Getting a driver’s license is a dream for many of us. But, it can be challenging to understand what you need to get there. It happens when many of us plan to get a driver’s license in the ‘Sunflower State.’ Is it that hard to obtain a Kansas driver’s license? Here are the facts.
If you’re a resident of Kansas or just moved into the city, understand that getting a driver’s license in Kansas is not that hard. All you have to do is to prepare well for the written test! After all, driving without a Kansas driver’s license will earn you a hefty penalty, jail time, or even license suspension. But, of course, we all love to avoid these!
So, how can you get a driver’s license in Kansas? What are its requirements? How much does it cost? Know everything in detail about getting a Kansas driver’s license!
What documents do I need to renew my Kansas driver’s license?
Kansas residents can start driving when they’re 14. But, you must be 17 years old or older and present identification to apply for an unrestricted driver’s license in Kansas. Visit your nearest local DMV office to take vision, written, and driving tests (or present documentation proving completion of a driver education program).
Before visiting the nearby DMV, those applying for an unrestricted driver’s license must meet the following requirements.
- Proof of legal presence: It can be your birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate.
- Two documents proving Kansas residency: It can be a W-2/1099 form, a lease, or a utility bill.
- Proof of a Social Security Number (SSN): It can be a W-2/1099 form, pay stub with your full SSN, or Social Security card.
How to get a Kansas driver’s license
You must pass two stages before getting a full Kansas driver’s license.
- Learner’s Permit
- Restricted Kansas Driver’s License
How to get a Learner’s Permit in Kansas
You should be at least 14 years to obtain a Learner’s Permit in Kansas. In addition, you have to meet the following requirements to obtain one.
- Pass a written examination comprising 25 multiple-choice questions on basic traffic laws and road signs. To pass, you must at least answer 20 questions (80%) correctly.
- Pass a vision exam where your eyesight must be at least 20/40. It doesn’t impact much if you pass this test using corrective lenses or spectacles. However, you must continue to wear your corrective lenses or glasses if you need them to pass your vision exam.
Tip: If you have passed a driver’s education test that Kansas has approved, you won’t need to take the written exam.
Restrictions
After passing the written and vision tests, you will finally receive your learner’s permit. But, first, you must be aware of these restrictions on those who obtain a permit.
- The front passenger seat should have a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
- You can’t use any mobile devices except in an emergency.
How to get a Restricted Kansas Driver’s License
It is the second stage of getting your driver’s license in Kansas. But, for that, you need to meet certain requirements.
Requirements
You will get the MORE restricted driver’s license if you’re between the ages of 15 and 16. Make sure you fulfill the following conditions.
- You’ve completed and passed a Kansas-approved driver’s education course.
- You held a learner’s permit for a minimum of a year.
- Twenty-five hours of driving experience, excluding any driver’s ed behind the wheel, verified and logged.
You can obtain the LESS restricted driver’s license and avoid completing a driver’s education course if you are between 16 and 17 years. Make sure you fulfill the following conditions.
- You held a learner’s permit for a minimum of a year.
- Fifty hours of driving affidavit, 10 of which were at night.
Getting your Restricted License
You can make an in-person application at any driver licensing office or online for specific locations. You must produce two proofs of Kansas residency, identity, and your SSN. If you are under 17, you will need your parent’s or guardian’s permission and a valid ID. Don’t forget to bring your completed driving log and your completion certificate if you took driver’s ed. Also, take the money to pay the fees.
If you haven’t finished driver’s ed, you’ll need to pass another written exam. You must also take a vision with one eye having a vision of at least 20/40. Finally, you’ll complete a road test in which you and an instructor will navigate a variety of traffic scenarios, with the instructor assessing your driving skills.
Tip: You can skip the road test if you completed the driver’s ed and produce a DE-99 completion slip.
Requirements for road test
- You need to provide a car to attend this test.
- The examiner will assess your ability to drive the car safely and how well you obey the traffic rules.
Tip: After completing the tests, you will wrap up the application process by submitting your paperwork and making your payment.
Restriction on the license
- You can only drive independently to work or school. There should be a licensed driver in the front seat who is at least 21 years old to drive anywhere else.
- You cannot drive other minors around, except for siblings.
- The use of mobile devices isn’t permitted unless an emergency arises.
- During this stage, you must complete the 50 hours of logged driving.
Tip: You can drive anywhere between 5 am and 9 pm once you have logged 50 driving hours, turned 16, or obtained the less restrictive license. The drive should be to work, school, or religious events.
How to get your Full Kansas driver’s license
Once you have had your less restricted license for six months or have become 17 years old, you can apply for your full Kansas driver’s license.
If you previously held a learner permit and restricted license, you require your signed driving log (50 hours), identification, and fees. You must also pass a road test if you don’t have a DE-99 completion slip from a driver’s ed course.
You can apply for a full Kansas driver’s license without obtaining a permit or a limited license if you’re 17 or older. In that situation, visit the Kansas DMV with identification, your SSN, and documents proving your residency. You must also pass the written, vision, and road tests.
Tip: Your full driver’s license will last four or six years, or until you are 21.
How can out-of-state drivers get a driver’s license in Kansas?
The procedure is straightforward if you have recently moved to Kansas and need to replace your out-of-state driver’s license. You must follow these procedures if your prior driver’s license hasn’t been revoked, suspended, or canceled.
- Produce a valid ID and proof of residency.
- Pass the vision test.
- Pay the required fees.
In addition to these conditions, you might also need to pass a written test if your out-of-state license has been inactive for one year or less. Also, you will need to pass a driving test if your previous license has expired over a year.
You’ll be exempted from the out-of-state driving requirements if you belong to these categories.
- You’re a visitor or full-time student in college with a valid driver’s license from their state or nation
- A foreigner with valid immigration papers.
- You’re working in the military.
How much does a driver’s license cost in Kansas?
The Kansas driver’s license fee depends on your age. Based on your age, it can vary between $11 and $26.
| Age group | License cost |
| Below 21 | $11 |
| 21-64 | $26 |
| 65 and older | $20 |
How soon must you obtain a driver’s license when you move to Kansas?
New residents must obtain a license within 90 days of moving into Kansas.
Is the Kansas driver’s license test an open book?
No. The written test is not an open book test.
How many questions are on the Kansas driver’s license test?
There will be 25 multiple-choice questions for the written test. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass the exam.
How do I change my address on my driver’s license in Kansas?
You must update your address in the Kansas DMV online system by filling out the online change of address form. Then, within ten days of moving online or in person, you must inform the Kansas Department of Revenue of your new address. To update in person, you must visit a nearby county treasurer’s motor vehicle office to change the address.
How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license in Kansas?
You should be a minimum of age 14 but less than 16.
Can you renew your Kansas driver’s license online?
Yes. You can do license renewal online or via your smartphone with iKan. To know in detail, read our blog on renewing a driver’s license in Kansas.
Getting auto insurance in Kansas
Kansas’s monthly auto insurance rate is lower than the national average. However, you’ll get hefty penalties if caught driving in Kansas without auto insurance. You might have to pay the penalty after your first violation, ranging from $300 to $1,000. So ensure that you drive with a valid auto insurance policy after getting a Kansas driver’s license.
However, the pain will be in finding a cheap auto insurance policy. That’s where Way.com can help you! Visit Way, compare quotes from different insurers, and buy the most affordable insurance policy. Then, why wait for more? Visit Way today to get affordable Kansas insurance quotes.
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