Where to go for your driver's license in Prestonsburg
The Floyd County Clerk's Office in Prestonsburg handles driver's licenses for the county. You'll go there to take your written test, vision test, and photo, then receive your license on the same day if you pass. The office is located at 117 Main Street, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, and you can reach them at (606) 886-2361.
Kentucky driver's licenses are issued by the state, but the county clerk's office is where you complete the process in person. You cannot renew or obtain a license online or by mail — you must appear in person at the Floyd County Clerk's Office.
Hours vary by season and staffing, so call ahead before you go. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but holiday closures and staff absences can affect availability.
Key Takeaways
- The Floyd County Clerk's Office at 117 Main Street is the only place in Prestonsburg where you can get a driver's license.
- You must bring a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a birth certificate or passport works for both.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and photo on the same visit, and receive your license the same day if you pass.
- Call (606) 886-2361 to confirm hours before you go, because closures and staffing changes happen without notice.
What 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 three from separate sources — one document can cover two categories.
For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring the original documents, not copies — the clerk's office will not accept photocopies.
The written test and what to study
The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the clerk's office.
Kentucky publishes a free study guide called the Kentucky Driver's Manual, available on the state Transportation Cabinet website. The manual covers everything on the test. You can read it online or request a printed copy at the clerk's office. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before taking the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.
Vision test and photo requirements
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must read a chart from a specific distance, and you must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without glasses or contacts). If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, the clerk will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back with a vision correction form signed by the doctor. You cannot get a license without passing the vision test or providing proof that an eye doctor has cleared you to drive.
For the photo, wear something you would wear on a normal day — no hats, no sunglasses, no filters or heavy makeup. The photo is taken at the clerk's office and printed on your license the same day.
License types and fees
Kentucky offers a Class D license for regular passenger vehicle driving, which is what most people get. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement. If you want to drive a commercial truck, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires additional testing and is handled differently.
A Class D license costs around $30 to $35 and is valid for eight years. The exact fee depends on whether you are a first-time driver or renewing, and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license. Ask the clerk's office for the current fee when you call to confirm hours.
A REAL ID license costs more but can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license cannot. Most people choose REAL ID because the extra cost is small and the license lasts eight years.
If you are under 18
Drivers under 18 must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 180 days before taking the road test for a full license. You get the learner's permit at the same clerk's office by passing the written test and vision test, just like an adult.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place for the first six months after you get your full license.
After you have held the permit for 180 days, you return to the clerk's office to take the road test. You must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to supervise. If you pass, you get your full Class D license on the same day.
What happens after you pass
Your license is printed at the clerk's office while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. You receive it before you leave. The license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, and you can drive legally as soon as you have it in your hand.
Keep your license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, you must show it. If you lose it or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at the same clerk's office for a smaller fee than a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works as proof of identity instead. If you do not have either, you can petition the state for a delayed birth certificate through the vital records office, but this takes several weeks. Call the Floyd County Clerk's Office to discuss your specific situation.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it when ready at the clerk's office without waiting. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the Kentucky Driver's Manual more carefully. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Call (606) 886-2361 to ask whether appointments are required. Some Kentucky clerk's offices take walk-ins, while others require appointments. Prestonsburg's policy may vary, so confirm before you go.
Can I renew my license by mail if I already have one?
Kentucky allows some renewals by mail, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Call the clerk's office or visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must renew in person at the clerk's office.
What if I move out of Floyd County after I get my license?
Your Kentucky license remains valid no matter where you move within the state or out of state. You do not need to update it unless your name or address changes. If your address changes, you can update it at any Kentucky clerk's office or online through the Transportation Cabinet website.