Kentucky Driver Manual PDF

Andy Beshear Governor Phillip Burnett, Jr. Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. Commissioner Kentucky State Police TABLE OF CONTENTS GRADUATED LICENSING LAWS FOR NEW DRIVERS ......................... 1 Permit Phase ...............................................................................................................1 Intermediate Phase.......................................................................................................1 Intermediate Phase Continued .....................................................................................1 THE LICENSING PROCESS .......................................................................... 1 CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME .............................................................. 2 RENEWAL OR DUPLICATE LICENSE ........................................................ 2 RESIDENTS SERVING IN THE MILITARY ................................................ 3 HOW TO OBTAIN A KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSE .......................... 3 Why Are Drivers Licensed? .......................................................................................3 Who Needs A Kentucky License? ..............................................................................3 Who Does Not Need A Kentucky License? ...............................................................3 Who May Not Have A License? ..................................................................................3 What Are The Requirements For Obtaining A Kentucky License? ............................3 Where Do I Get My License? .....................................................................................3 What Must I Bring With Me To Get A Permit Or License? ........................................3 What Will The Test To Obtain A Permit Consist Of? ..................................................4 Are Special Programs Available? ................................................................................4 When Are Road Tests Given In My County? ..............................................................4 What Are The Requirements For Taking The Road Test? ...........................................4 What Equipment Is Required For My Vehicle?...........................................................4 What Equipment Must I Not Have On My Vehicle? ..................................................5 What Will Be Inspected On My Vehicle?....................................................................5 What The Road Test Will Consist Of? ........................................................................6 What Will Be Scored On The Road Test? ..................................................................6 How Do I Transfer My Out-Of-State License To Kentucky? .....................................6 I Am Not A U.S. Citizen. How Do I Obtain a Kentucky License? ............................6 COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE .......................................................... 6 Commercial Drivers ...................................................................................................6 Who Does Not Need A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? ..................................7 Where Can I Obtain A CDL Manual? .........................................................................7 RULES OF THE ROAD.................................................................................... 7 Control Of Trafﬁc At Intersections ............................................................................7 Trafﬁc Signals.............................................................................................................7 Flashing Lights ...........................................................................................................8 Lighted Arrows...........................................................................................................8 Turns On Red Light ....................................................................................................8 Right Turns ............................................................................8 Left Turns ..............................................................................8 Trafﬁc Signs ................................................................................................................8 Minor Intersections.................................................................9 Right-Of-Way Laws ..............................................................9 Use of Lanes ................................................................................................................9 Lanes For Passing ...................................................................10 Lanes For Turning .................................................................10 Signs And Road Markings ..........................................................................................10 Turnabout....................................................................................................................10 Roundabouts And Trafﬁc Circles ................................................................................11 Parking.........................................................................................................................11 Steps In Parallel Parking .............................................................................................12 Handicapped Parking ..................................................................................................12 i SEEING WELL.................................................................................................. 13 Looking Ahead ...........................................................................................................13 Taking In The Whole Scene ........................................................................................13 Looking To The Side ..............................................................13 Intersections............................................................................13 Pedestrian/Crosswalks............................................................13 Railroad Crossings ................................................................14 Observing To The Rear................................................................................................15 Changing Lanes ...........................................................................................................15 Keeping Your Car Where It Can Be Seen ...................................................................16 Checking the Speedometer ..........................................................................................16 Backing........................................................................................................................16 Having Clean Windows And Mirrors ..........................................................................16 Adjusting Your Seat, Safety Belts, And Mirrors .........................................................17 Seeing Well At Night...................................................................................................17 Wearing Corrective Lenses..........................................................................................17 COMMUNICATING TO OTHER DRIVERS ................................................ 