Where to Get Your License in Manhattan
In Manhattan, Kansas, you get your driver's license through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The Manhattan office is located at 1109 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502. This is the only place in Manhattan where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license after approval.
You cannot renew or obtain a license online in Kansas, and no other office in Manhattan handles licensing. The Division of Vehicles office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by season. Call ahead at the Manhattan location to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing can change.
If you cannot reach the Manhattan office, you can also contact the main Kansas Department of Revenue line for general questions about the process, but you will still need to visit the Manhattan location in person to test and receive your license.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles office at 1109 College Avenue is the only place in Manhattan to test and receive your license.
- You must pass a written test, vision screening, and road test in person at the Manhattan office before you receive your license.
- Kansas issues different license types based on your age and driving history, and the type you receive depends on which test you pass first.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of identity to your appointment, or you will not be able to test.
- The road test must be taken in a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition, or the examiner will not allow you to test.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Before you go to the Manhattan office, gather these documents. You will not be able to test without them. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. You also need proof of Kansas residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Manhattan or Kansas address dated within the last 60 days.
You must also bring proof of identity. A passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate works. If you have a current out-of-state license, bring that too. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the office.
Bring the original documents, not copies. The staff will not accept photocopies for proof of residency or identity. If you do not have all three items—Social Security proof, residency proof, and identity proof—you will not be able to test that day.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
Your first step at the Manhattan office is the written knowledge test. This test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the staff which languages are available when you arrive.
Before or after the written test, you will also take a vision screening. The examiner will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the road test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor before you can return.
You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before trying again. Each attempt costs a fee. Once you pass both the written test and vision screening, you can schedule your road test, either the same day or at a later appointment.
The Road Test and What to Bring
The road test is a driving exam where a Kansas examiner sits in your vehicle and watches you drive on public roads around Manhattan. The test usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, control it safely, follow traffic laws, park, and respond to the examiner's directions.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Kansas, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before you drive. If any of these do not work, the examiner will not allow you to test. The vehicle must also have valid license plates and current insurance documentation inside.
You cannot take the road test in a vehicle with an expired registration or no insurance, even if you own it. If you do not have access to a vehicle that meets these requirements, you will need to borrow one or delay your test until you do. Some driving schools in Manhattan offer vehicles for road tests; call the Division of Vehicles office to ask for referrals.
License Types and Age Requirements
Kansas issues different license types based on your age. If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a Restricted License after you pass your road test. This license allows you to drive, but with restrictions—for example, you may not drive between certain hours at night, and you may not drive with passengers under a certain age unless a parent or guardian is in the car. The exact restrictions depend on your age and how long you have held the license.
If you are 18 or older, you will receive an Unrestricted License after you pass your road test. This license has no driving restrictions. You can drive at any time and carry any passengers.
If you are 16 or 17 and have held a Restricted License for at least one year, you can return to the Manhattan office to have the restrictions removed and upgrade to an Unrestricted License. You do not need to retake the road test for this upgrade.
Fees and How Long It Takes
Kansas charges separate fees for the written test, road test, and the license itself. The exact amounts vary, so call the Manhattan office at the number listed above to confirm current fees. You will pay each fee when you take each test or receive your license. The office accepts cash and card payments.
After you pass your road test, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. Each retake costs another fee. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they have practiced with a licensed driver beforehand.
Preparing for Your Tests
Before you go to the Manhattan office, study the Kansas Driver's Manual. This manual covers all the rules and signs that will appear on the written test. You can read it free from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or pick up a printed copy at the Manhattan office. Spend at least a few days reading it and taking practice tests online.
For the road test, practice driving in Manhattan with a licensed adult in the passenger seat. Practice parking, turning, stopping at stop signs, and following traffic laws. Drive in different weather and times of day if you can. The more you practice before your test, the more confident you will feel.
Get a good night's sleep before your test day. Arrive at the Manhattan office at least 10 minutes early. Bring all your documents and the vehicle you plan to use for the road test. If you are nervous, that is normal—examiners expect it and will give you clear directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a vehicle with a learner's permit plate?
No. The vehicle must have a valid Kansas registration and current license plates. A learner's permit plate is not a valid registration. If you are borrowing a vehicle, make sure it is registered to someone else and has current plates and insurance.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You will pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but most people pass within two or three attempts if they practice between tests.
Do I need to make an appointment at the Manhattan office?
Call the Manhattan office to ask whether appointments are required or if you can walk in. During busy times, the office may require appointments. Having an appointment usually means a shorter wait, so it is worth calling ahead.
Can I get my license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes. Bring your current out-of-state license to the Manhattan office. You will still need to pass the written test and road test, but you may not need to take the vision screening again if your out-of-state license is current. Ask the staff when you arrive.
How long is my Kansas license valid?
A Kansas driver's license is valid for four years from the date you receive it. After four years, you will need to renew it. You can renew by mail or in person at the Manhattan office, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.