FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 29, 2024) - Today, the Kentucky State Police announced a pilot program is being launched in Barren, Grant, Marion, Oldham and Perry counties to provide easier access to young Kentuckians wishing to obtain their driver’s license.
In April, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 107 to better assist Kentuckians residing in counties without a permanent, full-time Driver License Regional Office. Beginning Sept. 1, Kentucky State Police driver test administrators will conduct the skills (road) test only for interested applicants ages 18 or younger residing in Barren, Grant, Marion, Oldham or Perry counties who wish to obtain their intermediate license. This program is designed to reduce travel time and mileage for teen permit holders and their families who otherwise might have to drive to surrounding counties to participate in the testing.
“By increasing regional access to driver’s license testing for young Kentuckians, we can reduce disruptions to school and work for kids who would have had to travel to another county to take the test,” Gov. Beshear said. “When we equip teen drivers with safe driving skills, we better protect both them and others on our roadways, which creates a safer Kentucky for all.”
Appointments are required and will be available through KSP's online scheduling system. The locations for the initial pilot program are:
· Barren County: 100 Weldon Park, Glasgow, Kentucky
· Grant County: 224 S. Main Street, Williamstown, Kentucky
· Marion County: 144 E. Mulberry Street, Lebanon, Kentucky
· Oldham County: 100 W. Main Street, La Grange, Kentucky
· Perry County: 234 S. Main Street, Hazard Kentucky
Locations are subject to change based on demand, but five counties will continuously be offered at one-time for bimonthly pop-up testing. All other driver testing will continue to be offered at permanent Driver License Regional Offices, which can be found here.
“This pilot program will allow us to provide enhanced services and greater testing,” said KSP Driver Testing Commander, Capt. Chris Baker. “Our goal is to make driver testing more convenient and available to Kentuckians in all areas of the commonwealth.”
Per statute, the pilot program is scheduled to operate through June 30, 2026.
KSP is committed to serving the commonwealth by providing safe driving skills through a variety of driver tests, including CDL, motorcycle, skills and permit tests. To learn more, click here.
Upon successfully completing driver testing with KSP, driver’s license issuance occurs at Driver Licensing Regional Offices operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Kentucky driver’s licenses are offered in two versions: a standard version and a REAL ID version. Beginning May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted to board commercial flights within the U.S. or for entry into military bases or federal buildings that require identification. For a list of regional office locations, to schedule an appointment or to learn more about what you need to apply for a standard or REAL ID license, visit drive.ky.gov.