17 Using Your Headlights.................................................................................................17 Using Your Horn..........................................................................................................18 Using Emergency Signals ...........................................................................................18 Signaling When You Change Directions .....................................................................18 Signaling When You Slow Down Or Stop Unexpectedly ...........................................19 ADJUSTING SPEED ...................................................................................... 19 Kentucky Speed Limits ...............................................................................................19 Adjusting to Road Conditions .....................................................................................20 Curves.....................................................................................20 Slippery Roads .......................................................................20 Highway Construction Areas......................................................................................20 Construction Signs.......................................................................................................20 Visibility ......................................................................................................................21 Trafﬁc Conditions ........................................................................................................21 KEEPING A SPACE CUSHION ...................................................................... 21 Keeping A Space Cushion Ahead ................................................................................22 Keeping A Space Cushion To The Side .......................................................................22 Keeping A Space Cushion To The Rear ......................................................................23 Allowing A Space Cushion For Defensive Driving ....................................................23 SHARING THE ROAD WITH TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCKS .............. 25 NO-ZONE FOR TRUCKS ............................................................................... 25 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLE SYMBOL.......................................................... 25 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES ......................................................................... 25 SHARING SPACE ............................................................................................. 26 Merge ..........................................................................................................................26 Enter ............................................................................................................................26 Pass ..............................................................................................................................26 HANDLING EMERGENCIES ................................................................................................................28 Handling Slippery Surfaces .........................................................................................28 Handling Skids ............................................................................................................28 Handling Emergencies.................................................................................................29 Avoiding Collisions .....................................................................................................31 Protecting Yourself In Collisions.................................................................................32 Protecting Yourself And Your Passengers ...................................................................32 Safety Belts .................................................................................................................32 ii Airbags ........................................................................................................................32 Child Restraint Systems ..............................................................................................32 Unattended Children....................................................................................................33 Steering Locks And Locking Systems.........................................................................34 Collisions.....................................................................................................................34 First Aid To Accident Victims .....................................................................................35 MOTORCYCLES .............................................................................................. 35 Kentucky Motorcycle Law ..........................................................................................35 Motorcycle Safety Education Program .......................................................................35 Operator/Passenger Requirements...............................................................................36 Vehicle Requirements..................................................................................................36 HAZARDS TO MOTORCYCLISTS ............................................................... 36 Children .......................................................................................................................36 Track Crossing.............................................................................................................37 Bridge Gratings ...........................................................................................................37 Blind Spot....................................................................................................................37 Following.....................................................................................................................38 Parked Cars..................................................................................................................38 Turning ........................................................................................................................38 Braking ........................................................................................................................38 Keep Your Distance .....................................................................................................39 Approaching Trafﬁc Lights or Marked/Unmarked Intersections ................................39 Adverse Conditions .....................................................................................................39 Passing.........................................................................................................................39 Being Seen...................................................................................................................39 Wind ............................................................................................................................39 Passengers Or Bundles ................................................................................................39 Position ........................................................................................................................39 Right-Of-Way ..............................................................................................................40 Protective Clothing......................................................................................................40 Safety Tips ...................................................................................................................40 Handling Characteristics of Motorcycles ....................................................................40 Exposure And The Motorcyclist..................................................................................40 Visibility ......................................................................................................................41 Performance Test .........................................................................................................41 MOPEDS ............................................................................................................ 