What you need to get a Kansas learner's permit

Kansas issues a learner's permit to drivers aged 14 and older who pass a written knowledge test and meet document requirements. You do not need a permit to take driver's education in Kansas, but you do need one to practice driving on public roads with a supervising driver. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

To obtain a learner's permit, you must visit a Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license office in person. You cannot renew or obtain a permit by mail or online. Bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.

The written test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at the license office on the day you explore. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and pass a written knowledge test at a Kansas Department of Revenue office.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • The written test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct to pass; you can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive on public roads only with a licensed supervising driver age 21 or older in the front seat.

Documents you must bring to the license office

Kansas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable forms of identity include a valid passport, a school ID with a photo and date of birth, a tribal ID, or a military ID. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of Kansas residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A school enrollment letter or letter from a social service agency also works if it shows your address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or sign an affidavit at the license office stating you do not have one.

Age requirements and restrictions for learner's permit holders

Kansas issues learner's permits to drivers as young as 14. There is no upper age limit. Once you have your permit, you must follow Kansas's graduated licensing rules, which restrict when and how you can drive.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed supervising driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver. You cannot use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, except in an emergency.

If you are under 18, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test for a provisional license. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after passing the written test, or you can use your learner's permit to practice first.

The written knowledge test: what to expect

The written test is administered by Kansas Department of Revenue staff at the license office. You sit at a computer or answer questions on paper, depending on the office. The test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Questions are based on the Kansas Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the Department of Revenue website or pick up at any license office.

You have 30 minutes to complete the 30-question test. Each question is multiple choice with four options. You need a score of 80 percent (24 out of 30 correct answers) to pass. If you score below 80 percent, you fail and must retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day, and retakes are free.

Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the Kansas Driver's Manual beforehand. Common mistakes include misunderstanding right-of-way rules at four-way stops, speed limits in school zones, and when you must yield to pedestrians. The manual is free and available in English and Spanish.

How long your learner's permit lasts and renewal

Your Kansas learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass the driving test and obtain a provisional or full license within that year, your permit expires and you must reapply and retake the written test.

You cannot renew a learner's permit. Once it expires, you start over: you must return to a Kansas Department of Revenue office, bring your documents again, and pass the written test again. There is no grace period or extension.

If you pass the driving test before your permit expires, you receive a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a full license (if you are 18 or older). Your learner's permit is then no longer valid.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a Kansas learner's permit is $20. You pay this fee when you explore at the license office. Payment methods vary by office, but most accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

If you fail the written test and retake it, there is no additional fee for the retake. The $20 fee covers your permit for the full year, regardless of how many times you take the test.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must pay a replacement fee to get a new one. The replacement fee is typically $10 to $15, but amounts vary by county. Contact your local Kansas Department of Revenue office for the exact fee in your area.

Finding a Kansas Department of Revenue office near you

Kansas has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website by entering your city or county. The website lists office hours, phone numbers, and which services each office offers.

Some smaller offices have limited hours or may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm the office is open before you go, especially if you are traveling more than 30 minutes. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing any document, the office will not issue your permit and you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Kansas does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You must meet the age requirement (14 or older), pass the written test, and bring the required documents. Homeschooled students follow the same rules as all other applicants.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must score at least 24 out of 30 to pass. Most people who study the Kansas Driver's Manual pass on their second attempt if they failed the first.

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third party. You must visit an office during business hours and complete the test there.

Do I need to complete driver's education before I get my learner's permit?

No. Kansas does not require driver's education to obtain a learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver's education course may reduce your auto insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completion of a certified course.

What if I move to another state while my Kansas learner's permit is still valid?

Your Kansas learner's permit is only valid in Kansas. If you move to another state, you must obtain a learner's permit from that state. You cannot use your Kansas permit to drive in another state. Contact the new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their requirements.