Kentucky Driving Regulations for Seniors and the Elderly

Discover driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping Kentucky’s elderly drivers and roads safe.

Unlike other states’ driving authority, the Kentucky Driver Licensing Division does not have any particular requirements for senior drivers.

It will, however, accept requests for an unsafe driving inquiry from physicians, municipal and county authorities, police, and concerned citizens—and may impose particular limits on cars or their drivers in an effort to keep them safer behind the wheel.

Kentucky License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Unlike many states, Kentucky does not require elderly drivers to renew their licenses more regularly or to take more frequent eye or road exams.

Time limits: Every four years, all drivers must renew in person.

If a license has been suspended or lapsed for a year or longer, a vision test is not necessary during renewal.

If a license has been suspended or lapsed for a year or longer, a written exam is not necessary for renewal.

The road test: Renewal is not necessary unless the license has been suspended or expired for a year or longer.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

Kentucky’s driving authorities have the authority to limit a person’s license. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other typical limitations include:

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

How to Request a Kentucky Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Division of Driver Licensing will take information from doctors, local or county authorities, police, or concerned residents acquainted with a driver’s ability. If citizens submit the information, two individuals and a notary must sign the requisite affidavit.

Those who want to have their driving credentials reviewed must fill out a Medical Review Board Affidavit and send it to the Transportation Cabinet as specified on the form.

The form will not be kept secret and may be disclosed to the designated person upon request.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Contact one of the state’s Regional Field Offices for information about regaining a license that has been suspended or revoked.

How to Obtain Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

Drivers with reduced mobility may be awarded two-year disability parking badges provided a competent physician verifies the condition.

There are signs available for people who:

cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; cannot walk without the aid of an assistive device; are limited by lung illness; and require portable oxygen
have a serious heart disease or are severely restricted in their ability to walk owing to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic ailment.

The following steps must be taken in order to receive a disability placard or plate:

Fill out and sign an Application for Disabled Persons Special Parking Permit, and have your signature notarized.
Section 2 of the application must be completed and signed by a qualified physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Bring the original application to the County Clerk’s office in your area.

Learn More About Kentucky Senior Driving Laws

The Driver Licensing Division’s website provides basic information for Kentucky drivers, such as documents needed to obtain driving records and connections to state driving legislation.

The free “Kentucky Driver Manual,” which provides information for Kentucky drivers on license, car registration, and traffic restrictions, is particularly appealing.