How to Get Your Kansas Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Kansas license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Kansas learner permit you must be at least 14 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Kansas residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Kansas residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Kansas permit knowledge test

The Kansas knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Kansas-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Kansas written test, you can retake it. Most Driver Licensing offices ask you to wait until the next business day. A small exam fee may apply for each attempt. Review the Kansas Driving Handbook before you return.

The best prep path is to read the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free KS practice test and the full 25-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Kansas learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $20).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Kansas's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Kansas license

Schedule your Kansas road test through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $23 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Kansas steps in order

As listed by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles:

1. Turn 14 to qualify for a Kansas instruction permit.
2. Gather your documents: proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number, and proof of Kansas residency.
3. If you are under 16, bring your parent or legal guardian to sign the application.
4. Visit a Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Licensing office.
5. Pay the $20 permit fee, $8 photo fee, and $3 exam fee.
6. Pass the vision screening.
7. Pass the 25-question Kansas written test (or skip if you completed an approved driver ed course).
8. Receive your instruction permit and practice with a licensed adult age 21 or older.
9. At age 15, apply for a restricted driving license after holding the permit for one year.
10. At age 16, apply for a full driver license after meeting all GDL requirements.

FAQ: Getting Your Kansas License