A new bill in Kentucky could make it easier for teenagers to get behind the wheel sooner. House Bill 15, introduced by Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy from Paducah, proposes lowering the age for getting a driver’s instructional permit from 16 to 15. If passed, this change would also allow young drivers to get their restricted license at 16 and a full license by 16-and-a-half, instead of the current age of 17.
Right now, Kentucky is one of the stricter states when it comes to teen drivers. It’s one of only eight states where kids must wait until they turn 16 to get their permit. Rudy wants to align Kentucky’s rules with its southern neighbors, where teens can start driving as early as 15. He says he’s heard from many parents who support this idea. “Parents are juggling a lot these days,” Rudy explained. “They’re driving kids to school, practice, and other activities. This could lighten their load.”
There’s also a practical side to the proposal. Rudy mentioned that many teens struggle to find jobs because they don’t have a way to get to work. With both parents often working, it’s not always possible for mom or dad to drive them around. He believes this change could help families and boost workforce participation. Kentucky’s workforce participation rate is one of the lowest in the nation at just 58.2%, tied for fifth-lowest overall.
Of course, there are safety concerns. The U.S. Department of Transportation says drivers aged 16 to 19 have a higher chance of being involved in fatal crashes compared to older drivers. In fact, their rate of 4.8 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled is only surpassed by drivers over 80. But Rudy doesn’t think this should be a major hurdle. He pointed out that insurance companies aren’t worried, saying, “I talked to some insurance companies, and they’re used to this in other states. It’s no big deal.”
The process for getting a permit wouldn’t change. Teens would still need to pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. Rudy feels confident about the bill’s chances. It already has the support of other Republican leaders in the House and was discussed at a GOP retreat last year. He’s even started conversations with some senators to ensure smooth sailing.
“I’m optimistic this will get through the House and hopefully the Senate too,” Rudy said. He’s hopeful it will become one of the accomplishments of this legislative session.
As of now, there’s no official comment from Democratic Governor Andy Beshear or the Kentucky Department of Transportation about the bill. But with strong backing in the legislature, it looks like Kentucky teens might be getting an earlier start on the road soon.