Kentucky No Pass No Drive Law

What the Law Requires

Kentucky's No Pass No Drive law (KRS 159.051) ties driving privileges to academic standing for students ages 15 to 17. If a student drops out of school, is declared academically deficient, or accumulates nine unexcused absences, the school reports this to the KYTC Division of Driver Licensing, and the student's license or permit is suspended.

The law applies to all Kentucky students ages 15 to 17 who are applying for a permit or license, including public-school, private-school, home-school, and Job Corps students. It no longer applies once the student turns 18. A student who has graduated or received a GED while still 15 to 17 can use proof of graduation or GED transcripts as required by the licensing process.

What Triggers a Suspension

Three categories of academic non-compliance can trigger a No Pass No Drive suspension:

Dropping out. A student who formally withdraws from school or stops attending triggers automatic notification to the KYTC.

Academic deficiency. Being declared academically deficient by the school can result in a suspension notification.

Excessive unexcused absences. The school can report the student when the ninth unexcused absence occurs.

How to Get the License Back

There are two reinstatement paths:

School Compliance Verification

The most straightforward path is returning to compliance. The student re-enrolls, brings grades up, or resolves the attendance issue, and the school district submits a compliance update to the KYTC confirming the student is back in good standing. The KYTC lifts the suspension once the verification is received.

This path requires no court involvement — the school district handles the notification directly.

Judicial Petition (Form AOC-297)

If the student cannot return to compliance through the school — for instance, if they have transferred to a non-traditional educational program, are pursuing a GED, or face circumstances that make standard compliance impractical — a District Court judge can sign a reinstatement petition.

Form AOC-297 (Petition for Student Driving Privilege Reinstatement) is filed with the local district court by a custodial parent, legal guardian, or next friend. The petitioner must describe the hardship or the student's compliance with the educational requirements.

If the judge signs the petition, the court order is presented to the KYTC to lift the suspension.

The $40 Reinstatement Fee

Like other license suspensions in Kentucky, reinstatement after a No Pass No Drive suspension may require the standard $40 administrative fee to the KYTC or the applicable permit reissue fee. This fee is paid after the school compliance verification or court order is received — not before.

What Parents Should Know

The No Pass No Drive law makes the license conditional, not permanent. A student who regains compliance can have the suspension lifted, and a student who falls out of compliance again can have it reimposed. The cycle can repeat within the same school year.

For families dealing with a No Pass No Drive suspension alongside other holds on the student's record, the Kentucky Driver's License Reinstatement Guide explains how to identify and clear each hold in the correct order.

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