Where to go for your Hopkinsville driver's license

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing runs the Hopkinsville office. It is located at 1025 East 9th Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. This is the only place in Christian County where you can take your written test, road test, or renew a license in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot walk in without an appointment — Kentucky requires you to book a time slot before you arrive. You can schedule online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call the Hopkinsville office directly at (270) 887-0877.

Wait times vary by season. Summer and early fall are busiest. If you cannot get an appointment within a few weeks, check whether you can use a different county's office — Kentucky allows you to test in any county, not just your home county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hopkinsville driver's license office is at 1025 East 9th Street and requires an appointment; you cannot walk in without one.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to your appointment.
  • Kentucky charges $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; payment is cash, check, or card.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way, and Kentucky traffic laws; you get three chances to pass before you must wait seven days and retake the entire process.
  • If you fail the road test, you can reschedule when ready, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (ordered from the county where you were born), a consular report of birth abroad, a valid military ID, or a valid state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. A tax return or paystub does not count.

For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or mail from a government agency also works. A piece of mail addressed to you is not enough by itself.

What the written test covers

The Kentucky written test has 40 questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You are also tested on Kentucky-specific rules like what to do when you see a school bus with its lights on.

The test is given on a computer at the Hopkinsville office. You have no time limit. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or schedule another appointment. After three failures, you must wait seven days before you can test again.

Kentucky does not publish the exact test questions, but the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides a free study guide on its website. The guide covers all topics on the test. Many people also study using the handbook that comes with your appointment confirmation.

What happens during the road test

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. An examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads around Hopkinsville. You will be tested on basic skills: starting the car, using turn signals, stopping at stop signs, turning left and right, parking, and backing up. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving.

You must bring the vehicle you will be tested in. It must have valid registration, a current inspection sticker, working brakes, working lights, and working windshield wipers. The vehicle must be insured. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot test that day.

If you fail the road test, you can reschedule when ready for another attempt. You must wait at least one day before your next test. You do not have to retake the written test.

License types and costs in Kentucky

Kentucky offers a regular driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. The regular license costs $20 for four years or $40 for eight years. The REAL ID license costs the same but requires additional documents: a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number (not just the card).

A REAL ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, a regular license is sufficient. Both types are valid for driving in Kentucky and other states.

Kentucky also offers a commercial driver's license (CDL) for people who drive trucks or buses for work. The CDL process is longer and requires additional testing. The Hopkinsville office can direct you to CDL testing if you need it.

Renewing your license in Hopkinsville

You can renew your Kentucky license in person at the Hopkinsville office, by mail, or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires an appointment.

To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website), and a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. You pay online and receive your new license by mail within two weeks. You do not need an appointment for online renewal.

If you have a suspended or revoked license

If your Kentucky license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Hopkinsville office. You must first contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out why it was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Restorations require proof that the underlying issue has been resolved.

Once your license is restored, you can renew it in person, by mail, or online. The Hopkinsville office staff can tell you the status of your license if you call (270) 887-0877.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different county if I live in Hopkinsville?

Yes. Kentucky allows you to test in any county office, not just your home county. If the Hopkinsville office has a long wait, you can schedule an appointment in a neighboring county like Warren County (Bowling Green) or Todd County. You will still receive a Kentucky license valid statewide.

What if I fail the written test three times?

After three failures, you must wait seven days before you can test again. You can then take the test a fourth time. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but each failure requires a new appointment and the seven-day waiting period applies after every third failure.

Do I need insurance to take the road test?

Yes. The vehicle you test in must have current insurance. The examiner will ask to see proof of insurance before you start driving. If you cannot show proof, you cannot test that day.

How long does a Kentucky driver's license last?

A regular license lasts four or eight years depending on which you choose when you renew. A REAL ID license also lasts four or eight years. You can choose the length each time you renew. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are due.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?

No. Kentucky does not issue temporary licenses. If you pass your test, you receive your new license at the office before you leave. If you renew by mail or online, you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.