Kentucky Permits 15-Year-Olds to Drive

Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky signed House Bill 15 into law, allowing teenagers to obtain a learner's permit at the age of 15 instead of 16. The bill, which had an emergency clause, went into effect immediately and aligns Kentucky with other Southern and Midwestern states that permit 15-year-olds to start driving under supervision. Proponents argue that this change will benefit working families and provide more independence for teens, although concerns about the maturity of younger drivers remain, particularly regarding distractions such as cell phones. The bill received bipartisan support and was influenced by Beshear's children advocating for the change. Under the new law, permit holders must still be accompanied by a licensed adult and complete 60 hours of practice driving before advancing to an intermediate license.