Getting Your Kansas Learners Permit

The road to getting your Kansas drivers license has a few stops along the way. Kansas employs a Graduated Driver Licensing program, which means that you’ll actually take a few steps in the drivers licensing process before you’re able to earn your full, unrestricted license. The first one: getting your Kansas learners permit, sometimes referred to as the Kansas drivers permit.

Kansas Learners Permit Requirements

Like the name implies, the Kansas learners permit is an entry-level permit that allows you to get behind the wheel of a car – with supervision, of course! When you turn 14, you can apply to get your learners permit. Before you do, though, you’ll want to prepare; you’re required to pass a basic knowledge test, covering road signs and basic Kansas traffic laws. The Kansas Driving Handbook contains all of the info you’ll need to know in order to pass. (If you pass a Kansas-approved drivers education course, the permit test will be waived.)

You’ll take your knowledge test and complete the application process at your nearest Kansas Department of Revenue office. When you go to apply for your learners permit, you’ll need the following:

• Approval from your parent or legal guardian if you are under the age of 16.
• Documents that establish proof of identity.
• Proof of Kansas residency
• Payment for the required fees ($20 permit fee, $8 photo fee, $3 testing fee)

Along with passing the written knowledge exam, you’ll need to pass a vision test as well.

How the Kansas Learners Permit Works

Once you’ve received your Kansas learners permit, you can begin the process of learning how to drive. When you’re behind the wheel, you need to obey the following restrictions:

• You must be supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older. This driver does not necessarily have to be a parent or guardian, but your parent or guardian will be required to formally certify that you’ve completed the minimum number of hours of supervised driving.
• You cannot have anyone other than your driving supervisor in the front seat.
• You are not allowed to use a mobile device (even one with hands-free capability), except to report an emergency or illegal activity.

You’ll need to complete 25 hours of supervised driving practice and hold your learners permit for one year. You can keep track of your driving hours by using this downloadable Kansas Teen Supervised Driving Log; when you’re done with those 25 hours, your parents or guardian can sign it and you can bring it with you when you’re ready to take the next step – getting your Kansas drivers license!