Measure to lower driver’s instruction permit age to 15 passes Kentucky Senate

The Kentucky Senate Tuesday passed HB 15,sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy.

The measure would allow those 15 years of age and older to apply for a driver’s instruction permit. The measure was amended in the Senate Transportation Committee to include language that would require that individuals not only hold their intermediate license for 180 days but also be at least 17 before applying for an operator’s license.

Currently, Kentucky law allows individuals aged 16 and older to apply for a driver’s instruction permit, which this measure aims to lower to 15. Kentucky’s neighboring states allow teens to apply for instruction permits at 15 or 15 ½.

Additionally, this measure would require that an individual be 16 and have held an instruction permit for 180 days before obtaining an intermediate license. They must then hold their intermediate license for 180 days and be at least 17 before applying foran operator’s license.

The bill would also extend the validity of a driver’s instruction permit from three years to four years.