LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new state law signed by Gov. Andy Beshear is set to allow 15-year-olds to obtain a driver’s permit, a significant shift from the previous age requirement of 16. The change, formalized with the passage of House Bill 15, is expected to give young drivers more time to gain experience behind the wheel before applying for a full license.
While the law lowers the age for a learner’s permit, it does not alter the requirements for obtaining a full driver’s license. Young drivers will still need to pass a written test, a vision test, and complete a log of required driving hours to qualify for full licensure.
Gov. Beshear acknowledged the complexities involved in implementing the change during a press conference last week. “It’s a bigger undertaking than it might seem,” he said. “We might think, with some of today’s technology, that you can just check a box or change a number, but it’s actually reprogramming a whole system.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is currently updating its systems to accommodate the new law. Starting April 2, applicants will be able to make appointments with Kentucky State Police to take the written permit test. However, due to limited appointment availability, there is expected to be a several-week wait for those wishing to take the test. New appointments will be available each weekday at 8 a.m., and individuals who are unable to secure a slot are advised to try again the following day.
In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to study for the written permit test. The Kentucky State Police recommends that prospective drivers review the official driver’s manual, which is available online. To take the permit test, applicants must also ensure they have all required documents, including a birth certificate, Social Security card, and School Compliance Verification Form.
The new law is being hailed by some lawmakers as a way to increase the amount of practice time for young drivers, thus easing the burden of transportation. However, there are concerns about safety, particularly in a state that has experienced a high number of crashes involving teen drivers in recent years.
According to state data, Kentucky has seen over 47,000 crashes involving teen drivers in the past three years, resulting in more than 13,000 injuries and over 200 fatalities. Safety advocates, including Lynda Lambert, spokesperson for AAA East Central, are urging families to have conversations about the risks associated with teen driving.
“If you have a teenager in your family, it’s really important to talk to them about the dangers of speeding, of not buckling up, and of being distracted,” Lambert said. “It only takes a second, and lives are changed forever.”
AAA has also highlighted that the summer months, with increased travel and time behind the wheel, pose an even greater risk for teen drivers. “They’re behind the wheel a lot more often than they are during the school year, and the incidence of crashes involving teen drivers goes up tremendously during those summer months,” Lambert added.
As the system updates take effect and more 15-year-olds become eligible for driver’s permits, the debate over balancing access to driving with safety concerns is expected to continue. Lawmakers and safety experts alike agree that while giving young drivers more time to practice could improve their skills, it must be accompanied by a continued emphasis on responsible driving behavior.
