Kentucky Permit Test flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagon sign meaning

An eight-sided sign always means STOP. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection, then proceed only when the way is clear.

Flashing red signal

Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign: make a full stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and go when safe. It is commonly used at malfunctioning or low-volume intersections.

Two solid yellow lines

Two solid yellow center lines mean passing is prohibited in both directions. You may still cross them to turn left into a driveway or side road when it is legal and safe.

Orange sign meaning

Orange signs mark construction and work zones. Speed limits may be reduced, lanes may shift, and workers or equipment may be near the road, so slow down and stay alert.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Left turn yielding rule

When turning left at a green light or stop sign, you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right and to pedestrians in the crosswalk before completing your turn.

Entering road from driveway

A driver entering a public road from a driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to all traffic already on the road, including bicycles and pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Roundabout entry rule

When entering a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating inside the circle. Enter to the right, stay in your lane, and signal right before your exit.

Kentucky interstate speed limit

Unless posted otherwise, Kentucky's maximum speed is 65 mph on rural interstate highways, 55 mph on other highways, and 35 mph in residential or business districts.

Three-second following rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the car in front passes it, count three seconds. If you reach it before counting three, you are following too closely. Add seconds in bad weather.

Move-over law

On a multi-lane road, move out of the lane next to a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights. If you cannot move over safely, slow down and proceed with caution.

Basic speed law

You must never drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for current conditions. Rain, fog, ice, traffic, or poor visibility can make the posted limit too fast even when you are under it.

Adult BAC limit

In Kentucky, a driver 21 or older is DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to 0.04% while operating a commercial vehicle.

Zero tolerance for minors

Drivers under 21 are subject to Kentucky's zero-tolerance law: a BAC of 0.02% or higher is a violation and can result in license suspension, fines, and other penalties.

Implied consent refusal

By driving in Kentucky you consent to chemical testing after a DUI arrest. Refusing a test brings license suspension: 30 days for a first refusal and longer for repeat refusals.

Lowering BAC

Only time lowers blood alcohol concentration; the liver clears roughly one standard drink per hour. Coffee, food, cold showers, and exercise do not speed up the process.

Kentucky 12-point suspension

Accumulating 12 or more points within two years results in license suspension, with a first suspension of six months. Points remain on the record for two years from the violation.

Point values for violations

Kentucky assigns 3 points for most moving violations, 4 points for speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, and 6 points for reckless driving or a DUI conviction.

Traffic school point reduction

Completing an approved state traffic school or driver-improvement program removes 7 points from a Kentucky driving record, helping a driver avoid a points-based suspension.

First DUI suspension

A first DUI conviction in Kentucky carries a minimum 30-day license suspension, along with fines, possible jail time, and mandatory alcohol assessment or treatment.

Three-foot bicycle clearance

When passing a bicyclist, leave at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle. If you cannot do so safely, wait until there is room.

Truck no-zone rule

Large trucks have blind spots in front, behind, and along both sides. If you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you, so avoid lingering there.

Never share a motorcycle lane

Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane. Do not pass or ride beside a motorcycle in the same lane, and check blind spots carefully before changing lanes.

Pedestrian crosswalk duty

Drivers must stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.

Skid recovery technique

If your vehicle skids, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Avoid hard braking, which can worsen the skid.

Highway breakdown safety

Pull onto the right shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside the car with seat belts fastened. Place warning triangles behind the vehicle if you can do so safely.

Flashing railroad signal

Flashing red lights, a lowered gate, or a passing train means stop and wait. Never drive around a lowered gate or try to beat a train, which can take a mile to stop.

Stalled on railroad tracks

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and away from the tracks immediately. Call 911 and give the crossing number posted on the signal box.

Kentucky child restraint rule

Children under 8 years old and under 57 inches tall must use an approved child restraint or booster seat. Older or taller children may use the adult safety belt.

Kentucky seat belt law

Kentucky has a primary seat belt law: all front-seat occupants and all children under 15 in any seat must be restrained, and officers may stop a vehicle for that violation alone.

Airbag and rear-facing seats

A rear-facing infant seat must go in the back seat and never in front of an active passenger airbag. The safest seat for any child under 13 is the back seat.

Kentucky permit age and holding

A learner's permit may be issued at 16 after passing the required tests. A driver under 18 must hold the permit at least 180 days before applying for an intermediate license.

GDL nighttime restriction

Permit and intermediate holders may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless traveling to or from work, school, or an emergency, with proper documentation.

Intermediate passenger limit

An intermediate license holder under 18 may carry no more than one unrelated passenger under 20 unless a licensed driver 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat, with limited family exceptions.