Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 186.480 – Examination of applicants by Department of Kentucky State Police -- Vision test to be administered in compliance with KRS 186.577 -- Exemptions -- Road skills test.

(1) The Department of Kentucky State Police shall examine every applicant for an operator's license as identified in KRS 186.635, except as otherwise provided in this section. The examination shall be held in the county where the applicant resides unless:
1. (a) The applicant is granted written permission by the Transportation Cabinet to take the examination in another county; or
2. (b) The applicant is tested using a bioptic telescopic device.
(2) The examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to ensure compliance with the visual acuity and visual field standards set forth in KRS 186.577. The vision testing outlined in this subsection shall be administered under the provisions established in KRS 186.577 at, or prior to, the time of application. The examination shall also include a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws, and an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an applicant who:
1. (a) At the time of application, holds a valid operator's license from another state, provided that state affords a reciprocal exemption to a Kentucky resident;
2. (b) At the time of application for a motorcycle instruction permit or motorcycle operator's license, presents evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course under KRS 176.5062; or Is a citizen of the Commonwealth who has been serving in the United States military and has allowed his or her operator's license to expire.
3. (c)
(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, an applicant for a motorcycle operator's license who does not present evidence of successful completion of an approved rider training course under KRS 176.5062 shall be required to show his or her ability to operate a motorcycle. An applicant who successfully completes the skills portion of the test under this subsection on a:
1. (a) Three (3) wheeled motorcycle shall be issued a motorcycle operator's license restricted to the operation of three (3) wheeled motorcycles under KRS 186.447; or
2. (b) Two (2) wheeled motorcycle shall be issued a motorcycle operator's license without the restriction identified in KRS 186.447, and may operate both two
3. (2) and three (3) wheeled motorcycles.
(4) Any person whose intermediate license or operator's license is denied, suspended, or revoked for cause shall apply for reinstatement at the termination of the period for which the license was denied, suspended, or revoked by submitting to the examination. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person whose license was suspended for failure to meet the conditions described in KRS 186.411 when, within one (1) year of suspension, the driving privileges of the person are reinstated.
(5) An applicant shall not use an autocycle for road skills testing administered under the provisions of this section.
(6) The Department of Kentucky State Police shall include, in the educational materials it produces for prospective drivers, information about the purposes, processes, and benefits of the organ donation program.

Effective: July 15, 2024

History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 198, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 3, effective July 1, 2024. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 2, effective July 1, 2024; and ch. 188, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 17, effective March 27, 2020. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 100, sec. 37, effective January 1, 2019. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 195, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 65, sec. 6, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 5, effective January 1, 2001. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 123, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 6. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 5. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 8, effective June 13, 1968. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 6. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2739m-33, 2739m-67.