LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an effort to address the growing demand for driver’s permit tests, Kentucky is opening more than 1,500 new appointments for 15-year-olds to take their written permit test. The appointments will become available Friday, May 9, at 1 p.m. on the Kentucky State Police online scheduling portal, providing an opportunity for applicants to secure a spot for the statewide event on Saturday, May 17.
The new appointments are part of a larger initiative to reduce a backlog of testing and appointments at the state’s regional driver’s license offices. The May 17 event will take place at 20 testing locations across Kentucky, allowing applicants to select a time and location that suits their schedule. Testing will be available statewide, meaning residents can sign up for a test in any participating county on that day.
Before taking the written permit test, Kentucky State Police (KSP) advises applicants to ensure they have all the required documentation. This includes a birth certificate (not a photocopy), proof of Social Security number, and a completed School Compliance Verification Form. KSP recommends gathering these documents ahead of time to streamline the sign-up process and avoid delays on test day.
The move comes after Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 15 into law in March, which allows 15-year-olds to obtain their driver’s permits. The new law aims to provide earlier access to driving privileges and ease the process for young drivers, a shift that is expected to help reduce wait times at local testing centers.
As the state works to clear the backlog, residents are encouraged to act quickly when appointments open on Friday to secure a spot. With the demand for appointments rising, securing an appointment early will ensure a smoother experience for those hoping to take their test on May 17.