44 OPERATION ..................................................................................................... 44 TRAIL BIKES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV’s) ......................... 44 BICYCLES ..........................................................................................................45 Bicycle Laws ...............................................................................................................45 Rules For Bicyclists.....................................................................................................45 Rules For Motorists Concerning Bicyclists ................................................................45 KEEPING IN SHAPE ....................................................................................... 46 Drinking And Driving..................................................................................................46 Why Is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous? ......................47 What Is Your Limit? ..............................................................47 What If You Have Too Much? ................................................47 What If The Law Enforcement Ofﬁcer Stops You? ...............47 Aggravated Circumstances.....................................................48 iii Repeat Offenders .........................................................................................................48 Drugs ...........................................................................................................................49 Combining Drugs And Alcohol ...................................................................................49 Vision And Hearing .....................................................................................................49 Alertness ......................................................................................................................49 Health ..........................................................................................................................50 Emotions .....................................................................................................................50 Aggressive Driving And Road Rage ...........................................................................50 Distractive/Inattentive Driving....................................................................................50 PROTECTING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE ............................................... 51 Suspension And Revocation Of License .....................................................................51 Cancellations Of Your Driving Privilege ....................................................................51 License Voluntarily Surrendered ................................................................................51 Insurance Law .............................................................................................................51 Unsatisﬁed Judgment...................................................................................................52 The Kentucky Point System ........................................................................................52 Trafﬁc Violations And Their Point Values ...................................................................53 The Kentucky State Trafﬁc School Program ...............................................................54 Driver Substance Abuse Education Program ..............................................................54 The Medical Review Board .........................................................................................55 TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SIGNS ................................................................... 56 Standard Colors ...........................................................................................................56 Standard Shapes...........................................................................................................56 Regulatory Signs .........................................................................................................57 Warning Signs..............................................................................................................58 Additional Signs ..........................................................................................................59 Directional Signs .........................................................................................................59 Service Signs ...............................................................................................................59 Signs Reference Emergency Vehicles and Move Damaged Vehicles to Shoulder ......59 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................... 60 Motor Vehicle Registration..........................................................................................60 Driver’s License ..........................................................................................................60 YOUR ORGAN DONOR CARD ..................................................................... 60 Trust For Life...............................................................................................................60 SMART DRIVING HELPS CONSERVE ENERGY AND IMPROVES AIR QUALITY .............................................................................................................................. 61 Keep Your Vehicle In Good Condition .......................................................................61 Use Good Driving Techniques ....................................................................................62 Drive Less-Consider Other Modes of Travel ..............................................................62 Aging Drivers ..............................................................................................................62 APPOINTMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS .................................................... 63 WEBSITES ......................................................................................................... 64 STATE POLICE POSTS AND NUMBERS .................................................... 64 PRACTICE DRIVING LOG ............................................................................ 