Where to go for your Bardstown driver's license

The Bardstown Regional Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is where you'll get your learner's permit, take your written test, and receive your driver's license. It's located at 107 North Third Street in Bardstown, Kentucky 40004. This is a real DMV-style office — not a third-party testing site — so you can handle most of your licensing steps in one place.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You'll need to bring specific documents with you, and you cannot walk in without an appointment. Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet requires you to schedule your visit in advance through their online system or by calling ahead. This prevents long waits and ensures staff are ready for your test.

If you cannot reach the Bardstown office or need to know current hours, the main Kentucky Transportation Cabinet phone line can direct you to the right department. You can also visit the state's official licensing website to check for any temporary closures or schedule changes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bardstown Regional Office at 107 North Third Street handles learner's permits, written tests, and license issuance all in one location.
  • You must schedule an appointment before visiting — walk-ins are not accepted at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offices.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence when you visit.
  • Kentucky issues a standard five-year driver's license, a REAL ID-compliant license, or a non-compliant license depending on the documents you bring.
  • The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs; the road test is conducted by a state examiner at the office.

Documents you need to bring to Bardstown

Kentucky requires four categories of documents before you can receive a driver's license. First, you need proof of identity — a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or library card will not work. Second, bring proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer.

Third, you need proof of residency in Kentucky. This must be a document showing your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address is not enough by itself. Fourth, if you were not born in the United States, bring proof of legal presence — your passport, visa, or immigration documents.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The Bardstown office staff will not accept documents that are unclear, expired (except for your birth certificate), or do not match the name you're using on your process. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change.

The written test in Kentucky

Before you can take the road test, you must pass Kentucky's written knowledge test. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to Kentucky. You can study using the official Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free and available online from the Transportation Cabinet website. Many people also use practice tests on that same website to prepare.

The written test is given on a computer at the Bardstown office. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions, and you must get at least 24 correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in Kentucky, though you may need to pay a retest fee.

The test is offered in English and in several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the office staff when you schedule your appointment so they can prepare.

The road test and what happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test at the same office. A state examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers both city and highway driving. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you start.

If you pass the road test, you'll receive your Kentucky driver's license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the type of license you're getting. Your license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you fail, you can retake the road test after waiting a set period — ask the examiner how long you must wait before scheduling your next attempt.

Kentucky offers three types of licenses: a standard driver's license (not REAL ID-compliant), a REAL ID-compliant license with a gold star, and a non-compliant license. The type you receive depends on which documents you brought. A REAL ID license costs slightly more but is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.

Learner's permit rules before you test

If you are under 18, Kentucky requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test. You get the learner's permit after passing the written test. During those 180 days, you must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. There are also restrictions on when you can drive — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to work or school.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can take the written test and the road test on the same day or on different days, depending on how much time you need to prepare and practice.

Fees and what to expect for timing

Kentucky charges a fee for your learner's permit, written test, and road test. The exact amount varies and may change, so ask when you call to schedule your appointment. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Bardstown office. Bring enough to cover the license fee as well, since you'll pay for the actual license when you pass your road test.

From the day you schedule your appointment to the day you receive your license, the timeline depends on how quickly you pass each step. If you pass the written test on your first try and schedule the road test within a few weeks, you could have your license within a month or two. If you need multiple attempts or have a long wait between appointments, it will take longer. The Bardstown office can tell you typical wait times when you call.

What to do if you have questions about Bardstown licensing

The Bardstown Regional Office staff can answer questions about documents, scheduling, fees, and test content. Call ahead before you visit — do not show up without an appointment. If you cannot reach the Bardstown office directly, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet main line can transfer you or provide the office's current phone number.

You can also visit the official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, which has the driver's manual, practice tests, information about REAL ID, and links to schedule appointments online. Some questions are answered faster through the website than by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?

Yes. The car must be registered and insured, and the owner does not need to be present. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, and wipers work before you start. Make sure you know how to operate the vehicle's controls before the test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting the required period — ask the examiner how long. You'll need to schedule a new appointment and pay the retest fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to renew my license after I get it?

Yes. Kentucky licenses are valid for five years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Bardstown office. The Transportation Cabinet will send you a renewal notice before your license expires.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or in person at the Bardstown office. You do not need to retake any tests — just bring proof of your new address.

Is the Bardstown office the only place I can test in Nelson County?

The Bardstown Regional Office is the main licensing office for the area. If you need to know whether other testing locations exist nearby, call the office or check the Transportation Cabinet website for regional office locations.