Kentucky Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Unlike the driving authorities in most states, the Kentucky Driver Licensing Division imposes no special rules on older drivers.

It will, however, accept requests from doctors, city and county officials, police, and concerned citizens to conduct an unsafe driver investigation—and can place specific restrictions on vehicles or their drivers in an attempt to keep them safer behind the wheel.

Kentucky License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

While many states require older drivers to renew their licenses more frequently or take more frequent vision or road tests, Kentucky has no age-specific renewal rules.

Time limits: All drivers must renew in person every four years.

Vision test: Not required at renewal unless a license has been suspended or expired for a year or more.

Written test: Not required at renewal unless a license has been suspended or expired for a year or more.

Road test: Not required at renewal unless a license has been suspended or expired for a year or more.

Possible License Restrictions

Kentucky's driving authorities can place restrictions on a person's license. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.

Other common restrictions include:

• no freeway driving
• driving a vehicle with an additional right side mirror
• no nighttime driving
• time of day restriction—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic
• using adequate support to ensure proper driving position
• area restrictions, and
• wearing bioptic telescopic lens when driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Kentucky

The Division of Driver Licensing will accept information from physicians, city or county officials, police, or citizens familiar with a driver's abilities who are concerned about unsafe driving. If the information is filed by citizens, then two people and a notary must sign the required affidavit.

Those requesting a review of driving qualifications must complete a Medical Review Board Affidavit and mail it to the Transportation Cabinet as directed on the form.

The form will not be kept confidential and may be released to the individual named if he or she requests it.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked, contact one of the Regional Field Offices located throughout the state.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Disability parking placards, valid for two years, can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed physician certifies the condition.

The placards are available for those who:

• cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• cannot walk without an assisting device
• are restricted by lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition, or
• are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Steps required to obtain a disabled placard or plate are:

• Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Persons Special Parking Permit; the signature must be notarized.
• Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse complete and sign Section 2 of the application.
• Bring the original application to the local County Clerk's office.

Learn More About Kentucky Driving Rules for Seniors

The Driver Licensing Division's website includes general information for Kentucky drivers, including forms required to access driving records and links to the controlling state driving laws.

Of special interest is the downloadable "Kentucky Driver Manual," which includes information for Kentucky drivers on licensing, vehicle registration, and rules of the road.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

You can use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Kentucky.