Need to present your driving record to get a CDL?
Is your potential employer or auto insurance company asking to see your driving record? Or maybe it’s the court?
Are you wondering how many points you’ve accumulated?
All these lead to one thing — getting hold of your driving record or driving history record (DHR).
And today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a Kentucky driving record. We’ll walk you through the driving record types and how to get them.
More than just getting a copy, we’ll also look at ways you can improve your driving record, as well as understand the Kentucky point system.
Don’t worry — we’ll keep it simple.
So are you ready?
Let’s begin!
Types of Driving Records in Kentucky
There are two kinds of driving records available to drivers in Kentucky. You can purchase either of these:
- A 3-year driving history record
- A full driving history record
Let’s look at what sets them apart.
3-Year Driving History Record
This type of driving record is what most people use — it’s also the only type you can get if you’re requesting someone else’s driving history.
It shows the following information:
- Personal identifying information
- What licenses you’ve had
- Information regarding traffic convictions
- Any administrative decisions affecting your driving privileges
It will not show your address, Social Security Number, and description. It’s also the only DHR type you can purchase online.
Full Driving History Record
This DHR type shows the same information as a 3-year record but goes back to the time you got your license. It also includes more personal details, like:
- Your address
- Your gender
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security Number
Your Full DHR is not accessible to the public. You can get a copy by mail or by visiting a driver licensing field office.
How to Get My Driving Record in Kentucky
As you might have noticed, there are three ways to get your Kentucky driving record:
- Online
- In Person
- By Mail
Let’s see the steps and requirements for each of these methods.
How to Get Your Kentucky Driving Record Online
Follow these steps to get your Kentucky driving record online:
- Log in to your Kentucky.gov account through the state’s portal.
NOTE: You can easily create an account from the same page if you don’t have one.
- Type in your first and last name. Ensure that these match what’s on your license.
- Enter your 9-digit driver’s license number.
- Pay the record fee of $3 and an electronic access fee of $2.50
NOTE: You can pay using a credit card issued by Discover, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
- View your 3-Year Driving History Record.
You will be able to access your information for 14 days. However, if you need a copy longer than that, you can simply print it.
How to Get Your Kentucky Driving Record In Person
Sure, getting your DHR online may be faster and more convenient, but it also has a higher fee. This is why some choose to get it at an office.
What’s more, if you need a Full DHR, then you must get it either in person or by mail.
If so, here are the steps to getting your Kentucky driving record in person:
- Visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office.
NOTE: Some offices accept walk-ins, while others need appointments. Check this link to see Driver Licensing Regional Office addresses, phone numbers, and whether it needs appointments or not.
- Provide your first and last name and driver’s license number.
- Pay the $3 fee.
NOTE: You cannot purchase your driving record using cash or personal checks. You can only use debit or credit cards, money orders, or cashier’s checks. The last two must be payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
- Get your driving record
Still pretty easy, right?
How to Get Your Kentucky Driving Record By Mail
Your last option is by mail. Although it won’t require you to wait in an office, it can take more time before you receive your record.
Still, if it’s your preferred method, here’s what you should do:
- Download and fill out a copy of the Driver License History Record Request form (TC 94-195).
- Enclose your payment for $3.
NOTE: You can only purchase your driving record by mail using a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
- Send these to the address below:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Driver Licensing
Attn: Driver History Records / Fees Section
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
- Wait for a copy of your driving record to arrive by mail.
Remember that it might take a while, so if you need your DHR immediately, it’s best to consider other options.
How to Improve Your Kentucky Driving Record
So, you get hold of your driving record and see that it isn’t the cleanest.
Is there anything you can do about that?
There are ways to improve your Kentucky driving record, but none of these are short-term fixes. Points on your license remain on your record for 5 years.
And, unfortunately, there is no point-reduction program in Kentucky.
The next best thing is to ensure you don’t get additional points on your driver’s license.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Attend Traffic School. Although it won’t take points off your license, it may prevent new points from being added. That said, make sure you ask the court handling your case for permission and choose a state-approved school, such as iDriveSafely or MyImprov.
- Review Kentucky’s Road Rules. These include traffic signals and signs you may encounter. Being familiar with them makes you less likely to commit a violation.
- Maximize Your Vehicle’s Driving Technology. These include blind-spot monitors, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. Again, all these will help you avoid accidents, and avoid points.
- Apply Defensive Driving Techniques. You can’t leave everything to technology — you need to ensure you spot hazards early to give you enough time to respond appropriately.
- Don’t Drink If You Know You’re Driving. You’re more likely to get into an accident if you get behind the wheel after having a couple of drinks. Although you’re not legally drunk until your BAC reaches 0.08%, around two drinks (which brings it to 0.02%) can affect your driving ability.
- Be in the Right State. Driving doesn’t just require you to be in the right state physically. You must also be in the right emotional and mental state to keep safe.
Understanding the Point System in Kentucky
Kentucky applies a point system to monitor driving violations. Now, you can lose your driving privileges if you accumulate too many.
Drivers under 18 may have their license suspended if they get 7 points or more within 24 months. The same happens to drivers 18 and above if they get 12 or more points.
It’s best to know how many points different violations carry to prevent a license suspension. The table below outlines the point system in Kentucky.
Points | Violation |
0 | Traveling over the speed limit on a limited-access highway by less than 10 mph Traveling over the speed limit by 15 mph or more using a commercial motor vehicle |
3 | Exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 mph on a limited-access highway Exceeding the speed limit by less than 15 mph on a non-limited access highway Exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more using a CMV Failure to stop at an electric signal, railroad crossing, or stop sign Failure to yield Going the wrong way on a one-way street Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions Improper driving Not using your headlights or failing to dim them when necessary Careless driving Improper lane use Violating restrictions on instructional permits Texting while driving |
4 | Reckless driving Tailgating Driving on the wrong side of the road Switching drivers while in a moving vehicle Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle |
5 | Improper passing |
6 | Exceeding the allowable speed limit by 16 to 25 mph Making dangerous driving maneuvers resulting in an accident Committing two or more violations simultaneously Failing to stop for a school or church bus |
The Wrap Up
And that concludes your complete guide on how to get a Kentucky driving record.
So the next time you need to get hold of your DHR, you now know what type to get, where to get it, and the steps to getting it.
And, if you see that your record isn’t the cleanest, it’s best to look for ways to improve your driving to avoid violations.
Remember, you don’t want to face suspension!
Drive safely!