Kentucky Road Signs: KYTC Written Test, 80% Score & Work Zone Fines

What score do you need to pass the Kentucky KYTC written test? Does Kentucky administer its test on a tablet? What are the school bus stopping rules in Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green? The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing at drive.ky.gov requires 80% to pass. The test is tablet-based at every KYTC office. Fines double in Kentucky work zones when signs are posted and a worker is present. The stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail of the nearest rail.

Table of Contents

1. Bluegrass Roads from Louisville Urban Highways to Appalachian Mountain Routes: Why 80% Matters

Kentucky roads connect Louisville I-264/I-64 urban network, Lexington Bluegrass horse farm corridors, Bowling Green I-65 interchange, and the winding Appalachian highways of Eastern Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing written test requires a minimum score of 80% to pass. The test covers driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. all from this manual. Tablet devices in every testing office deliver the test in English and multiple foreign languages. The signs portion must be answered from your own knowledge. no visual aids permitted.

2. Kentucky Highway Sign Test: Shape, Color and Symbol Knowledge Required to Score 80%

On Kentucky fast rural parkways and foggy Appalachian mountain roads, you need to process a signs shape and color before the text is legible. The KYTC written test specifically includes highway signs. master every entry in this table before test day.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

3. Kentucky Regulatory Signs: Violations That Go on Your KYTC Driving Record

Regulatory signs in Kentucky carry legal force. violations are moving offenses that can result in points, fines, and suspension of your Kentucky operators license. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested on the KYTC written exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. Kentucky Warning Signs: Hazards on Parkways, Mountain Curves & Bluegrass Two-Lane Roads

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards ahead. on Kentucky roads that means curve warnings on the winding Daniel Boone Parkway and Mountain Parkway, railroad grade crossings on rural lines, and pedestrian alerts near Louisville and Lexington urban corridors. Some warning signs may be fluorescent yellow, such as school zones. Orange signs mark work zones where fines for speeding are doubled.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer and wild turkey are common road hazards on Kentucky rural parkways and Eastern Kentucky mountain routes

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present. Kentucky requires obeying a slower speed limit when flashing lights are active or children are present; stop and yield when signaled by a traffic patrol

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. Kentucky Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-75, I-64, the Bluegrass Parkway & US-23

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-75, I-64, I-65, I-24)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-23 Country Music Highway, US-31W, US-60 Western Kentucky Parkway)

State Route Marker

Identifies Kentucky state routes (e.g., KY-80, KY-11, KY-715 Red River Gorge)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. Kentucky Traffic Signals: What the KYTC Written Test Requires You to Know

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Kentucky KYTC written test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This is one of the most commonly tested signal questions on the Kentucky KYTC written exam.

7. Kentucky Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Curb Colors & the 3-Foot Bicycle Passing Recommendation

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Kentucky KYTC written test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the 3-foot bicycle passing recommendation.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Kentucky Work Zone Signs: Fines Doubled for Speeding and Workers Present on Parkways Statewide

Orange signs mark active construction and maintenance zones throughout Kentucky extensive parkway and highway network. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled in Kentucky. Reduce your speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, and do not tailgate in work zones.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Kentucky law doubles fines for speeding in work zones. give construction workers a "brake."
• Do not become oblivious to work zone signs when work is long-term. traffic patterns can change daily including lane shifts and alternating closures.
• Observe posted work zone signs until you pass the end-of-work-zone sign. posted limits remain in effect through the entire zone, even at night.
• Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. wait for flaggers or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Kentucky Railroad Crossings: Stop at the Stop Line, Never on the Tracks, and Call the 800 Number

When approaching railroad tracks and needing to stop, always stop at the stop line before the tracks. never on them. Every Kentucky railroad crossbuck has an 800 number posted on or near it: if your vehicle stalls on tracks, abandon it immediately, run away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from (to avoid debris), and call that number or 911.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Stop at this line, before the railroad tracks; never stop on or past the tracks; call the 800 number on the crossbuck if stalled on tracks

• The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a crossing.
• Stop at the stop line before the tracks. never stop on or straddle the tracks.
• After a train passes, wait until you have a clear view in both directions. a second train could be approaching. Never start across until completely clear.
• If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out immediately and run in the direction the train is coming from. not the same direction. to avoid flying debris. Call the 800 number on the crossbuck or 911.
• Transit buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad crossings.

Key test point: Always stop at the stop line before the tracks. If stalled on the tracks, run toward the approaching train. not away from it. to avoid debris. Both facts appear on the Kentucky written exam.

10. Kentucky School Zone Speed Limits and What Happens If You Pass a Stopped Bus

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones. Kentucky requires obeying a slower posted speed limit when flashing lights are active or children are present. You must stop for any school bus or church bus stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers. remain stopped until all people are clear of the roadway and the bus is in motion.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Obey the posted lower speed limit when flashing lights are active or children are present. stop and yield when signaled by a traffic patrol officer at a school crossing

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Obey the posted lower school zone speed limit when flashing lights are active or children are present.
• At a school crossing with traffic patrol, stop and yield if signaled to do so.
• You must stop when you come to a school bus or church bus stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers.
• Remain stopped until all people are clear of the roadway and the bus is in motion. this applies in both directions.
• When following vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings (transit buses, school buses, hazmat vehicles), allow extra following distance and do not pass them unless legal and safe to do so.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Kentucky: 3-Foot Passing Recommendation and Local County Ordinances

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks. marked or unmarked. When passing a bicyclist in Kentucky, slow down, allow as much space as possible, and use at least 3 feet of clearance. only return to the right lane when well clear of the cyclist. Some counties have local ordinances controlling bicycle operation within city limits. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are covered on the Kentucky written exam.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. yield and stop as necessary.
• When passing a bicyclist, slow down and allow as much space as possible. at least 3 feet is recommended. Return to the right lane only when well clear of the cyclist.
• Some Kentucky counties have local ordinances governing bicycle operation and parking within city limits. check local rules if riding in urban areas.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. How to Score 80% on Kentucky KYTC Written Test Without Retaking It

• Score 80% to pass. The Kentucky KYTC written test requires a minimum of 80%. The test covers driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. all from this manual.
• Take the test on a tablet. in your language. All KYTC testing offices have tablet devices that deliver the test audibly in English and several foreign languages. No special appointment needed to use the audio feature.
• Know Kentucky unposted speed limits. Interstate/parkways: 65 mph (up to 70 mph where posted by the secretary of transportation). Other state highways: 55 mph. Business/residential districts: 35 mph. Off-street parking facilities: 15 mph.
• Work zone speeding fines are doubled. Kentucky doubles speeding fines in construction zones. this is explicitly stated and is a tested fact.
• School bus: stop on any roadway. When a school bus or church bus stops on any roadway to load or unload, you must stop and remain stopped until all people are clear and the bus is in motion.
• Railroad: stop at the line before the tracks. If your vehicle stalls on tracks, run toward the approaching train. not away. to avoid flying debris. Call the 800 number on the crossbuck or dial 911.
• 3 feet for bicyclists. Kentucky recommends at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Return to the right lane only when well clear. Some counties have local bike ordinances.
• Flashing signals are always tested. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
• Yellow vs white lines. Yellow = opposing traffic. White = same-direction traffic. A foundational rule on every KYTC exam.
• Review the entire manual. The KYTC specifically recommends reviewing the manual in its entirety. do not just study signs.

Kentucky Driver License