65 iv GRADUATED LICENSING LAWS FOR NEW DRIVERS Effective October 1, 2006. — The Graduated Licensing Program affects license holders under the age of 18. The Graduated Licensing Program requires the following: PERMIT PHASE • • • • • • • • • • • Driver must be 16 years old to apply for permit. Parent/Guardian must sign application for permit. Drivers must have 180-day instruction period after receiving permit. Permit holder must drive with a licensed driver 21 years old or older. Permit holder under the age of 18 may not drive between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless the person can demonstrate good cause for driving. Parent/Guardian must certify 60 hours practice driving (10 hours must be at night) before road (skills) test can be administered. Documentation forms for this requirement are found in the back of this manual. This documentation is required before the skills test. Passenger restriction – limited to 1 (one) unrelated person under 20 years of age. Driving under the inﬂuence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. A driver under the age of 18 who accumulates more than six points may have their driving privilege suspended. No serious moving violations are allowed for those under 18 during the permit phase. If violation(s) occur, the applicant’s 180 day waiting period begins again from the date of the violation. INTERMEDIATE PHASE • • • • • • Must pass driving skills test after 180-day permit period. Kentucky State Police License Examiner will place the intermediate sticker onto the permit when applicant passes the skills test. Intermediate driver under the age of 18 may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless the person can demonstrate good cause for driving. Passenger restriction – limited to 1 (one) unrelated person under 20 years of age. Driving under the inﬂuence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. A driver under the age of 18 who accumulates more than six points may have their driving privilege suspended. INTERMEDIATE PHASE CONTINUED No serious moving violations are allowed for intermediate drivers under 18. If violations occur, the applicant’s 180 day waiting period for license issuance begins again from the date of the violation. ALL INTERMEDIATE DRIVERS MUST COMPLETE A 4-HOUR SAFETY CLASS BEFORE GETTING A FULL LICENSE. THE GOAL OF THE 4-HOUR CLASS IS TO ENSURE A MINIMUM LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DRIVER LICENSE LAWS AND TO REINFORCE SAFE DRIVING HABITS. Intermediate drivers who take a high school Driver Education Course or a course from an approved private driving school will not be required to take the 4-hour class offered by the Transportation Cabinet. • Driver’s License will be issued upon meeting all qualiﬁcations from permit and intermediate phases. • All drivers under the age of 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance.” Drivers who receive a permit before 18 years of age now have the option of completing an online Graduated License Course at https://www.myimprov.com/drivers-education/kentucky/ For more information regarding the Graduated Licensing Program, call Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-1257 The seat belt law is now a primary law in Kentucky. You may be stopped and given a ticket by a law enforcement ofﬁcer if you are observed not wearing your seat belt. BUCKLE UP! IT’S THE LAW! THE LICENSING PROCESS To be eligible to apply for a Kentucky Operator’s License, Motorcycle License, or Moped License, you must have reached your sixteenth birthday, and your driving privilege must not have been withdrawn in this state or any other state. You will begin the process in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce in your county of residence. When applying for an instruction permit or license for the ﬁrst time, you must present the following: • Social Security Card. 1 • • • Birth Certiﬁcate. For applicants under the age of 18, the signature and license or social security number of parent or legal guardian must be listed on the application. No Pass/No Drive Form (See page 3 of this manual for details). These rules and regulations have been established by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The Circuit Court Clerk is required to follow these rules. It is their responsibility to determine that the application for a driver’s license is complete and accurate and that the applicant meets the requirements to apply for a Kentucky license. After the Clerk has prepared the application, the Kentucky State Police License Examiner will administer the tests. You will be given a vision screening test to determine if you meet minimum visual requirements and a written knowledge test of the information contained in this manual. If you fail the written test, you may return the next day that tests are given in your county. An applicant for a moped license, who has no other type of license, must take only the written test and vision screening test in order for a license to be issued. A road test is not required for a moped license. After passing the required tests, you will return to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce where you will be issued an instruction permit. This permit is valid for three years and may be renewed. If the permit is not renewed within one year of the expiration date of the previous permit, the written and vision tests must be repeated. You may apply for the road skills test 180 days from the issue date of the ﬁrst permit, if you are under the age of 21. Permit holders ages 16 and 17, must meet the Graduated Driver License Program requirements listed on pages 1 and 2, before a road test will be administered. If you are age 21 or over, you must hold your permit 30 days before being eligible to take the road test. Please check with the local Examiner or Circuit Court Clerk for the testing availability in your county. If you fail the road test, you are required by law to wait seven days before another test can be administered. Once you have passed the road skills test, the Examiner will record the results and send you back to the Circuit Clerk’s Ofﬁce for your license to be issued. Drivers under age 18 will receive intermediate status after successful completion of the road test. Your driver’s license record is maintained by the Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing, in Frankfort. This agency keeps track of all trafﬁc citations, accidents, suspensions, reinstatements, and assignments to trafﬁc school. They alone have control of your driving ﬁle. Any questions concerning licensing qualiﬁcations or your driving record should be directed to that agency. Driving is an enormous responsibility. In your hands you place your life and the lives of all drivers and pedestrians around you. Please study this manual, and have a safe driving career. This manual will give you information on safe driving rules and practices to help you become a safer driver. The information will help you pass the driver test. The Kentucky Driver Manual is also available on the Internet: Kentucky State Police Web Site: www.kentuckystatepolice.org Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Web Site: www.transportation.ky.gov 2 CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME If you change your address or name for any reason, you must obtain a duplicate license within 10 days. You may be cited by a police ofﬁcer for not changing your address or name. If your name change is a result of marriage or divorce, please bring the proper legal documents showing proof. Contact your Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce