Where to go for your driver's license in Elizabethtown
The Elizabethtown Regional Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet handles driver's licenses for Hardin County. It is located at 410 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701. This is the only office in Elizabethtown where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license on the same day if you pass both.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for a written test, but road tests require scheduling ahead. You can book a road test by calling the office at (270) 769-8000 or through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
If you cannot reach the Elizabethtown office, the next closest regional office is in Louisville, about 40 miles away. However, your test results and license will be the same regardless of which Kentucky office you use.
Key Takeaways
- The Elizabethtown Regional Office at 410 West Dixie Avenue is where you take both your written and road tests for a Kentucky driver's license.
- You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a passport or birth certificate — to pass the document check before testing.
- Road tests must be scheduled in advance by calling (270) 769-8000, but written tests are first-come, first-served during office hours.
- Kentucky charges $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, and you can choose which length when you pay.
- If you have an out-of-state license, you must pass both the written and road test; Kentucky does not waive either one based on prior licenses.
Documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires three categories of documents before you can take a test: proof of Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Kentucky residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card, a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 will work. For proof of identity, a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and a Kentucky address on it.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The staff at the Elizabethtown office will check all your documents before you take the written test.
The written test and what it covers
The Kentucky written test has 40 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers Kentucky-specific rules, such as right-of-way laws, speed limits in school zones, and what to do at a four-way stop.
You can take the test on a computer at the Elizabethtown office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts. Most people pass on the first try if they study the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free and available online or in print at the office.
You do not need to schedule the written test in advance. Arrive during office hours, complete the document check, pay the license fee, and you will be called to take the test when a computer station opens. Wait times are usually 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is that day.
Scheduling and taking your road test
The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with an examiner in your own vehicle. You must pass the written test first — you cannot take the road test on the same day you fail the written test. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule the road test for any day after that.
Call (270) 769-8000 to book your road test. The office typically has openings within one to three weeks. Tell them your preferred dates and times, and they will confirm a slot. You must bring your permit (issued after you pass the written test), your vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to the road test appointment.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping at signs, and merging. They are looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail are hitting the curb while parking, rolling through a stop sign, or not checking mirrors before turning. If you fail, you can retake the road test, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot.
Your vehicle must meet safety requirements
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before the examiner will take you on the road test. The examiner checks that your brakes work, your lights and turn signals function, your windshield wipers work, and your tires have adequate tread. Your vehicle must also have a valid registration and proof of insurance in the glove box.
If your vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot take the road test that day. You will need to fix the problem and reschedule. Common failures are burned-out brake lights, worn tires, or missing windshield wipers. These are inexpensive to fix, and you can usually return within a few days.
License fees and how long your license lasts
A Kentucky driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you pay at the Elizabethtown office. You will receive your license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests.
Your license will be valid in all 50 states and U.S. territories. If you move out of Kentucky before your license expires, you do not have to renew it in Kentucky — you can transfer it to your new state when you move. If you stay in Kentucky, you can renew by mail or online before your expiration date.
If you have an out-of-state license or permit
Kentucky does not recognize out-of-state driver's licenses or permits. If you move to Kentucky or become a resident, you must pass both the written and road test to get a Kentucky license, even if you have a valid license from another state. You cannot use an out-of-state permit to drive while waiting for your Kentucky test appointment.
However, you can drive in Kentucky on a valid out-of-state license for up to 30 days after you move. After 30 days, you must have a Kentucky license. If you are stopped by police and cannot show a Kentucky license after 30 days, you may be cited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a rental car or someone else's vehicle?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration to your road test appointment. The examiner will check that the vehicle passes the safety inspection before you drive.
What if I fail my road test — how soon can I retake it?
You must schedule a new road test appointment after you fail. There is no waiting period, but the next available appointment may be one to three weeks away depending on the office's schedule. You do not have to retake the written test.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The Elizabethtown office will test your vision as part of the document check before you take the written test. You must be able to read the eye chart at a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the vision test and during your road test.
Can I get a Kentucky license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Kentucky law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Kentucky license.
How do I know if my proof of residency document is acceptable?
Call the Elizabethtown office at (270) 769-8000 before you go in. Tell them what documents you have, and they can tell you whether they will accept them. This saves you a trip if your documents do not meet the requirements.