Kentucky teens will now be able to get behind the wheel a little earlier thanks to a new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Andy Beshear.
House Bill 15 lowers the minimum age to obtain an instruction permit from 16 to 15, giving teenagers a full year to gain experience behind the wheel before applying for an intermediate license. The law takes effect immediately due to an emergency clause.
Supporters say the change is especially beneficial for youth in rural areas where public transportation or ride-sharing services are often unavailable.
“This is going to be a good experience for them,” said House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, who sponsored the bill. “Particularly in rural Kentucky, they don’t have those third-party ride platforms.”
Under the new law, teens can apply for an instruction permit at age 15 with a parent or guardian’s signature. After holding the permit for at least 180 days and meeting other requirements, they can take the driving test to obtain an intermediate license — even before turning 16. This means some teens could be driving independently as early as 15½, which supporters say could help bolster the local workforce, especially in rural areas.
Rudy said the law maintains Kentucky’s existing graduated licensing system, which includes nighttime driving restrictions and limits on unrelated passengers for young drivers.
Brooks Young, a 14-year-old from Franklin County, testified in favor of the bill, saying it would help teens become more independent and better prepared for future responsibilities.
“House Bill 15 is an opportunity to provide significant benefits to our communities, families, and businesses in every Kentucky county,” Young said.
Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, noted that the change aligns Kentucky with several surrounding states and may help energize young people to pursue licensure earlier.
Beshear signed the bill after it passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support.
“We are expanding opportunities for Kentucky youth, improving workforce access, and helping families—especially in rural areas,” Rudy said.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is expected to work with regional driver licensing offices to handle the anticipated increase in permit applications.
