Kentucky permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 56 Kentucky numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 38 number questions in our Kentucky bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

38 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    Before a requested DUI test in Kentucky, how long are you given to try to contact an attorney?

    At least 10 but not more than 15 minutes

    Right before any test, Kentucky gives you at least 10 and no more than 15 minutes to try to contact and talk with an attorney.

    Kentucky Driver Manual, page 35

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What minimum liability coverage must Kentucky vehicle owners carry?

    $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage

    Kentucky requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to all persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

    Kentucky Driver Manual, page 27

  • Speed limits

    What is the speed limit on Kentucky interstate highways and parkways when no other limit is posted?

    65 mph

    Unless another limit is posted, the speed limit on Kentucky interstates and parkways is 65 mph.

    Kentucky Driver Manual, page 57

Every Kentucky number, by topic

Official test facts and Kentucky laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more as measured by a scientifically reliable test or tests of a sample of the person's breath or blood taken within two (2) hours of cessation of operation or physical control of a motor vehicle;
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21apps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Having an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more as measured by a scientifically reliable test or tests of a sample of the person's breath or blood taken within two (2) hours of cessation of operation or physical control of a motor vehicle, if the person is under the age of twenty-one (21).
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicleapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
A person who drives a commercial motor vehicle within this state with an alcohol concentration of four hundredths (0.04) or more shall be deemed to be operating a vehicle under the influence.
10 years, $200-$500, 48 hours to 30 daysDrunk driving (DUI)First offense within 10 years: $200-$500 fine and/or 48 hours to 30 days in jail (community labor may be substituted)apps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
For the first offense within a ten (10) year period, be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or be imprisoned in the county jail for not less than forty-eight (48) hours nor more than thirty (30) days, or both.
4-dayDrunk driving (DUI)A 4-day mandatory minimum if an aggravating circumstance appliesapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
A person who drives a commercial motor vehicle within this state with an alcohol concentration of four hundredths (0.04) or more shall be deemed to be operating a vehicle under the influence.
15 minutesBefore a requested DUI test in Kentucky, how long are you given to try to contact an attorney?Answer: At least 10 but not more than 15 minutesKentucky Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
you will be afforded an opportunity of at least ten (10) minutes but not more than fifteen (15) minutes to attempt to contact and communicate with an attorney.
4 to 6 monthsFor a first DUI conviction within 10 years in Kentucky, how long is the license suspension?Answer: 4 to 6 monthsKentucky Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
imprisoned in the county jail for not less than forty-eight (48) hours nor more than thirty (30) days, and your license suspended for four (4) to six (6) months.
12 yearsWhich of these is an aggravating circumstance that brings mandatory jail time for a Kentucky DUI?Answer: Driving with a passenger under 12 years oldKentucky Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
Operating a motor vehicle while transporting a passenger under the age of twelve (12) years of age.
.02A court orders an ignition interlock device on a Kentucky DUI offender's vehicle. When will the device stop the car from operating?Answer: When the driver's breath alcohol is over .02Kentucky Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
The ignition interlock device prevents a driver from operating that vehicle if the driver's breath-alcohol concentration exceeds .02.

Fines, points & penalties

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$25, $50Phone use$25 fine for a first offense and $50 for each later offenseapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Any person who violates KRS 189.292 or 189.294 shall be fined twenty-five dollars ($25) for the first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
$25Seat beltsFines: seat belt up to $25apps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 189.125(6) shall be fined an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).
$50Seat beltsChild restraint $50apps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
when transporting a child under the age of eight (8) years who is between forty (40) inches and fifty-seven (57) inches in height in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, and highways of this state, shall have the child properly secured in a child booster seat.
$30Seat beltsBooster $30 (dismissed for a first offense with proof of buying a booster)apps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 189.125(3)(b) shall be fined thirty dollars ($30).
$500, $500 to $10,000Speed limitsHighway work zones: a $500 fine for moving violations (not a doubled fine), or $500 to $10,000 if someone is injured or killed, when signs announce the work zone and increased fines and at least one worker is presentapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if the violation results in physical injury to or death of any person.
$25,000, $50,000What minimum liability coverage must Kentucky vehicle owners carry?Answer: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damageKentucky Driver Manual, page 27
Quote
liability coverage of $25,000.00 for all claims for bodily injury damages sustained by any one person and not less than $50,000.00 for all bodily injury damages
$500 to $1,000, 90 daysA Kentucky owner lets the insurance lapse on a registered car. What penalty can the owner and driver face?Answer: A fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or bothKentucky Driver Manual, page 27
Quote
the vehicle owner and driver are subject to a fine of $500.00 to $1,000.00, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
12 pointsUnder Kentucky's point system, how many points within two years can lead to suspension for a driver 18 or older?Answer: 12 pointsKentucky Driver Manual, page 25
Quote
Upon the accumulation of 12 points (7 points if under age eighteen) within a two-year period, a driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle may be suspended.
2 years, 5 yearsHow long do points stay active on a Kentucky driving record, and how long does the conviction itself stay on the record?Answer: Points expire after 2 years; the conviction stays 5 yearsKentucky Driver Manual, page 25
Quote
Points assessed under this system expire two (2) years from the date of conviction. However, the conviction entry remains part of the driver's record for a period of five (5) years
$250What can happen if you fail to yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane in Kentucky?Answer: A fine of up to $250Kentucky Driver Manual, page 67
Quote
Failure to yield the right-of-way to a blind pedestrian is a violation that could result in a fine up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

