How To Get a Kentucky Motorcycle License
Before you can get a Kentucky motorcycle license or endorsement, you have to pass a written and road skills test. We have the details here.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get your motorcycle license in Kentucky, you’ll have to pass a written knowledge exam and get a permit. From there, you’ll need to pass the road skills test and bring proof to your local circuit clerk’s office.
Whether you’re a new motorcycle rider or a seasoned pro, the Bluegrass State is full of sprawling roads and gorgeous scenery to experience on your bike. With milder temperatures than its neighbors to the north and south, touring Kentucky with your motorcycle is a perfect adventure.
Before hitting the road, though, Kentucky requires all motorcycle operators to have the proper license. Here with all the details about Kentucky’s motorcycle license requirements is
Jerry
, the car insurance
super app. We’ll outline how to get your permit and motorcycle license and help you save on Kentucky car insurance costs
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversDo you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Kentucky?
Yes—to drive a motorcycle in Kentucky on a public road, you'll need to have either:
- A valid motorcycle operator’s endorsement on your Kentucky driver’s license
- A motorcycle license
- An instruction permit
For a motorcycle permit, you must be at least 18 years old to apply. Applicants under 18 are eligible if they have a parent or legal guardian sign the application saying they assume responsibility for the driver. Motorcycle drivers under 18 are restricted to driving between 6:00 am and 12:00 am.
Once you pass the required exams, you can get your full motorcycle license or endorsement.
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How to get a motorcycle permit in Kentucky
Before getting your motorcycle, you’ll have to get a motorcycle permit first.
The process to get your motorcycle instruction permit is similar to getting a regular driver’s license. You’ll apply for the permit through your local
Circuit Court Clerk’s office
. Keep in mind that if you need to apply in a county other than where you live, you’ll have to get approval from your local circuit clerk.At your Circuit Clerk appointment, you’ll need to pass a vision test and take the written knowledge exam over the
Kentucky Motorcycle Manual
. You’ll also need to provide proof of Kentucky residence, your full name and date of birth, and your Social Security Number (SSN). Be prepared to pay the $12 permit fee.Once you have your permit in hand, it’s valid for a year and can be renewed one time. You must hold your permit for 30 days before applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement in Kentucky.
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How to get a motorcycle license in Kentucky
Whether you need a motorcycle endorsement on your Class D driver’s license or a motorcycle-only license, the process is the same.
After having a motorcycle permit for 30 days, you’ll need to schedule your motorcycle road skills test at a Kentucky State Police office (KSP)
driver testing branch.
This test is not required if you have completed the motorcycle education program
. Once you’ve passed the skills test or an approved education course, you’ll take written proof of completion to your local Circuit Court Clerk’s office. You’ll need your legal information (name, date of birth, SSN) and proof of residency again. Once you pay the $24 Kentucky motorcycle license fee, you’ll be free to drive off into the sunset on your bike!
How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Kentucky
Kentucky car insurance costs are often pricier than the national average, so opting for a motorcycle could be a more affordable option. Kentucky does require
motorcycle insurance
, but it tends to be cheaper than car insurance
!If you’re still paying for car insurance in Kentucky, though, you’ll want to find the lowest possible prices—and Jerry can help you with that.
It’s easy: just download Jerry’s top-rated insurance app, answer some quick questions about your coverage, and Jerry will get to work sorting through up-to-date quotes sourced from over 55 top providers—all in just 45 seconds! Once you find the policy and price that work best for your needs, Jerry’s genius agents will take it from there. They’ll handle the paperwork so you can get to saving ASAP.
And those savings? They average to be over $800 a year!
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FAQs
Is there a motorcycle license test in Kentucky?
Yes. Before getting a motorcycle permit, license, or license endorsement in Kentucky, you have to pass the written exam over the Kentucky Motorcycle Manual as well as a road skills test.
Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Kentucky?
No—motorcycle insurance is mandatory under Kentucky state law.
