FRANKFORT — With the new state law, House Bill 15, allowing 15-year-olds to earn their driver’s permits, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises applicants that they must start at the Kentucky State Police (KSP) website — not the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices.

Any 15-year-old who scheduled an appointment with the KYTC should cancel and rebook with the KSP to prevent delays (kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/driver-testing).

According to the KYTC, applicants can start making appointments as early as April 2.

To prepare for the permit test:

• Sign up at drive.ky.gov to receive email updates and be notified when KYTC has the system ready to accommodate  15-year-old applicants.
• Collect all necessary documents such as birth certificate, Social Security card and school compliance verification form.
• Begin studying for the written permit test. The official Kentucky driver’s manual is on the KSP website: kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/driver-testing.

The new law only allows more time for eligible drivers to hold a permit. State law still requires individuals to be 16 to obtain a license (intermediate).

For more information about Kentucky’s graduated driver licensing program and requirements to move from permit to intermediate license to full, unrestricted license, visit drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/GDLP.aspx.