Speed limits

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
55 mphSpeed limitsAll other state highways 55 mphapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
(a) Sixty-five (65) miles per hour on interstate highways and parkways; (b) Fifty-five (55) miles per hour on all other state highways; and (c) Thirty-five (35) miles per hour in a business or residential district.
35 mphSpeed limitsBusiness or residential district 35 mphapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
(a) Sixty-five (65) miles per hour on interstate highways and parkways; (b) Fifty-five (55) miles per hour on all other state highways; and (c) Thirty-five (35) miles per hour in a business or residential district.
65 mphWhat is the speed limit on Kentucky interstate highways and parkways when no other limit is posted?Answer: 65 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 57
Quote
65 MPH – Sixty-five miles per hour is the speed limit on interstate highways and parkways.
35 mphWhen no limit is posted, what is the speed limit in a Kentucky business or residential district?Answer: 35 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 57
Quote
35 MPH – Thirty-five miles per hour is the speed limit in a business/residential district.
15 mphWhat is the speed limit in a Kentucky off-street parking facility open to the public?Answer: 15 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 57
Quote
The speed limit in an off-street parking facility offered for public use, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be fifteen miles per hour.
55 mphWhen no limit is posted, what is the speed limit on Kentucky state highways other than interstates and parkways?Answer: 55 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 57
Quote
55 MPH – Fifty-five miles per hour is the speed limit on all other state highways.
25 mphIn heavy rain or thick fog you cannot see more than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest you can safely drive, according to the Kentucky manual?Answer: 25 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 58
Quote
When you cannot see any farther than that, you cannot safely drive faster than 25 miles per hour.
30 mphWhere may a moped NOT be operated in Kentucky?Answer: On limited-access highways with a minimum speed over 30 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 11
Quote
Mopeds CANNOT be operated on limitedaccess highways where the minimum speed is more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
25 mphA vehicle displays an orange and red triangle on its rear. What does that emblem tell you in Kentucky?Answer: It is a slow-moving vehicle traveling under 25 mphKentucky Driver Manual, page 74
Quote
displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animal, farm equipment, or construction equipment means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph.

Distances & following gaps

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 miles, 2 hoursOn a long trip, how often does the Kentucky manual suggest you plan to stop to fight fatigue?Answer: About every 100 miles or 2 hoursKentucky Driver Manual, page 30
Quote
Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips.
100 feetHow far before a turn at an intersection should you signal, according to the Kentucky manual?Answer: 100 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 50
Quote
If you plan to turn at an intersection, signal 100 feet before the turn.
500 feetWhen starting a turnabout by backing into a driveway on the right, how far should your car be visible in each direction?Answer: 500 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 51
Quote
Make sure your car can be seen for 500 feet in either direction.
200 feetUnder Kentucky law, a pass must be completed before you come within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?Answer: 200 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 55
Quote
a pass be completed before coming within two hundred (200) feet of an oncoming vehicle.
4 secondsWhat minimum following distance does the Kentucky manual recommend behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: 4 secondsKentucky Driver Manual, page 59
Quote
You should always try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front.
158 feetAt 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how far does the braking part of a stop take?Answer: About 158 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 59
Quote
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet.
3 feetYou are about to pass a bicyclist on a road with only one lane in your direction. What minimum clearance does Kentucky require?Answer: At least 3 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 56
Quote
pass to the left keeping at least three (3) feet between your vehicle and the bicycle or electric low-speed scooter.
5 feetAt a stop light with no advance stop line, a blind pedestrian is waiting to cross. Where should you stop?Answer: Within 5 feet of the crosswalk, so the person can hear your carKentucky Driver Manual, page 67
Quote
do not stop your vehicle more than five (5) feet from the crosswalk, unless there is an advanced stop bar (line).
500 feetHow close may you legally follow an emergency vehicle in Kentucky?Answer: No closer than 500 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 73
Quote
It is also unlawful to follow any emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet.
500 feet, 300 feetWhen must you dim your high beams?Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of a vehicle you followKentucky Driver Manual, page 76
Quote
Dim your lights whenever you come within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles, and within 300 feet of any vehicle you are following.
200 to 300 feetYour vehicle breaks down on the highway and you have flares. How far behind the vehicle should you place them?Answer: About 200 to 300 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 66
Quote
Place emergency flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle, giving other drivers some time to change lanes if necessary.

