What the Kansas Derby License Is and Who Gets It

Kansas issues a Derby License to drivers aged 14 and 15 who meet specific requirements. It is not a full driver's license — it is a restricted permit that allows limited driving under defined conditions. The Derby License exists to let younger teens gain supervised driving experience before they reach the age for an unrestricted license.

The name comes from Kansas's historical connection to horse racing and rodeo culture, but the license itself is a modern graduated licensing step. You cannot use a Derby License to drive alone to school, work, or anywhere else without a supervising adult in the vehicle. The restrictions are printed on the license card itself, and law enforcement will check them during any traffic stop.

A Derby License is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must renew it annually until you turn 16 and become may be able to access for a regular Operator's License.

Key Takeaways

  • A Kansas Derby License is for drivers aged 14 and 15 only and requires a supervising adult in the vehicle at all times.
  • You must hold a valid learner's permit (Instruction Permit) for at least 12 months before you can get a Derby License.
  • The Derby License is valid for one year and must be renewed annually until you turn 16.
  • Violations of Derby License restrictions can result in suspension and may delay your path to a full Operator's License.

Requirements to Get a Derby License in Kansas

Before you can request a Derby License, you must meet four conditions. First, you must be at least 14 years old and not yet 16. Second, you must have held a valid Kansas Instruction Permit for a minimum of 12 months. Third, you must pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test (road test) through the Kansas Department of Revenue. Fourth, you must have parental or guardian consent, documented on the process form.

The 12-month waiting period is mandatory — there is no way to shorten it. This means if you received your Instruction Permit on January 15, you cannot take the road test for a Derby License until January 15 of the following year. The Department of Revenue does not waive this requirement.

You will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your current Instruction Permit to the driver's license office when you explore. A birth certificate or passport works for identity; a utility bill or lease agreement works for residency.

How Restrictions Work on a Derby License

A Derby License comes with printed restrictions on the back of the card. The primary restriction is that you must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat with you at all times while driving. That adult must be physically present — they cannot follow you in another vehicle. The supervising adult is responsible for monitoring your driving and can be held liable if you violate the terms of the license.

Additional restrictions may include limits on driving hours (typically no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.), prohibition of passengers under 18 (other than when ready family), and a zero-tolerance rule for cell phone use while driving. Some restrictions depend on your driving record at the time of issue — if you have had violations on your Instruction Permit, the restrictions may be stricter.

Violating any restriction on your Derby License can result in a suspension or revocation. A single violation does not automatically end the license, but accumulating violations will. If your Derby License is suspended, you revert to your Instruction Permit status and must wait the full 12-month period again before you can reapply.

The Road Test and Written Test for a Derby License

You must pass both a written knowledge test and a driving skills test to get a Derby License. The written test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at any Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license office. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one business day between attempts.

The driving skills test (road test) is conducted by an examiner from the Department of Revenue. The test lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes basic vehicle control, turning, stopping, parking, and response to traffic situations. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have functioning seat belts, mirrors, and lights. You cannot use a vehicle with modifications or damage that would make it unsafe.

You must schedule the road test in advance through the Kansas Department of Revenue. Wait times vary by location and season; rural offices may have shorter waits than urban ones. Bring your Instruction Permit, proof of insurance, and proof of vehicle registration to the test appointment.

Fees and Renewal Timeline for a Derby License

The fee for a Derby License in Kansas is $20. This covers the one-year validity period. When your Derby License expires (one year from the issue date), you must renew it if you are still 15 years old and have not yet turned 16. The renewal fee is also $20.

You can renew your Derby License up to 30 days before it expires. You do not need to retake the road test to renew — you only need to visit a driver's license office, pay the fee, and have your current license and proof of residency available. If you renew after the expiration date, you may face a late fee or be required to retake the written test.

Once you turn 16, you become may be able to access for a regular Operator's License. You do not need to renew your Derby License at that point. Instead, you can explore for an Operator's License, which has fewer restrictions and is valid for longer. The Operator's License fee is separate and varies based on the validity period you choose.

What Happens When You Turn 16

On your 16th birthday, your Derby License becomes invalid, and you must explore for a regular Operator's License if you want to continue driving. You do not automatically receive an Operator's License — you must request it at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. You will not need to retake the road test if your Derby License was valid and in good standing at the time you turn 16.

To convert to an Operator's License, bring your expired Derby License, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the process form (DL 43) to any driver's license office. The fee for an Operator's License depends on how long you want it to be valid: a 4-year license costs $24, and an 8-year license costs $48. Most 16-year-olds choose the 4-year option.

If your Derby License was suspended or reverted to an Instruction Permit status before your 16th birthday, you will need to retake the road test to get an Operator's License. This is one reason why following the restrictions on a Derby License matters — violations can delay your path to full driving privileges.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is driving alone or with only teenage passengers while holding a Derby License. Law enforcement treats this as a violation of the license restrictions, not as a minor infraction. A single violation can trigger a suspension. Even if you are only driving to a nearby location, the supervising adult must be in the vehicle with you.

Another frequent error is not renewing the Derby License before it expires. If your license expires and you continue to drive, you are driving without a valid license, which is a separate criminal offense in Kansas. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 30 days before the expiration date printed on your card.

Some applicants also underestimate the 12-month waiting period on the Instruction Permit. If you received your permit on a specific date, mark that date on your calendar and do not schedule a road test appointment before the full 12 months have passed. The Department of Revenue will not process your road test request if the 12 months are not complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school with a Derby License if a parent is in the car?

Yes. As long as a licensed adult (age 21 or older) is in the front seat with you, you can drive to school, work, or any other location. The restriction is that you cannot drive alone or with only teenage passengers — the supervising adult must be present at all times.

What if I fail the road test for a Derby License?

You can retake the road test after waiting one business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on the second or third attempt. Continue practicing with your Instruction Permit and a supervising adult between attempts.

Does a Derby License suspension mean I lose my Instruction Permit too?

Yes. If your Derby License is suspended, you revert to Instruction Permit status. You must then wait the full 12-month period from the date of your original Instruction Permit before you can reapply for a Derby License. This can significantly delay your progress toward an Operator's License.

Can I renew my Derby License online?

No. Derby License renewals must be done in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the $20 renewal fee. You can find office locations and hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

What if I move to another state while holding a Derby License?

Your Kansas Derby License is not valid in other states. You will need to obtain a driver's license or permit from your new state according to that state's requirements. Kansas does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for Derby Licenses.