Age to get Kentucky driver's permit lowered under new law. What to know

Buckle up, Kentucky teenagers. Those of you who are at least 15 years old are now eligible to get behind the wheel.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 15 into law this week, lowering the age teens in Kentucky can apply for a driver's permit.

"Kentucky is one of only a few states that require teenagers be 16 for their learner's permit," Beshear said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I signed this bill knowing it will help working families better juggle all of life's activities."

Here's what to know about the new law.

HB 15, sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, lowers the eligibility age to obtain a driver's permit.

Teens can now apply for a permit at age 15 and are eligible for a full license at 17.

Under previous law, teens 16 and up could apply for a driver's permit, which allowed them to drive a vehicle as long as an adult who was at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license was in the passenger seat.

Under the new law, teens will still receive an intermediate license after 180 days with a permit, allowing them to drive alone with some restrictions. At 17, teens are then eligible to get full unrestricted driver's licenses.

HB 15 passed both the state House and Senate with bipartisan support and had 32 co-sponsors.

The bill included an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon Beshear's signature. A spokesperson for the state's Department of Transportation did not immediately respond when asked if 15-year-olds could start applying for permits right away.

According to the Kentucky DRIVE website, applicants must take written knowledge and vision tests when applying for a permit. Test appointments must be scheduled with the Kentucky State Police.

Applicants are required to bring an original birth certificate, social security card, one proof of residency and a school compliance verification form issued by their school.

Rudy, the bill's sponsor, said in an interview with The Courier Journal that his legislation could help more young people get part-time jobs without cutting down necessary training to hit the road.

"Looking at our state's workforce participation, it's low across the board, but even in this teen area," Rudy said. "How many fast food jobs could be filled by students that want to get a job but simply can't get to a job? Particularly more in the rural areas."

Rudy also said Kentucky's restrictions on young drivers are an outlier among its peers, with each neighboring state allowing 15-year-olds to apply for a permit.

Reporter Lucas Aulbach contributed to this report. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at [email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.