Ages, permits & the test

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
80%Passing scoredrive.ky.gov
Quote
Applicants must make a minimum score of 80% to pass this test. ... If you fail the written test, you may return the next available day to retake it. ... A permit is $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID)
$15Feedrive.ky.gov
Quote
Applicants must make a minimum score of 80% to pass this test. ... If you fail the written test, you may return the next available day to retake it. ... A permit is $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID)
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use a phone or other personal communication device at all while moving, except to call for help in an emergencyapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
Any person under the age of eighteen (18) who has been issued an instruction permit, intermediate license, or operator's license shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped that is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway while using a personal communication device
At least 15How old must you be to take the vision and written knowledge tests for a Kentucky learner's permit?Answer: At least 15Kentucky Driver Manual, page 13
Quote
Drivers must be at least 15 years of age to take the vision and written knowledge tests and apply for a permit.
180 daysHow long must a Kentucky permit holder aged 15 to 20 hold the permit before taking the road skills test?Answer: At least 180 daysKentucky Driver Manual, page 13
Quote
Permit holders ages 15 – 20 must hold the driving permit for a minimum of 180 days.
60 hoursHow many hours of practice driving must the Practice Driving Log show before a Kentucky teen can get an intermediate license?Answer: 60 hours, including 10 at nightKentucky Driver Manual, page 13
Quote
a driver must complete a Practice Driving Log with a minimum of 60 hours of practice driving. 10 hours must be completed at night.
180 days, at least 17What must a Kentucky intermediate license holder do before getting a full unrestricted license?Answer: Hold it 180 days, finish driver education and be at least 17Kentucky Driver Manual, page 14
Quote
Drivers are eligible for a full unrestricted license after holding an intermediate license for 180 days while also having completed the driver education requirements and reaching age 17.
one weekYou fail the Kentucky road skills test. How long must you wait before trying again?Answer: At least one weekKentucky Driver Manual, page 21
Quote
Should you not pass the road test, you must wait at least one week before taking the test again.
10 daysYou move to a new address in Kentucky. How soon must you get a duplicate license showing the change?Answer: Within 10 daysKentucky Driver Manual, page 24
Quote
If you change your address or name for any reason, you must obtain a duplicate license within 10 days.

Time limits & deadlines

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$500, 10 daysCrashesAny property damage over $500 with no police investigation: file a written report with the Department of Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the crashapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
dollars ($500) in which an investigation is not conducted by a law enforcement officer shall file a written report of the accident with the department within ten (10) days of occurrence of the accident
15 daysYou buy a car or bring one into Kentucky from another state. Within how many days must you apply for registration?Answer: 15 daysKentucky Driver Manual, page 27
Quote
a person who purchases a motor vehicle, or brings a motor vehicle into Kentucky from another state must make application for registration within fifteen (15) days.
12 monthsHow often may a Kentucky driver complete State Traffic School?Answer: Once every 12 monthsKentucky Driver Manual, page 26
Quote
A driver can only complete State Traffic School once every twelve (12) months.
10 daysA crash with more than $500 in property damage is not investigated by police. What must you do in Kentucky?Answer: File a written report with the Kentucky State Police within 10 daysKentucky Driver Manual, page 64
Quote
shall file a written report of the accident with the Kentucky State Police within ten (10) days of the collision.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
40 inchesSeat belts40 inches tall or less: child restraint system meeting federal standardsapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
when transporting a child of forty (40) inches in height or less in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, and highways of this state, shall have the child properly secured in a child restraint system
40 and 57 inchesSeat beltsUnder 8 and between 40 and 57 inches: booster seatapps.legislature.ky.gov
Quote
when transporting a child under the age of eight (8) years who is between forty (40) inches and fifty-seven (57) inches in height in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, and highways of this state, shall have the child properly secured in a child booster seat.
40 inchesIn Kentucky, a child of what height must ride in a federally approved child restraint system?Answer: 40 inches tall or lessKentucky Driver Manual, page 39
Quote
when transporting a child of forty (40) inches in height or less in a motor vehicle
350 feetKentucky equipment rules say high-beam headlights must light the road well enough to reveal a person how far ahead?Answer: 350 feetKentucky Driver Manual, page 20
Quote
Headlights on high beam must be strong enough to light the road sufficiently to reveal a person 350 feet ahead

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Kentucky permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 56 of them for Kentucky, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Kentucky Driver Manual, Kentucky statutes or KYTC pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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