Kentucky Class M Motorcycle License Holders Still Need a Class D Car Permit (2026)

A valid Class M motorcycle license does not allow you to drive a car in Kentucky. You must obtain a Class D instruction permit first. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) treats these as separate skill sets.

You can hold both a Class D (car) and a Class M (motorcycle) instruction permit at the same time. They are issued on a single credential but have independent restrictions.

Requirements for Adding a Car License in Kentucky

A Class M motorcycle license does not let you drive a car. You still need the Class D permit process; the motorcycle credential does not waive the Class D permit or road test.

How Long Must Class M Holders Keep the Class D Permit?

• Under 21: the Class D permit has the applicable 180-day holding period.
• 21 and older: hold the Class D instruction permit for at least 30 days before the road-test stage.

Other age-based practice and GDL requirements depend on the driver's age and are not changed simply because the person already holds a motorcycle credential.

Does having a Kentucky motorcycle license shorten the Class D permit waiting period?

No. The Class D holding period is based on your age when you apply for the Class D instruction permit. An existing Class M credential does not shorten the 180-day or 30-day Class D waiting period.

Which Class D Tests Must Motorcycle License Holders Take?

• Written Test: You still complete the Class D testing required for the car credential.
• Vision Screening: Required as part of the applicable credential process.
• Road Skills Test: Complete the Class D road test in a qualifying car after the required holding period.

Do I have to take the Class D written and vision tests if I already have a Class M license?

Yes. A Class M credential does not waive the Class D permit examinations. You still complete the testing required for the Class D car credential.

What Does the Class D Permit Cost for a Motorcycle License Holder?

• Class D Permit: $15 Standard or $18 REAL ID. The motor-vehicle instruction permit is valid for 4 years.

Do motorcycle riding hours count toward Class D car practice requirements?

No. The Class D supervised-practice requirement is tied to learning to operate a motor vehicle under the Class D permit rules. Motorcycle riding experience does not replace supervised car-driving practice when that practice requirement applies.

Holding Both a Car and Motorcycle Permit

What happens to my Class M credential when a Class D permit is added?

Your motorcycle driving privilege remains separate from the new Class D permit privilege. Adding the car permit does not replace the Class M credential or remove its existing motorcycle privileges; each class keeps its own rules and expiration requirements.

Common Class M-to-Class D Scenarios

• University Student in Lexington: A UK student with a motorcycle license needs a car for winter commuting. Must get a Class D permit, hold it for 30 days (if over 21), and pass the car road test. Motorcycle experience does not exempt them from the permit phase.
• Teen in Bowling Green with Both Permits: A 17-year-old holds both a Class M and Class D permit. Must log 60 practice hours for the car under GDL rules (180-day hold) but can only ride their motorcycle solo with visual supervision. The permits expire on different dates.

How to Avoid Delays When Adding Class D Privileges

Your motorcycle credential does not waive the normal Class D application, document, appointment, or road-test requirements. Use the dedicated appointment, document, and road-test guides for those details.