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, whether employed to do so or not
Show answer
Correct answer: A person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, whether employed to do so or not
Commercial drivers are persons who operate commercial motor vehicles whether or not they are employed to do so.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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A commercial motor vehicle is used on a highway in interstate commerce to do what?
- Transport passengers or property
- Carry only hazardous materials
- Transport only farm products to market
- Tow only vehicles over 10,000 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: Transport passengers or property
A commercial motor vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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The CDL requirements apply to which of these drivers?
- Non-civilian operators of vehicles owned and operated by the military
- Operators of recreational vehicles not used for commerce
- Volunteer drivers, such as church bus drivers
- Operators of firetrucks and rescue vehicles in emergency operations
Show answer
Correct answer: Volunteer drivers, such as church bus drivers
The manual says the CDL requirements apply to volunteer drivers such as church bus drivers and school bus drivers.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which of these drivers is not required to have a Commercial Driver’s License?
- A volunteer who drives a church bus for the congregation
- A non-civilian operator of a military-owned and military-operated vehicle
- A private or public-school bus driver transporting students
- A salesman who drives a commercial motor vehicle for his employer
Show answer
Correct answer: A non-civilian operator of a military-owned and military-operated vehicle
A CDL is not required for non-civilian operators of military vehicles owned and operated by the military.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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When are operators of firetrucks and rescue vehicles not required to have a Commercial Driver’s License?
- Only while the vehicles are being driven by volunteer firefighters
- While the vehicles are being driven on private property only
- While the vehicles are being driven to a service garage for repairs
- While the vehicles are being used in emergency and related operations
Show answer
Correct answer: While the vehicles are being used in emergency and related operations
A CDL is not required for operators of firetrucks and rescue vehicles while they are used in emergency and related operations.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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A Commercial Driver’s License is not required for operators of which of these vehicles?
- Recreational vehicles not used for commerce
- Vehicles placarded for hazardous materials
- Vehicles designed to transport more than sixteen people
- Vehicles used in interstate commerce to transport property
Show answer
Correct answer: Recreational vehicles not used for commerce
Operators of recreational vehicles not used for commerce do not need a CDL.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A CDL is not required for farm-to-market agricultural vehicles used within how many miles of the point of origin?
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 150 miles
- 250 miles
Show answer
Correct answer: 150 miles
The CDL exemption covers vehicles used exclusively in farm-to-market agricultural transportation within 150 miles of the point of origin.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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What is the minimum age to apply for a Class D Operator’s License in Kentucky?
- At least 16 years of age
- At least 15 years of age
- At least 17 years of age
- At least 18 years of age
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 15 years of age
Applicants for the Class D Operator’s License must be at least 15 years of age.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Besides being at least 15 years of age, what must a Class D license applicant be?
- A high school student
- A licensed moped operator
- Employed in Kentucky
- A Kentucky resident
Show answer
Correct answer: A Kentucky resident
Class D applicants must be a Kentucky resident and be at least 15 years of age.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Who must sign the license application if the applicant is under the age of 18?
- A parent or legal guardian
- A school principal
- A licensed driving instructor
- A Kentucky State Police trooper
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent or legal guardian
If the applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which tests must all first-time applicants for a Class D license pass?
- Knowledge and skills tests only
- Vision and knowledge tests only
- Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
- Vision and skills tests only
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
All first-time applicants must pass the vision, knowledge, and skills tests.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A member of the United States Armed Forces who has an operator’s license from the United States needs no Kentucky driver’s license when doing what?
- Driving a privately owned vehicle on Kentucky roads while on leave
- Operating an official vehicle in the course of service to the country
- Driving a rented vehicle for personal errands in Kentucky
- Driving a family member’s vehicle on Kentucky highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Operating an official vehicle in the course of service to the country
A Kentucky license is not required for a member of the Armed Forces operating an official vehicle in the course of service to the country.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Members of the military on active duty and their dependents do not need a Kentucky driver’s license if they hold what?
- A Kentucky instruction permit
- A valid military identification card
- A Kentucky moped license
- A valid license from another state
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid license from another state
A Kentucky license is not required for active-duty military members and their dependents who hold a valid license from another state.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which of these people does not need a Kentucky driver’s license?
