Kentucky Permit Test Fees and Refunds: What You Pay After Passing (2026)

Failing the ordinary Kentucky written permit test does not forfeit a permit issuance fee.

Permit Fees After a Failed Written Test

For the ordinary Class D learner's permit, the written and vision tests do not carry a separate KSP testing fee. If you fail the written test, you have not forfeited a $15 permit issuance fee because the permit has not yet been issued.

Do I have to pay if I fail the Kentucky written permit test?

No. There is no separate ordinary Class D fee for a failed written-test attempt.

Do I lose my permit fee if I fail before the permit is issued?

No. The $15 Standard or $18 REAL ID credential fee is charged only when the permit is issued.

Correcting or Refunding a Kentucky Driver Licensing Payment

Charge	When charged	Refund question
Ordinary KSP written/vision test	No separate Class D testing fee	No test fee to refund after an ordinary failed attempt.
Permit issuance	After you pass and KYTC issues the credential	This is the $15 Standard or $18 REAL ID permit credential charge.
Card processing fee	When a card is used for a KYTC payment	Handled under the applicable payment-processing terms.
Duplicate or mistaken charge	If a payment is posted more than once or otherwise disputed	Contact KYTC/payment support with the receipt and transaction details.

This page covers Kentucky's state permit-test and permit-issuance charges. Third-party road-test deposits or private vendor cancellation policies are separate.

Can a card processing fee be refunded?

KYTC lists card processing charges separately from the credential fee. Its public guidance does not promise that a processing charge will be returned in every corrected transaction, so ask KYTC to review the specific payment rather than assuming it is refundable.

What should I do if KYTC charges me twice?

Keep the receipt and transaction details and contact the Regional Office or KYTC for a payment review. A duplicate charge should be handled as a billing issue, not as a permit-test retake question.

Kentucky Permit-Test Retake Fees

If you fail the knowledge test, follow KSP's current retake timing. There is no separate ordinary Class D testing fee for each written-test retake. For the full retake procedure, use the Failed Knowledge Test guide.

Does Kentucky charge a fee for a permit-test retake?

For the ordinary Class D knowledge test, Kentucky does not list a separate standard KSP retest fee. You still need to follow KSP's retake rules before testing again.

Avoiding Extra Trips After a Failed Permit Test

Study the current Kentucky Driver Manual before the next attempt.
Use the Failed Knowledge Test guide for retake timing and the Required Documents guide for document rules.
Check the specific KSP testing location before traveling if you need current hours or scheduling information.

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