Kentucky is on the verge of lowering the age to get a driver’s license to 15
- Young drivers in Kentucky may soon be able to drive at 15 years of age
- The state should pass a bill bringing it into law later this March
- Some feel 15 years old is too young to drive
Published on Mar 17, 2025 at 5:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 17, 2025 at 9:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
The state of Kentucky in the United States is set to lower the legal driving age to 15 in an interesting move for young license holders.
State lawmakers are set to vote on the move later in March, with the bill originally passing through the Senate earlier in the month.
Some are questioning the move, though, stating that it is too young for anyone to be able to drive legally.
Others think that it could be a good move, with Kentucky already allowing those aged 16 to drive alongside an adult.
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What the bill could mean for young drivers in Kentucky
After 180 days of driving, 16-year-old drivers in Kentucky can get behind the wheel of cars on their own with some restrictions.
At the age of 17, they are then granted a full license.
This new bill would give 15-year-old drivers the basic license they would usually have at 16 years old.
Once they are 16 and a half years old, the drivers would then get the full license usually reserved for those aged 17.
The move would bring Kentucky in line with other US states.
Tennessee and West Virginia already permit drivers at the age of 15.
They then receive the same full license six months after their sixteenth birthday.
Safeguards are coming into place that should help prevent the move from causing additional road traffic accidents.
How 15-year-old drivers can qualify for the license
Safeguards include teenagers having at least 60 hours of driving to qualify, with 10 of those at night.
They also can’t drive unless they have a qualified adult in the passenger seat who is at least 21 years old.
Those in favor of the bill say it’s good as it will allow young drivers more time on the road before they get a full license.
However, some believe that 15 years old is simply too young to drive.
Many believe they aren’t old enough to have that responsibility on their shoulders.
However, given other states already allow those under 16 to drive, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched of a move.
An adult alongside them should help mitigate the likelihood of any additional accidents on the roads.
Given the extra experience young people will have before they get their full license, it could be a very good move.
One thing’s for sure – they probably will be learning to drive in an automatic car.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
