13-02-2025
Kentucky teens could be behind the wheel a year early with new bill
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Kentucky House Bill 15 would decrease the age drivers can get their learners permit from 16 to 15.
'It allows for students and young people to learn about driving and the process of driving a little sooner,' Kentucky State House representative J.T. Payne said.
Payne is the representative for Henderson County and one of the sponsors for the bill.
'It's just a common sense thing that Kentucky is a little bit behind on,' he said. 'It's one of those things that is simple that will produce good results for the people of Kentucky.'
Kentucky is the only state south of Delaware that has a 16 or above age requirement for learners permit.
But Kentucky also has the highest teen driving fatality rate, according to a report from Zutobi.
'How is what they are doing currently, going to keep those 15 year olds safe,' Misty Siders, someone who has worked in drivers education for over 25 years, said.
The proposed bill does not change any of the requirements that drivers have to complete before getting their license, like 60 hours of supervised driving practice and at least 10 hours of night driving.
Both Siders and Payne agreed that experience as soon as possible is what's best for young drivers.
'Let them drive you,' she said. 'I want them supervised as long as possible before they are out on their own unsupervised. That's what's going to make them good drivers.'
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