Where to go for a driver's license in Bardstown

The Bardstown Regional Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is where you get your driver's license. It is located at 101 East Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown. This office handles both new licenses and renewals for Nelson County residents and people in surrounding areas.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays. Because wait times vary by day and time, arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.

If you cannot reach the Bardstown office or need to know about temporary closures, you can call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's main line or check their website for current hours. Some services may also be available at other regional offices in nearby counties if Bardstown is not convenient.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the Bardstown Regional Office at 101 East Stephen Foster Avenue with a valid Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity to get a new license.
  • You must pass a written test on Kentucky traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before receiving your license.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, as it may reduce the number of tests you need to take.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours and closed on state holidays.
  • Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid, so ask the staff when you arrive what you will owe.

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all of these in original form, but you do need to bring something from each group.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a current out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a birth certificate. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you have changed your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document showing the change.

Tests you will take

Kentucky requires three separate tests before you receive your license: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may not have to take the written and vision tests, though the staff at the Bardstown office can tell you whether your specific situation qualifies for that exception.

The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free and available online or at the office. Most people study for a few days to a week before taking it. You need to answer a certain number of questions correctly to pass, and you can retake it if you do not pass on your first try.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test happens on the road with an examiner in the car. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Costs and how long it takes

The fee for a new driver's license in Kentucky depends on how long the license is valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The staff at the Bardstown office can tell you the exact fee when you arrive, as fees can change. You will pay in cash or card at the time you explore.

The entire process — from walking in to leaving with your temporary license — usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass all tests on your first try. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass, and your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

If you do not pass a test, you can retake it, but you will have to pay a fee each time. The office staff can tell you how soon you can retake a test and what the retake fee is.

If you are moving to Kentucky from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Kentucky license without taking the written and vision tests in most cases. Bring your current out-of-state license along with the proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency documents listed above.

Kentucky law requires you to get a Kentucky license within 30 days of moving to the state. After that time, driving on an out-of-state license is not legal in Kentucky, even if your out-of-state license is still valid. The sooner you visit the Bardstown office, the easier the process will be.

What to do if you fail a test

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it after a waiting period. The Bardstown office staff will tell you how long you must wait and what the retake fee is. Many people use this time to study the Kentucky Driver's Manual more thoroughly before trying again.

If you do not pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you what skills you need to work on. You can practice with a licensed driver and then schedule another test. Each retake has a fee, so budget for that possibility when you plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment or do I have to walk in?

The Bardstown Regional Office typically operates on a walk-in basis, though you should check their current policy by calling ahead. Some Kentucky offices have moved to appointment systems, so it is worth confirming before you go.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. You do not have to have the card itself, just proof of the number.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to take the tests and receive your temporary license. A parent or guardian can accompany you if you are under 18, but you are the one who must complete the process.

What happens if I move out of Bardstown after I get my license?

Your Kentucky license is valid statewide and does not need to be updated if you move within Kentucky. If you move out of Kentucky, you will need to get a license from your new state within the time frame that state requires.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the office for the written and vision tests?

No. You only need your vehicle when you come back for the driving test. For the written and vision tests, you just need your documents and yourself.