Where to go for a driver's license in London, Kentucky
The London Driver's License Office is located at 312 Main Street, London, Kentucky 40741. This is a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office, and it is the place where you take your written test, road test, and submit documents for a new license or renewal.
You can visit during their regular business hours without an appointment for most services, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. If you want to confirm current hours before you go, you can call ahead at the office directly or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for their location details.
If the London office is inconvenient, there are other Driver's License Offices in surrounding counties — Rockcastle, Laurel, and Clay counties all have their own offices. The process and requirements are the same at any Kentucky office.
Key Takeaways
- The London Driver's License Office is at 312 Main Street and handles written tests, road tests, and license applications for Laurel County residents.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation showing you are not required to have one.
- Kentucky offers a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18, with restrictions that change as you age and gain experience.
- Road tests must be scheduled in advance, and you cannot take one without a valid learner's permit or instruction permit first.
- Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
Documents you need to bring
Before you go to the London office, gather your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not required to have one.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current London address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
Bring your learner's permit or instruction permit if you are taking a road test. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself if you still have it — it speeds up the process, though it is not required.
Written test and road test requirements
Kentucky requires you to pass a written knowledge test before you can take a road test. The written test covers 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 London office. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
After you pass the written test, you become may be able to access to take a road test. Road tests must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in and take one the same day. Call the London office to book your road test appointment. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is typically a waiting period between attempts, and you may need to pay a retest fee. Ask the staff at the London office what the current waiting period and fee are.
Graduated licensing for drivers under 18
Kentucky uses a graduated licensing system that gives younger drivers more freedom as they gain experience. The system has three stages: learner's permit, instruction permit, and full license.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold this permit for at least 180 days before moving to the next stage.
An instruction permit (also called a restricted license) lets you drive alone during daylight hours, but you still cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. You must hold this for at least 12 months and have no traffic violations during that time before you can get an unrestricted license.
A full unrestricted license has no time-of-day restrictions. You become may be able to access for this at age 18, or at 17 if you have held an instruction permit for 12 months with no violations.
License renewal and expiration
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the London office.
Renewing by mail or online is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. You will need your current license number and a valid payment method. The renewal fee varies, so check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the current cost.
If your license is expired more than five years, or if you have had a medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person at the London office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license.
Cost and payment methods
The fee for a new driver's license in Kentucky depends on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Renewal fees are lower than the cost of a new license. The London office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
If you are under 18, there may be a different fee structure. Ask at the office or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the exact amount you will owe based on your age and the type of license you are getting.
What to do if you lose or damage your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the London office and request a duplicate license. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. The duplicate fee is usually lower than the cost of a new license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test at the London office if I live in a different county?
Yes. You can take your road test at any Kentucky Driver's License Office, not just the one in your home county. However, you must have a valid learner's permit or instruction permit issued by Kentucky before you can test anywhere.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake it after a waiting period. The London office will tell you when you can schedule your next attempt and whether there is a retest fee. Most people pass on their second or third try.
Do I need an appointment to visit the London Driver's License Office?
Appointments are not required for most services, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to visit.
Can I renew my license online if it expired two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at the London office.
What if I move to a different address in Kentucky?
You must update your address within 10 days of moving. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the London office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.