Kentucky is one of the few states in the U.S. where the minimum age for a driving permit is set at 16, making it an outlier compared to neighboring states. As lawmakers in Kentucky prepare for the 2025 General Assembly, state Rep.
Steven Rudy, a Republican from Paducah, is pushing for change. Rudy’s new proposal, House Bill 15, aims to lower the age at which teenagers in Kentucky can get behind the wheel. If passed, the bill would allow 15-year-olds to apply for a permit, giving them a head start toward driving. Additionally, teens could earn a full, unrestricted driver’s license by 16 and a half, instead of waiting until they turn 17.
Rep. Rudy, who has been serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives for over a decade, explained that the legislation would be beneficial to the state’s young workforce, especially in rural areas. In many parts of Kentucky, teens struggle to access transportation, making it harder for them to find part-time jobs. “Our state’s workforce participation is low, especially among teens,” Rudy explained.
“How many fast food jobs could be filled by students who want to work but simply can’t get there?” Rudy believes the change could open up more opportunities for young people, allowing them to start working and earning money while still learning the skills needed for safe driving.
Under current Kentucky law, individuals must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit. Once they obtain the permit, they can drive with a licensed adult driver, who must be at least 21 years old, in the car.
After holding the permit for 180 days, teens can apply for an intermediate license, which lets them drive alone with certain restrictions. When they turn 17, they can obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license. However, if House Bill 15 passes, the law would change to allow 15-year-olds to start the process. After receiving a permit at 15, they could earn their full license by the time they turn 16 and a half.
Rudy has found a lot of support for the bill, with 19 other Republicans and one Democrat, Rep. Erika Hancock from Frankfort, joining him as cosponsors. House Speaker David Osborne, the highest-ranking Republican in the Kentucky House, also supports the bill.
During the first day of the 2025 session, Speaker Osborne mentioned the bill as one that could be a priority for lawmakers. Rep. John Blanton, the Republican chair of the House Transportation Committee, is also backing the bill, which adds to its prospects of passing.
According to Rudy, neighboring states already allow 15-year-olds to apply for a driving permit, and he believes Kentucky should follow suit. “The crash rates in states like Tennessee and Indiana, which already let teens get permits at 15, are no higher than ours,” he pointed out. Rudy argues that Kentucky’s laws are outdated and that allowing younger teens to drive would help the state align with the laws in other parts of the country.
While it’s true that teen drivers often face criticism for being less experienced on the road, Rudy emphasized that the key to reducing accidents is experience and training. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 18, with 2,514 fatalities in 2022 involving a teen driver. However, Rudy believes that allowing 15-year-olds to start driving earlier with adult supervision can help mitigate some of these risks.
Rudy also pointed out that car safety technology has improved significantly in recent years. “Manufacturers are making cars safer all the time,” he said. “We will continue to monitor traffic safety, but the key is to get more experience on the road.” Rudy argued that having a licensed adult driver in the car with a teen will help keep them focused on the road. As long as teens are still required to drive with an experienced adult until they are ready to drive alone, Rudy feels confident that the proposal is a safe option.
The governor’s office is keeping a close eye on the bill as it moves through the legislative process. Naitore Djigbenou, director of Kentucky’s Office of Public Affairs, said that the administration is reviewing the proposal. “We will continue to track the bill as it moves through the legislative process,” Djigbenou said.
While the bill has not yet been assigned to a committee, the 2025 General Assembly is set to reconvene in early February for just 30 days, which could limit the number of bills that pass. With fewer days in session and no budget to pass, many bills may face additional hurdles before they can become law.
Rudy remains optimistic that House Bill 15 will gain enough support to move forward. He believes that the bill’s success is likely, given the backing from key political leaders, including Speaker Osborne and Rep. Blanton. If the bill passes, it could be a major shift in how Kentucky handles teen driving laws, and many believe it would help the state catch up to its neighbors in terms of providing greater opportunities for young drivers.
In addition to improving teen access to jobs, Rudy sees the bill as a way to enhance training for new drivers. “Experience makes better drivers,” he said. By allowing teens to start driving at 15, the hope is that they will have more time to practice and gain valuable experience before they drive without supervision.
As of now, the bill is still in its early stages. The 2025 legislative session is just beginning, and lawmakers are still considering many important issues. However, if House Bill 15 becomes law, it could help shape the future of driving for Kentucky teens, making it easier for them to get jobs, gain experience, and contribute to their communities.
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