Obtaining a driver’s license in Kansas involves a little more than just visiting the local DMV and taking a test. The requirements depend on your age and whether you already have a license from another state. If you’re getting a license in Kansas for the first time, here is what you should know about the process.
License Requirements and Fee
Instructional Permits for Young Drivers
New drivers need time behind the wheel before they’re ready to take the driving test. People as young as 14 can get their instruction permit to start logging time behind the wheel. The State of Kansas does not require formal driver education for this permit, but parental approval is required. Proof of identity is also required.
Before these young drivers are issued a Kansas Learners permit, they must pass a vision test. They must also either take a written test or present a certificate of complete from a driver education course. When they are driving a vehicle, they must have a licensed driver age 21 or over in the front seat to monitor their activities. They may not use any wireless communication device while they’re driving. This temporary license must be held for one year before they can apply for a regular driver’s license.
Instructional Permits for People Over 17
Older teenagers are held to similar requirements. Proof of identity is required, and they must pass a vision test. The written test is not required if they have a certificate of completion from an approved driver education course. The main difference is that parental permission is not required. A licensed adult over age 21 must be in the front seat with the student driver, but this license is not required to be held for any particular length of time.
Fees
The Kansas license cost is broken down into four different parts. There is the primary license fee, a fee for the photo, and the exam fee. A teenage driver can expect to pay $31, while a regular four-year license for adult drivers will cost $23 if an exam is required and only $20 if there is no exam.
Restricted Licenses
Teenagers in Kansas are given restricted licenses. These licenses limit the hours they can drive and have strict restrictions. 15-year-old drivers may only drive to or from work or school without a licensed adult. There is no restriction if they have a licensed adult with them. They must have their instruction permit for at least one year before applying for this license, and they must also log 50 hours of driving time. They are not allowed to transport minor passengers, and they must pass written, driving and vision exams.
At age 16, drivers may transition to a less restrictive license. They must have their instructional permit for one year and have 50 hours of drive time recorded. They can transport one minor-aged passenger. They may drive anywhere between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Outside of those hours, they must be going to or from work, a school authorized activity, or have a licensed driver in the car with them. Wireless devices are not allowed with these restricted licenses. Written, driving and vision exams are required.
Non-Restricted License
All drivers over the age of 17 can apply for this type of license. There are no restrictions on driving privileges, and parental approval is not required. These drivers will have to pass driving, vision and written exams.
New Resident
If you’re moving into Kansas from out of state, you’ll need to surrender your old license and present acceptable proof of identity and residence. A vision examination will be required. The written test will only be required if your license has expired. A driving test will be required if your license is expired by more than one year.
Preparing for the Exam
If you’re going to take the written exam, you should prepare with a driver’s license practice test. These tests are available through different agencies online and through drivers education courses. The practice tests help prepare you for the questions that are found on the official form, and they also help students understand Kansas driving laws. The best source for these tests is at this website, found at http://www.driverknowledge.com/kansas-dmv-practice-test/
Testing Locations
Tests are taken at Kansas DMV facilities. They provide the written exam, but aspiring drivers will have to bring their own cars for the driving exam. There are several Kansas DMV locations around the state. Drivers can find a location near them by visiting http://www.dmv.com/ks/kansas/dmv-location-hours and typing in their zip code. This site also provides important information about hours, fees, practice tests and other important information.
Whether you’re moving to Kansas or you’re just turning 18 and want to drive, it’s important to be prepared for the waiting periods, fees and exams. With this information, you can be ready to pass the test and earn your license. Then you can enjoy the open road with your Kansas driver’s license tucked safely in your wallet.
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Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Kansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)
