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Kentucky · Permit test

Getting a Kentucky motorcycle license

There are two ways to a Kentucky motorcycle license. Take the KSP motorcycle permit test, hold the permit (180 days under 21, 30 days at 21 or older), then pass the KSP skills test. Or pass a RideSmartKY Basic Rider Course, which waives both tests. Under 18, you need an intermediate license first.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Option one: KSP tests

  1. Book a written appointment on the KSP scheduler. Study the Kentucky Motorcycle Operators Manual. If you don't hold a Kentucky license or permit, you also take the car knowledge test.
  2. Pass and get a motorcycle permit: $15, or $18 for REAL ID. It lasts a year and can be renewed once, in person.
  3. Ride on the permit for 180 days if you're under 21, or 30 days if you're 21 or older. You can't carry passengers.
  4. Book the motorcycle skills test with KSP. Only some sites run it, on set days.

Option two: RideSmartKY

Pass the Basic Rider Course and you skip the written and skills tests and the holding period. It takes about 15 to 20 hours, with motorcycles under 500cc provided. Bring a three-quarter or full-face helmet. It's free for riders under 18 who hold at least an intermediate license. There's also a 3-wheel course.

Afterwards, take your waiver card and documents to a Regional Office.

RideSmartKY courses ↗

Fees and helmet rules

  • Motorcycle-only license: $21.50 for 4 years or $43 for 8. REAL ID: $24 or $48.
  • Car and motorcycle together: $26.50 or $53. REAL ID: $29 or $58.
  • Adding it to an intermediate license: $15, or $18 for REAL ID.
  • You need a helmet and eye protection unless you're over 21 and have held a motorcycle license for at least a year.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewKentucky permit testAppointmentsBooking a Kentucky permit test or license appointmentCostWhat a Kentucky permit and license costWhat to bringKentucky REAL ID and permit documentsOnlineCan you take the Kentucky permit test online?Road testThe Kentucky State Police road testDriver's licenseHow to get a Kentucky driver's licenseRenew or replaceRenewing or replacing a Kentucky driver's licenseTesting sites and officesWhere to take the Kentucky permit testDriving recordGetting your Kentucky driving recordCDLGetting a Kentucky CDLDriving logThe Kentucky practice driving logOther languagesTaking the Kentucky permit test in another languageRoad signsRoad signs on the Kentucky permit testDriver manualThe Kentucky Driver ManualPractice testKentucky permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the Kentucky permit test
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, RideSmartKY, Kentucky State Police. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.