Kentucky Permit Test Languages: 26 Options, Audio for 7, English-Only Road Skills Test (2026)

Yes, you can take the Kentucky permit test in a language other than English. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) offers the written knowledge exam in multiple languages to accommodate non-English speakers.

What Languages Is the Kentucky Permit Test Available In?

The Kentucky permit test is available in 26 languages besides English. You select your preferred language on the testing kiosk at check-in. Some languages offer audio support through built-in headphones.

Languages include: Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian/Khmer, Chinese, Croatian, Dari, English, Farsi (Persian), French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Laotian (Lao), Pashto, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.

How Do You Request a Language and Audio Options?

Request your language when you check in at the KSP testing site. Languages with audio support include Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Somali, and Spanish. Text-only languages are offered as written tests.

• Languages with Audio Support: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Somali, and Spanish have built-in computer audio. Request headphones to hear questions read aloud.
• Text-Only Languages: Other languages are offered as written tests, typically on paper. An oral exam administered by an examiner may be available upon advance request by calling (800) 542-5990.
• Switching Languages: You cannot switch languages once the test begins. Confirm your choice carefully at check-in.

Call your specific testing office, like the KSP Post in Bowling Green, the day before your appointment to confirm your chosen language is available. This prevents delays if a paper test needs to be printed.

Interpreter Rules and Translation Quality

• No Personal Interpreters: You cannot bring your own translator. Use the official translated test or an approved oral exam.
• ASL Interpreters: For deaf or hard-of-hearing applicants, KSP coordinates with the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide an ASL interpreter at no extra cost. Schedule this in advance at ksp.ky.gov.
• No Dictionaries: Translation devices, phone apps, or paper dictionaries are prohibited during the exam.

If a question seems unclear due to translation, ask the examiner for clarification before answering. In Lexington, a candidate lost time by hesitating on a poorly phrased question about parking distances. Study the Kentucky Driver Manual - all language versions use the same questions. Non-US citizens need the TC 94-152 form.

What Language Is the Kentucky Driving Test Conducted In?

The Kentucky road skills test is conducted in English only. You must understand commands like stop, turn left, merge, and parallel park without an interpreter. CDL applicants must take all tests in English under federal law.

An applicant in Owensboro passed the written permit test in Spanish but failed the driving test twice because they misunderstood the English command to 'merge into the left lane' as 'turn left at the next intersection.' Practicing with English commands beforehand is essential.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment at busy offices like the Frankfort Driver Licensing Regional Office. Download the TC 94-30 form before applying. More at drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/First-Issuance.aspx Practice tests and state-specific guides: https://www.shoro.ai/us/learners-permit/kentucky.

• The knowledge test has 40 questions. Answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
• Tests are by appointment only at Kentucky State Police Driver Testing locations. Schedule via the KSP portal.
• Oral tests (staff reading questions aloud) require a special appointment - call (800) 542-5990 option 3.
• Signs must be answered from your own knowledge, even on oral or translated tests.