Kentucky Permit Test key terms

A sign that gives a legal order or prohibition, such as STOP, YIELD, or a speed limit, and must be obeyed. Regulatory signs are usually white with black or red markings and are rectangular or square.

A sign that alerts drivers to a change in road conditions or a hazard ahead, such as a curve, hill, or pedestrian crossing. Most warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols.

A small yellow sign placed below a warning sign showing the maximum safe speed for the hazard ahead, such as a sharp curve. The posted advisory speed is often lower than the legal speed limit.

A white rectangular regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed allowed on that road under good conditions. Driving faster than the posted number is a violation even if traffic seems to move faster.

A single dashed yellow line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing is allowed when it can be done safely, and the line also marks where left turns may cross.

Two solid yellow lines between opposing traffic lanes. Passing is prohibited for vehicles in either direction, and crossing is allowed only for a left turn into a driveway or side road where legal.

A center lane marked by two sets of yellow lines with inner broken lines. It is shared by traffic from both directions for making left turns; it is not a passing lane or a regular travel lane.

A line marking the outer edge of the roadway. A solid white edge line marks the right edge, and a solid yellow edge line may mark the left edge on divided highways.

A signal that has the same meaning as a STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe.

A signal warning you to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop, but it usually marks a hazard such as an intersection with cross traffic.

A signal requiring a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. You may not enter the intersection until the light turns green, except that a right turn is allowed after stopping where no sign prohibits it.

The rule allowing a driver to turn right after a red light only after making a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic. It is not allowed where a posted sign forbids it.

The legal priority to move through an intersection or other shared space while others wait. Right-of-way is something you yield to others, never something you may simply take because you arrived first.

An intersection where all vehicles must stop. The first vehicle to stop goes first; if two stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first, and a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.

An intersection with no signs or signals controlling traffic. You must slow down, look for cross traffic, and yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to any vehicle approaching from your right.

The rule that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, ice, heavy traffic, or poor visibility may require speeds well below the maximum.

The space between your vehicle and the one ahead, measured in seconds of travel time. Under good conditions keep at least three seconds; increase the gap in rain, at night, or when following large vehicles.

A method of checking following distance by counting seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed object and your vehicle reaching it. If you count fewer than three, you are following too closely.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle so that you cannot stop in time if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and can be cited as following too closely.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood, used as the legal measure of intoxication. In Kentucky, a driver is over the limit at 0.08% or higher, and lower limits apply to commercial drivers and drivers under 21.

A law making it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in the blood, generally 0.02% or more in Kentucky. Penalties can include license suspension.

The legal principle that by driving on public roads you automatically agree to submit to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine when lawfully requested by an officer. Refusal brings its own license penalties.

The offense of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination, or while over the legal BAC limit. Kentucky DUI penalties escalate with prior convictions and high test results.

A method of tracking traffic convictions by assigning points to each offense. Accumulating enough points within a set period triggers a warning letter and then license suspension.

A temporary withdrawal of driving privileges by the state for a set period, such as for too many points, a DUI, or an unpaid citation. Driving during a suspension is a separate offense.

A finding or admission of guilt for a moving violation that is reported to the state and recorded on your driving record. Convictions add points and stay on the record for a period set by law.

The first stage of Kentucky's graduated licensing program, issued after passing knowledge and vision tests. It allows driving only with a supervising licensed driver and carries restrictions on passengers and hours.

The second GDL stage, allowing unsupervised driving with limits such as a nighttime curfew and a cap on young passengers. Moving violations during this stage can extend the waiting period or bring suspension.

A three-stage system that phases in driving privileges for new drivers, moving from permit to intermediate license to full license as experience and a clean record are gained.

A licensed adult who must sit in the front passenger seat while a permit holder drives. Kentucky requires the supervisor to be at least 21 and licensed, with limited exceptions for certain family members.

A lap and shoulder restraint that keeps occupants inside the vehicle and reduces injury in a crash. Kentucky law requires front-seat occupants and all children to be properly restrained.

A federally approved car seat or booster seat sized for a child's height and weight. Kentucky requires an appropriate restraint for children under a set age or height, and the back seat is safest.

A law allowing an officer to stop a vehicle solely for an occupant not wearing a safety belt. Under secondary enforcement, a stop requires another violation first.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes away from, or slow down for, stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights. It protects workers and stranded motorists on the roadside.

Flashing four-way lights used to warn other drivers that your vehicle is disabled, moving slowly, or stopped in a dangerous place. Turn them off before resuming normal driving.

A vehicle failure that leaves you stopped or unable to keep normal speed. Pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay belted inside until help arrives.

A place where tracks cross the road, marked by signs, pavement markings, or signals. Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks; a train cannot stop quickly.

The white X-shaped sign reading RAILROAD CROSSING at a track intersection. It means yield to trains; a number plate below it shows how many tracks are present.

The blind spots around a large truck or bus where the driver cannot see nearby vehicles. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you, so avoid lingering there.

The practice of driving so that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and large vehicles can travel safely alongside you. It includes giving space, yielding properly, and checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes.