DDL Driver Handbook in Kentucky

SUMMARY: Kentucky Driver Manuals

In Kentucky, there are several DMV handbooks and driving manuals available for new and current drivers, including the KY driver's manual, commercial driver's handbook, and motorcycle handbook. The Kentucky Vehicle Code is also available online if you want to learn more about the state's traffic laws.

New drivers and new residents will benefit from the driver's manuals available from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC), the state's DMV.

Driver's handbooks usually cover driving skills, safety practices, laws, and licensing processes. Driving manuals for specific types of licenses and vehicles focus on the topics most relevant to those vehicles.

On this page, you'll find links to DMV manuals and driver's handbooks related to driver's licensing in KY.

Kentucky Driver's Manual

You'll need to read the Kentucky Driver's Manual (REV 2021) to prepare yourself for the DMV written knowledge test, which you must pass to get a learner's permit or driver's license.

The driver's handbook includes driving skills and road rules as well as information about licensing procedures. Whether you're a new driver or just new to Kentucky, the DMV handbook is a valuable resource for getting your driver's license.

Some of the driving skills and rules covered in the driving manual include:

  • Kentucky traffic laws, signs, and signals.
  • What to do in emergency situations.
  • Traffic violations.

The KY driver's handbook also covers driver's license topics like:

Questions on the KY written test are based on the material in the driver's manual, so reading and studying the DMV handbook is an important way to prepare for the test.

Several other resources are available to help you learn the information in the Kentucky driving manual, including practice tests.

Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

A perfect complement to studying the KY driver's manual is to prepare for the written test with the help of a comprehensive online practice test. These helpful study guides have been created to help you pass the test on your first attempt by effectively learning the material in the Kentucky driving manual. Our certified partner offers practice tests for most types of vehicles and their respective drivers handbooks, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Commercial Driving Manual

Before getting your commercial driver's license (CDL) in Kentucky, you'll need to read the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Manual (REV 2024) to become familiar with the the vehicle operation and licensing topics that the DMV manual covers.

In the commercial driving handbook, you'll find information about driving skills, including:

  • Transporting passengers and cargo safely.
  • Pre-trip vehicle inspections.
  • Air brakes.
  • Hazardous materials.

You can also consult the DMV handbook for information about:

  • CDL driver disqualifications.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements.
  • Fees for CDLs and related transactions in Kentucky.

The CDL written exam is based on the material in the commercial driver's handbook.

To get ready for the KY CDL knowledge exam, you can take a practice test that will help you determine how well you've learned the information in the commercial driver's manual.

You can also read through our section for Commercial Drivers in Kentucky to learn more about CDLs and commercial vehicles.

If you're new to Kentucky, you may also want to familiarize yourself with the state's general road rules and driving laws by reading the KY driving manual.

Kentucky Motorcycle Handbook

In Kentucky, there is also a Motorcycle Manual (REV 2023) available to help you become a safe rider and learn the KY laws governing motorcycle operation. This DMV manual covers both motorcycle and trike operation.

Topics in the motorcycle driver's manual include:

  • Traffic laws.
  • Proper motorcycle gear.
  • Mopeds and bikes.
  • Group riding.

In addition to safety and operation, the DMV handbook for motorcycles will help you prepare for getting your Kentucky motorcycle license by explaining:

  • Steps and requirements for a motorcycle license.
  • Motorcycle education programs.

The written knowledge test required for your motorcycle license is based on the material in the Kentucky motorcycle driver's handbook. You can study for the test by reading and reviewing the driving manual and by using additional resources.

For example, you can take a motorcycle practice test to prepare for the written knowledge exam and become more familiar with the information in the motorcycle driving manual.

NOTE: If you're getting your first license or you're new to Kentucky, you can learn more state road rules and regulations from the DMV manual for passenger vehicles.

KY Vehicle Code

Read the KY Motor Vehicle Code (Title XVI – Motor Vehicles) for the laws that pertain to driver's licenses, vehicles, traffic tickets, and other related laws. It's a secondary road rules and regulations guide that can help you understand some more details about traffic laws in Kentucky.

You'll find similar information in the Kentucky driver license handbook. However, the Vehicle Code provides more detail than a DMV handbook.

The vehicle code can be helpful if you're planning to fight a traffic ticket or need to understand the details of a law or penalty mentioned in the driver's handbook.

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