No Pass/No drive

No Pass/No Drive – What Parents Need to Know

Kentucky’s No Pass/No Drive law (KRS 159.051) affects 15, 16 and 17 year-old students who want a driver’s permit or license. 

Schools must verify that students meet the requirements before signing the state form. See attached state form below.

Students may lose driving privileges if they:

• Fail too many classes (must pass at least 4 courses per semester) 
• Drop out of school
• Have 9 or more unexcused absences in one semester
   

Special Notes:

• Home school families are responsible for verifying their own students. 
• Students in an Adult GED program are non-compliant until the GED is completed. 
• Amish/Mennonite students must show proof of school completion (typically 8th grade). 
• High school graduates or students 18 years and older are exempt.
   

Attendance & Grades:

• Absences do not carry over from one semester to the next. 
• A student must be “in good standing” for a full semester to have driving privileges reinstated. 
• Trimester schools follow the same rule: students must pass at least 66% of classes and miss no more than 6 unexcused days.
   

Summary:
To keep a driver’s license or permit, students must:
✔ Pass at least 4 classes each semester
✔ Stay enrolled in school
✔ Avoid 9 or more unexcused absences