to make these changes. RENEWAL OR DUPLICATE LICENSE Your permit or license is valid from the date issued through the expiration date shown on the permit or license. All licenses issued after July, 2000, will expire 30 days from the license holder’s birth date, unless suspended or revoked. If you are 21 or over, you may renew your license up to six months before the expiration date by applying in person at your local Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce. If you lose your license, a duplicate may be obtained by applying at your local Circuit Clerk’s Ofﬁce. You must show positive identiﬁcation, such as a social security card and a typed proof of residence address, to get a duplicate permit or license. RESIDENTS SERVING IN THE MILITARY Residents serving in the military may renew by mail or by personal designee when, at the time of expiration, they are outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This does not include CDL renewals. HOW TO OBTAIN A KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSE WHY ARE DRIVERS LICENSED? • To ensure that each driver has the basic skills necessary to be a safe, efﬁcient, and responsible driver. WHO NEEDS A KENTUCKY LICENSE? • Any current or new resident of Kentucky who plans to drive a motor vehicle. WHO DOES NOT NEED A KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSE? • • • • • Any person in the Armed Forces of the United States who has an operator’s license from the United States, and who is operating an ofﬁcial vehicle in the course of his service to our country. Members of the military on active duty and their dependents who hold a valid license from another state. Nonresidents working in Kentucky who hold a valid license from another state. Full-time students enrolled in school or college with a valid license from another state. Operators of road machinery, farm tractors, or other farm implements being used for the purpose for which they were designed. WHO MAY NOT HAVE A LICENSE? • • • • • Anyone under 16 years of age. Anyone whose license has been suspended or revoked and not reinstated. Any person judged by a court to be mentally incompetent. Anyone who has a physical or mental impairment which makes it unsafe for him to drive. Any person who is unable to understand highway warnings or direction signs in the English language. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A KENTUCKY LICENSE? • • • • The applicant must be a resident of Kentucky. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. (A ﬁrst-time applicant must bring his social security card and original or certiﬁed copy of his birth certiﬁcate). A parent or legal guardian must sign the application, if the applicant is under the age of 18. Applicants must pass the vision, knowledge and skills tests. 3 WHERE DO I GET MY LICENSE? • You must apply at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce in your county of residence. (For more information regarding testing day(s), you may contact your local Examiner or Circuit Court Clerk) WHAT MUST I BRING WITH ME TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT OR LICENSE? • • • • Your social security card, which has not been laminated. An original or certiﬁed copy of your birth certiﬁcate. The parent or legal guardian of applicants under the age of 18 must sign the application. A legal guardian must have a certiﬁed copy of guardianship papers. No Pass/No Drive (Form) For Applicants under the age of 18 applying for an instruction permit or transfer license, a completed school compliance veriﬁcation form issued by the public, private or home school the minor is attending must be submitted to the circuit clerk’s ofﬁce in accordance with 601 KAR13:070 and No Pass/No Drive. Loss of license or permit can occur for dropping out of school or for academic deﬁciency in accordance with KRS 159.051/601 KAR 13:070. WHAT WILL THE TEST TO OBTAIN A PERMIT CONSIST OF? • • • • A vision examination is required. (Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 is required, or the applicant will be referred to a vision specialist.) A written knowledge test which will contain questions regarding driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. You will ﬁnd all information for the test in this manual. Applicants must make a minimum score of 80% to pass this test. Tests can be given orally for applicants who cannot read the English language. However, the signs portion of the test must be answered by the applicant from his own knowledge and understanding. Tests in several foreign languages are available. ARE SPECIAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE? • A bioptic program with special training provided by the Kentucky Ofﬁce for the Blind is available. For further information regarding this program, call 1-800-895-3863. WHEN ARE ROAD TESTS GIVEN IN MY COUNTY? • Please check with your local Examiner or Circuit Court Clerk regarding the schedule for your county. A complete listing of counties requiring appointments for road tests are listed in the back of this manual. For counties that require an appointment, the appointment must be made before a test will be administered. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING THE ROAD TEST? • A valid Kentucky permit which has been held for 180 days by applicants under the age of 21 and 30 days by applicants 21 and older. There are no exceptions to the waiting periods. • A licensed driver 21 years of age or older must accompany you to the testing site. • The vehicle you use for testing must be properly registered, and proof of liability insurance is required. One of the following will be required as proof: 1. A proof-of-insurance card furnished by the insurance company. 2. A current insurance policy for that vehicle. 3. A binder from an insurance agent, in writing, stating that insurance is in force. • Drivers under the age of 18 must successfully meet requirements of the Graduated Driver License Program, on pages 1 and 2, before the road test is administered. NOTE: Rental cars must have the driver’s name listed on the rental contract as an operator. WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR MY VEHICLE? BRAKES. Every motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of, and to stop and hold, the vehicle. There shall be separate means of applying the brakes, each of which shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels. If the separate means are connected in any way, they shall be so 4 constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two wheels. LIGHTS. Your vehicle must have two headlights and two taillights. Headlights on high beam must be strong enough to light the road sufﬁciently to reveal a person 350 feet ahead. They must not shine a glaring light into the eyes of an oncoming driver. When approaching an oncoming vehicle at night, you must use the low beam the last 500 feet before meeting and passing. When following a vehicle, dim your lights before coming closer than 200 feet of the vehicle in front of you. The rear light, or taillight, must be red and must be lighted and placed so it can be seen 500 feet behind your vehicle. A vehicle must also be equipped with at least two red brake lights to the rear. All motor vehicles must have brake lights. No person shall operate any vehicle required by law to be licensed upon a highway unless it is equipped with a mechanical signal device that would indicate an intention to stop or suddenly decrease speed by