- A nonresident working in Kentucky who holds a valid license from another state
- A current Kentucky resident who plans to drive a motor vehicle on Kentucky roadways
- A Kentucky resident who is 15 years old and wants to drive a motor vehicle
- A person whose license is currently suspended or revoked
Show answer
Correct answer: A nonresident working in Kentucky who holds a valid license from another state
Nonresidents working in Kentucky who hold a valid license from another state do not need a Kentucky driver’s license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Operators of road machinery and farm tractors do not need a Kentucky driver’s license when using them in what way?
- Only when driving on limited-access highways
- Only when carrying passengers or property for hire
- For the purpose for which they are designed
- Only when towing a licensed motor vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: For the purpose for which they are designed
Operators of road machinery, farm tractors, or other farm implements need no license while using them for the purpose for which they are designed.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which person is not eligible for a Kentucky license?
- A 15-year-old Kentucky resident whose parent signs the application
- Anyone whose driver’s license is currently suspended or revoked
- A Kentucky resident over 18 who passes the vision, knowledge, and skills tests
- A person who has completed an approved rider training course
Show answer
Correct answer: Anyone whose driver’s license is currently suspended or revoked
Anyone whose license is currently suspended or revoked is not eligible for a license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which of these makes a person not eligible for a Kentucky license?
- Being under 18 with a parent’s signature on the application
- Being a Kentucky resident who has reached his or her fifteenth birthday
- Having passed the vision, knowledge, and skills tests
- Being judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
Show answer
Correct answer: Being judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
Any person judged by a court to be mentally incompetent is not eligible for a license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which condition makes a person not eligible for a Kentucky license?
- A physical or mental impairment which makes it unsafe to drive
- Having held an instruction permit for the required time
- Being a resident of Kentucky who is at least 15 years of age
- Having completed a motorcycle rider training course
Show answer
Correct answer: A physical or mental impairment which makes it unsafe to drive
Anyone who has a physical or mental impairment which makes it unsafe to drive is not eligible for a license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A person who cannot understand highway warnings or directions in which language is not eligible for a Kentucky license?
- Spanish
- French
- English
- German
Show answer
Correct answer: English
Any person who is unable to understand highway warnings or directions in the English language is not eligible for a license.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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What is the maximum cylinder capacity of a moped, according to the manual’s definition?
- 25 cubic centimeters
- 50 cubic centimeters
- 100 cubic centimeters
- 150 cubic centimeters
Show answer
Correct answer: 50 cubic centimeters
A moped has a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A moped is rated no more than how many brake horsepower?
- One (1)
- Three (3)
- Five (5)
- Two (2)
Show answer
Correct answer: Two (2)
The moped definition says it is rated no more than two (2) brake horsepower.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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What is the maximum speed of a moped according to its definition?
- 30 miles per hour
- 25 miles per hour
- 35 miles per hour
- 45 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 miles per hour
A moped is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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How does a moped’s transmission work, according to the manual’s definition?
- Manual, with a foot clutch and a hand-operated gear shift
- Semi-automatic, with a clutch but no gear shifting needed
- Automatic, with no clutching or shifting by the operator
- Manual, with shifting only at speeds above 15 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: Automatic, with no clutching or shifting by the operator
A moped has an automatic transmission not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A motorized bicycle whose frame has horizontal crossbars supporting a fuel tank is a moped only if it also has what?
- A rear passenger seat
- Pedals
- A manual clutch
- A headlight and bike flags
Show answer
Correct answer: Pedals
A motorized bicycle with horizontal crossbars supporting a fuel tank counts as a moped so long as it also has pedals.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A motorized bicycle with a step-through type frame can be a moped. What does the definition say about its pedals?
- It must have pedals
- It must not have pedals
- It must have pedals and a horizontal crossbar
- It may or may not have pedals
Show answer
Correct answer: It may or may not have pedals
The definition says a step-through frame motorized bicycle may or may not have pedals.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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If you are not sure how a vehicle is classified, whom does the manual say to contact?
- Your local County Clerk’s office or a KYTC Regional Office
- The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety or a rider training course
- Your insurance company or a local motorcycle dealer
- A Kentucky State Police post or a driving school
Show answer
Correct answer: Your local County Clerk’s office or a KYTC Regional Office
The manual says to contact your local County Clerk’s office or a KYTC Regional Office to find the classification of your vehicle and whether it needs to be licensed.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which tests must an applicant pass to be issued a moped license?
- Vision and skills tests
- Knowledge and skills tests
- General knowledge and vision tests
- Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
Show answer
Correct answer: General knowledge and vision tests
Applicants for a moped license must pass the general knowledge and vision tests; a skills test and permit are not required.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)