Good News Parents – Kentucky is One of the Best States for Teen Drivers

Driving is a major milestone for teenagers, and choosing where to hit the road can make a significant difference in safety and skill-building. WalletHub recently conducted a study to rank the Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers, and Kentucky parents should be glad to know that the Bluegrass State was near the top of the list.

READ MORE: Here’s Why Kentucky is Ranked As One of the Worst States to Be a Cop

The rankings are based on a comparison of data in the following categories and subcategories.

SAFETY

• Teen Driver Fatalities
• Teen “Under the Influence” Traffic Violations
• Share of Teen Drinking & Driving
• Share of Teen Texting/Emailing While Driving
• Quality of Roads
• Driving Schools per Capita

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

• Maximum Cost of Speeding Ticket
• Maximum Cost of Red-Light Ticket
• Average Cost of Car Repairs
• Average Gas Prices

DRIVING LAWS

• Presence of Occupant-Protection Laws
• Presence of Impaired-Driving Laws
• Presence of Distracted-Driving/Texting-While-Driving Laws
• Presence of Red-Light & Speeding-Camera Laws
• Leniency Toward DUI Violations

Kentucky is One of the Best States for Teen Drivers

You should feel lucky if you live in Kentucky and have a teenage driver, because according to this report, Kentucky is the 8th best state in America for teen drivers. This was determined by Kentucky's rankings in the categories above - 19th in Safety, 11th in Economic Environment, and 8th in Driving Laws.

READ MORE: Kentucky City Named the 5th Most Pet-Friendly Place in America

WalletHub’s study analyzed key metrics like teen driver fatality rates, average insurance costs, and road conditions across all 50 states. Kentucky stood out for its low car insurance premiums and moderate road conditions. While other states struggle with higher costs and dangerous driving environments, Kentucky's balance of affordability and relatively safe roads gave it a competitive edge.

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The Road Ahead for Kentucky Teens

For families considering where to settle or those already raising teens in Kentucky, this ranking serves as a reassuring sign that the state is a relatively safe and cost-effective environment for new drivers. Kentucky’s emphasis on affordability and safety means your teen is in good hands as they hit the road.

Check out the full report to see all of the data about the Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers. You can also scroll over the map below for a quick glimpse of each state's rank.