illuminating at least two red lights on the rear of the vehicle. LICENSE PLATE. The vehicle must be properly registered with the licensed plate properly displayed and unobstructed. The registration plate must be illuminated so that the letters and numbers of the plate can be read 50 feet away at night. WINDSHIELD WIPER. A windshield wiper is required on the driver’s side of the windshield. The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield. The device shall be so constructed as to be controlled by the operator of the vehicle. HORN. Every motor vehicle, and bicycle, when in use on a highway, must be equipped with a horn or other device capable of making an abrupt sound sufﬁciently loud enough to be heard under ordinary trafﬁc conditions. Every person operating an automobile or bicycle shall sound the horn or sound device when necessary to warn of the approach of his vehicle. Do not use the horn or sound device unnecessarily. A MUFFLER poisonous fumes. must be on the exhaust to reduce noise and annoying smoke, while protecting the occupants from A REARVIEW MIRROR must be so attached that you can see at least 200 feet to the rear of your car. STEERING GEAR must be in good condition and not have more than one-fourth (1/4) turn free play. SAFETY GLASS is required equipment for all windows on cars manufactured after 1968. TURN SIGNALS. Mechanical turn signals are required equipment on your vehicle and must be in working order. SAFETY BELTS AND SHOULDER BELTS are required for all passenger vehicles built after December 31, 1967. Light trucks and multi-purpose vehicles are required to have safety belts if built after December 31, 1971. If all passenger safety belts are not in working order, the test will not be given. WHAT EQUIPMENT MUST I NOT HAVE ON MY VEHICLE? There are certain items that are unlawful to place on a motor vehicle. When taking the driver’s test, your vehicle must not have: • Any red or blue light showing to the front. Green lights are also undesirable. • Any siren, bell, or whistle. • A mufﬂer cutout. • Signs, posters, or stickers on the windshield or any other window in the car, unless required by law. 5 • • • • More than three extra driving lights or fog lights. Vehicles equipped with a louvered rear window must have side view mirrors. A person shall not operate any motor vehicle required to be registered in the Commonwealth upon any public highway, road, or street, on which vehicle the rear window is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has the effect of making the window nontransparent, unless the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors on both sides. Heavily-tinted windows in excess of legal standards. A person shall not operate any motor vehicle, required to be registered in the Commonwealth, on any public highway, road, or street on which vehicle the side wings and side windows on either side forward of or adjacent to the operator’s seat are composed of, covered by, or treated with any sunscreening material or other product or covering which has the effect of making the window nontransparent or which would alter the window’s color, increase its reﬂectivity, or reduce its light transmittance, except as expressly permitted. A sun-screening material may be applied to such windows if, when tested on one-eighth (1/8) inch clear glass, the material has a total solar reﬂectance of visible light of not more than twenty-ﬁve (25%) percent as measured on the non ﬁlm side and a light transmittance of at least thirty-ﬁve (35%) percent in the visible light range. If your vehicle is equipped with a back up camera, you will not be allowed to use it during the road test. WHAT WILL BE INSPECTED ON MY VEHICLE? • • • • • • • • • Each applicant must demonstrate that he knows how to operate the following on his vehicle: Headlights. Dimmer Switch. Horn. Windshield Wipers. Turn Signals. Emergency Brake. Emergency Flashers. Brake Lights. WHAT THE ROAD TEST WILL CONSIST OF? • • • • The Examiner will inspect the vehicle and examine insurance documents. Rental vehicles are allowed only if the applicant’s name appears on the rental contract as an operator of the vehicle. An Examiner will accompany you on the road test and will occupy the passenger side of the front seat. Therefore, the passenger compartment, seat, and ﬂoor area must be clean or the vehicle may be rejected. Both driver and Examiner must wear seat belts, if the vehicle was factory equipped with seat belts. The seat belts must be clean and in working order. Applicants will be required to drive in trafﬁc, encountering normal situations. The Examiner will not play tricks during the road test, and you will not be required to do anything unlawful or illegal. WHAT WILL BE SCORED ON THE ROAD TEST? You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. This licensed driver will not be permitted to ride with you during the road test. He must wait to drive the motor vehicle or ride with you if you do not pass the road test. • The test will consist of stops, backing, turning the car around, stopping and starting on a hill, parallel parking, intersection approaches, clutch use (if vehicle is so equipped), speed, turns, lane use, right-of-way use, and overall vehicle control. • Any collision, trafﬁc violation, or dangerous act may result in automatic failure, and the test will not be completed. • Failure to follow the Examiner’s instructions two times during the test will result in being disqualiﬁed. • The applicant will be given a score sheet at the completion of the test, indicating whether he passed or failed. A minimum score of 80% is required for passing the test. • You will be advised whether you passed or failed, but will not be provided with a numerical score. • Should you not pass the road test, you must wait at least seven days before taking the test again. Practice during this time is recommended. 6 HOW DO I TRANSFER MY OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE TO KENTUCKY? • • • Apply at your local Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce (within 30 days of establishing residence). Present a social security card and typed proof of residence. If the applicant’s out-of-state license is expired at least one day, the written and vision tests will be required. I AM NOT A U.S. CITIZEN. HOW DO I OBTAIN A KENTUCKY LICENSE? • • Applicants who have a Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card will begin the process by applying at their local Circuit Court Clerk’s Ofﬁce. All other non-U.S. applicants will begin the process by visiting their local Department of Transportation (DOT) Field Ofﬁce. Applicable documents will be examined and, if documents are in order, permission will be granted to receive testing. COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE In 1990, in an effort to improve highway safety, the Kentucky General Assembly passed the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Act. This law requires Kentucky to implement the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. The purpose of this act is to reduce or prevent commercial vehicle collisions, fatalities, and injuries by: • Permitting commercial drivers to hold only one (1) license. • Disqualifying commercial drivers who have committed certain serious trafﬁc violations. • Strengthening commercial driver licensing and testing standards. • Sharing conviction and licensing information with other states. Effective June 26, 2007, as deﬁned in KRS 281A.010, the use of cellular telephone is prohibited when operating a school bus to transport one (1) or more children. One effect of this act now requires Kentucky to have a classiﬁed license system. Those persons requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will hold a Class A, B, or C license. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS Commercial drivers are persons who operate commercial motor vehicles whether they are employed to do so or not. This means the Commercial Driver’s License requirements apply to volunteer drivers, such as church bus drivers, private and public school bus drivers, mechanics, salesmen, etc. Commercial drivers must have one of the following of the three classes of CDL: • Class A-Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. • Class B-Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. • Class C-Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds, which is placarded for hazardous materials or designed to transport more than sixteen (16) people including the driver. WHO DOES NOT NEED A COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL)? • • • • • Operators of passenger trucks and cars, motorcycles, and mopeds. Non-civilian operators of military vehicles owned and operated by the military. Operators of emergency vehicles, such as ﬁreﬁghters. Operators of recreational vehicles. A driver of vehicles used exclusively in farm-to-market agricultural transportation, owned and operated by the farmer or his employees, and used within 150 miles of the point of origin. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A CDL MANUAL? • A copy of Kentucky’s CDL Manual is available on the Internet at www.kentuckystatepolice.org. You can also call 800-542-5990 for more CDL information. NOTE: AN OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE ISSUED TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 16 IS NOT VALID ON 7 KENTUCKY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. RULES OF THE ROAD Without trafﬁc laws, rules, and controls, travel by a motor vehicle would be unsafe and impractical. Drivers are tested and licensed to operate motor vehicles in an effort to make travel safe for everyone. This section provides you with information on: Control of Trafﬁc at Intersections Use of Lanes Trafﬁc Signals Through Driving Trafﬁc Signs Passing Right-of-Way Laws for Turning Parking CONTROL OF TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTIONS An intersection is any place where two roads meet. At an intersection there may be trafﬁc signals, signs, or right-of-way rules to control trafﬁc. TRAFFIC SIGNALS The three main colors that guide trafﬁc are: RED means stop YELLOW means WARNING GREEN means GO, if safe RED: A red light means “stop” behind a crosswalk or stop line until the green light appears. You may turn right after stopping if there is no approaching trafﬁc, unless a sign is posted prohibiting such right turns. Even though the light is red, a turn is permitted from a one-way street into the nearest lane of another one-way street running in the direction of that turn. YELLOW A yellow light means the trafﬁc signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely. A vehicle may clear an intersection on a red light, if the vehicle entered the intersection while the signal was yellow; but it is against the law to enter an intersection after the light turns red. GREEN: If the way is clear, after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection, you may go straight or turn left or right, unless such turns are prohibited. Left turns on green must yield to through trafﬁc coming from the opposite direction. FLASHING LIGHTS A ﬂashing yellow light means you must slow down and watch for others. It is found at intersections, construction areas, and on some vehicles, like tow trucks. A ﬂashing red light means you must come to a full stop and proceed only when the way is clear. When two ﬂashing red lights mark a railroad crossing. Stop and proceed only after the lights stop ﬂashing and you determine no train is approaching. The familiar cross-buck sign near the tracks is a regulatory sign that means the same as a yield sign. LIGHTED ARROWS Some intersection trafﬁc lights have lighted arrows in addition to the regular lights. A green arrow means you may go in the direction of the arrow, if you are in the proper lane. A ﬂashing yellow arrow means you may proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow. A green arrow pointed upward means you may go “straight ahead.” A red arrow means no turning in the direction of the arrow, until it turns green. When there is more than one trafﬁc light, obey the one that is over your lane. 8 TURNS ON RED LIGHTS RIGHT TURNS: If not prohibited by signs, and you are in the proper lane, you must ﬁrst STOP, and then turn right when the way is clear of vehicle or pedestrian trafﬁc. LEFT TURNS: Left turns on Red are permitted ONLY when turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street. You must ﬁrst stop then turn left when the way is clear of vehicle or pedestrian trafﬁc. TRAFFIC SIGNS A stop sign is red with white letters and has eight sides. It means you must come to a complete stop in a safe position with regard to other trafﬁc, then proceed when the way is clear. Stop at the pedestrian crossing area or stop line, if there is one; otherwise stop before moving into the intersection. When visibility is obstructed, a second stop may be necessary before entering the intersection. A yield sign is shaped like a triangle and is red and white. It means you should slow down and yield to trafﬁc on the road you are entering or crossing. MINOR INTERSECTIONS Exit ramps and the beginning of one-way streets are also intersections and often have these signs: Upon approaching an intersection where a police ofﬁcer is directing trafﬁc, do what the ofﬁcer instructs you to do regardless of trafﬁc-control devices or signals. RIGHT-OF-WAY LAWS Where there are no signs, symbols, or police to tell you what to do, there are special right-of-way laws to follow. By law, drivers must yield to pedestrians under the following conditions: • When pedestrians are in a crosswalk or at an intersection and there is no trafﬁc light. • When turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light. • Other special right-of-way laws to follow are: • Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are going straight or turning right. • Drivers entering a trafﬁc circle or roundabout must yield right-of-way to drivers already in the circle. • Drivers on a minor road must yield to drivers on a main road. 9 • • At a 4-way, 3-way, or 2-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection and stopping ﬁrst should go ﬁrst. When two cars reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the car on the right should have the right-ofway. USE OF LANES Smooth driving allows you to keep more distance between yourself and other drivers and also helps improve fuel economy. If there are three or more lanes in one direction, the middle lane or lanes are for through trafﬁc. The left lane is for drivers who want to pass or turn left. The right lane is used by drivers who want to go slower or who are entering or turning right. If a road has only two lanes in one direction, the right lane generally has the smoothest trafﬁc ﬂow, with the left lane being reserved for the passing of other vehicles. Remaining in the left lane on a limited access highway is illegal. LANES FOR PASSING In general, you should pass on the left. Passing on the right can be dangerous since other drivers do not expect it. Vehicles on the right side are also more difﬁcult to see. The operator of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movements safely. