No Pass No Drive

No Pass/No Drive – What Parents Need to Know

Kentucky’s No Pass/No Drive law (KRS 159.051) impacts students ages 15-17 who wish to obtain a driver’s permit or license. It is essential for schools to verify that students meet the academic requirements for driving before signing the necessary state form. Please see the attached state form below.

Students may lose their student driving privileges if they:

- Fail too many classes (students 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 enrolled in an Adult GED program are considered non-compliant until they complete the GED.

- Amish/Mennonite students need to provide proof of school completion (typically 8th grade).

- High school graduates or students who are 18 years and older are exempt from these rules.

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 their driving privileges reinstated. Trimester schools adhere to the same guidelines: students must pass at least 66% of classes and miss no more than 6 unexcused days.

Summary:

To maintain 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