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway, unless the vehicle being passed comes to a complete stop and such movement may be made safely. LANES FOR TURNING When turning into another street, turn into the lane nearest to you. If you are turning left from a street with two or more lanes, turn from the lane nearest the center line. If you are turning right, turn from the lane nearest the curb. If you need to change to another lane, do so only after you have ﬁnished your turn and when the trafﬁc is clear. If you have already started through an intersection when the light changes, keep going. If you have started to make a turn, follow through. Last-second changes can cause collisions. If you miss your turn, go on to the next intersection and work your way back to where you want to go. SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS Many streets have signs that say what each of the lanes are to be used for: (a) vehicles in the left lane must turn left, (b) vehicles in the left lane may turn left or go straight, (c) vehicles in the center lane must go straight, (d) vehicles in the right lane may go straight or turn right, (e) vehicles in right lane must turn right. Similar markings are often painted on the highway. a b c 10 d e TURNABOUT A turnabout is a legal way to turn the vehicle around. The steps of a turnabout are as follows: Make sure your car can be seen for 500 feet in either direction. Stop just beyond a side street or driveway on the right. Check your rearview mirror to make sure no one is approaching from behind you. Signal before backing into the street. Back into the right lane, then signal before pulling back out when safe to do so. You should never make a “U” turn or a turnabout on any curve or near the top of a hill. TURNABOUT ROUNDABOUTS AND TRAFFIC CIRCLES A trafﬁc circle is a circular one-way road at an intersection of several roads that facilitate an uninterrupted ﬂow of trafﬁc. In order to properly maneuver around the circle, drive slowly to the right of the circle through the intersection. Diagram Trafﬁc Circle Warning Sign Trafﬁc Circle A roundabout is similar to a trafﬁc circle. However, a roundabout includes yield signs at all approaches to the intersection, and motorists actually travel around the circle until they reach their exit. A roundabout is typically bigger than a trafﬁc circle. The following instructions should be followed when using a roundabout: • When approaching the roundabout, reduce your speed and always keep to the right of the splitter island on the approach to the roundabout. • When entering the roundabout, yield to trafﬁc circulating from the left. Enter the roundabout when clear. • Within the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision. Keep to the right of the central island and travel in a counterclockwise direction. • When exiting the roundabout, indicate your exit by using the right turn signal. 11 PARKING Make sure you do not get in the way of trafﬁc when you park on a public road. • Move as far away from trafﬁc as possible. If there is a roadside shoulder, pull as far onto it as you can. If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can. • If you are parked parallel on the right-hand side of the street, give a left turn signal and look over your left shoulder before pulling out into trafﬁc. If you are parked parallel on the left-hand side of a one-way street, give a right turn signal and look over your right shoulder before moving into trafﬁc. STEPS IN PARALLEL PARKING 1 2 3 4 Stop smoothly two to three feet away from car you will be parking behind, and give your signal for the direction you will be backing Turn the steering wheel sharply right and back slowly toward the center of the car behind you. When clear of the car ahead, turn wheels sharp left, and back slowly to the car behind. Turn the wheel sharp right the and pull toward the curb in the center of the parking space. • • • Make sure your vehicle cannot move. Set your parking brake and shift to “park” (or reverse in a manual shift car). If you are parked on a hill, turn your wheels so that your vehicle will touch the curb if the vehicle begins moving. If there is no curb, turn the wheels so the vehicle will go off the road should it roll. It is safest to get out of your vehicle on the curb side. If you have to use the street side, check trafﬁc before getting out. 12 • The law requires you to turn off the engine and remove the key when you leave a vehicle. Always lock your vehicle when leaving it, even if you are only going to be away for a short period of time. HANDICAPPED PARKING Unauthorized parking in designated handicapped parking areas is unlawful and is punishable by ﬁne. Persons requiring or needing handicapped parking privileges should apply to the County Clerk’s Ofﬁce for special decals or plates. Parking only for vehicles displaying an ofﬁcial permit and transporting a disabled person. SEEING WELL Most of what you do in driving is a reaction to what you see. To be a good driver, you need to see well. Seeing well means: • Knowing Where to Look • Having a Clear View • Looking ahead • Having clean windows and mirrors • Taking in the whole scene • Looking to the side • Adjusting your seat, seat belts, and mirrors • Looking behind • Checking the speedometer • Seeing well at night • Backing • Wearing corrective lenses LOOKING AHEAD In order to avoid last-second moves, a driver needs to look far enough ahead to see things early. One of the most common mistakes drivers make is looking directly in front of the vehicle instead of far enough ahead. Good drivers focus their eyes at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead. To determine how far a ten-second interval for a certain speed is, select a marker such as a sign, a bridge, or tree, and count “one-thousand one, one-thousand two,” etc. When you reach “one-thousand ten,” you have driven for 10 seconds. TAKING IN THE WHOLE SCENE Looking ahead does not mean looking at the middle of the road. It means taking in the entire scene, the sides of the road as well. “Scanning” the roadside helps you to see: • Vehicles and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them. • Signs warning of conditions ahead. • Signs giving you information about places ahead and how to reach them. Being alert and always looking far ahead reduces your chances of having a collision and increases the time you will have for decision-making and reactions. LOOKING TO THE SIDE Any time you come to a place where others may cross or enter your path, you should look to the sides to make sure it is safe to proceed. These places include intersections, crosswalks, railroad crossings, parking lots, school areas, parks, playgrounds, shopping centers, etc. INTERSECTIONS Following are some rules for any time you approach an intersection: • Look both ways. • Look to the left ﬁrst, since trafﬁc coming from the left is close to you; then look to the right. • Take one more look to the left before you pull out, just in case there is something you did not see the ﬁrst time. • Do not rely on trafﬁc signals. • At an intersection, look both ways, even if other trafﬁc has a r

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