What You Need to Know About Kansas Driving Permits
A Kansas driving permit — officially called a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or Instruction Permit — is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You cannot drive alone with an instruction permit; an adult who holds a valid driver's license must be present and seated next to you at all times. The permit is your proof that you have passed the written knowledge test and are legally allowed to be behind the wheel under supervision.
In Kansas, you will get your permit from the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The process involves passing a written exam about traffic laws and road signs, passing a vision screening, and providing proof of identity and residency. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving for as long as you need before scheduling your road test — there is no minimum practice period required by law, though most new drivers benefit from several weeks or months of supervised driving.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 14 years old to get an instruction permit in Kansas, and you will need to pass a written knowledge test at a Kansas Department of Revenue office.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Kansas residency — such as a utility bill or lease agreement — to your permit appointment.
- The written test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Kansas Driver's Manual, available free online.
- Once you have your permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting beside you whenever you drive, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Age Requirements and Who Can Get a Permit
You must be at least 14 years old to get an instruction permit in Kansas. There is no upper age limit — adults of any age can get a permit if they have never held a Kansas driver's license or if their license has expired. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process.
If you are a Kansas resident, you can get your permit at any Kansas Department of Revenue office. Non-residents can also get a permit, but you will need to provide proof of your current address outside Kansas. The permit itself is valid for one year from the date it is issued; if you do not pass your road test within that year, you will need to renew your permit and may need to retake the written test.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring the following documents to your appointment at a Kansas Department of Revenue office:
- A valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card
- Proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return
- Proof of Kansas residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
- If you are under 18, a signed parental consent form (available at the Department of Revenue office or online)
If you do not have all of these documents, contact your local Kansas Department of Revenue office before your appointment. Some offices may accept alternative documents if you explain your situation. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.
The Written Knowledge Test
The written test in Kansas covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. You will take the test on a computer at the Department of Revenue office, and you will know your score when ready after you finish.
To study, use the official Kansas Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The manual covers everything that will be on the test. Many people also study using online practice tests, which let you take sample exams and see which topics you need to review. You can retake the written test if you do not pass on your first try, though you may have to wait a day or pay a retest fee.
The test is offered in English and in several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, call your local Department of Revenue office ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate you.
Vision Screening and Medical Requirements
As part of your permit appointment, you will have a vision screening at the Department of Revenue office. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your appointment — your vision will be tested with them on.
You do not need a doctor's note or medical exam to get a permit in Kansas. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness — you may be required to provide medical documentation. The Department of Revenue will tell you if this applies to your situation.
Restrictions on Your Instruction Permit
While you hold an instruction permit in Kansas, you must follow these rules:
- A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be seated beside you in the front seat whenever you drive.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free.
- You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts.
- You cannot tow a trailer or carry passengers under 18 unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.
Breaking these rules can result in a fine and may delay your road test. Your supervising driver is also responsible for making sure you follow the rules — if they do not, they can be fined as well.
How to Schedule Your Road Test
Once you have your permit and have practiced driving, you can schedule your road test through the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can book your test online, by phone, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. The road test costs a fee (the amount varies and changes yearly, so check the Department of Revenue website for current pricing).
You must bring your instruction permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. During the test, an examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to road conditions. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
If you do not pass your road test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Your instruction permit remains valid, so you can continue practicing and schedule another test when you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I have never had a driver's license before?
Yes. If you have never held a Kansas driver's license, you can get an instruction permit by passing the written test and meeting the age and document requirements. If you previously held a license in another state or country, you may still need to get a Kansas permit before taking the road test, depending on how long ago your license expired.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test. Most offices let you retake it the next day, though some may charge a retest fee. Use the time between tests to study the Kansas Driver's Manual and focus on the topics you found difficult.
Do I have to practice for a certain number of hours before I take the road test?
Kansas does not require a minimum number of practice hours. However, most new drivers benefit from practicing in different weather and traffic conditions before taking the road test. Talk to your supervising driver about what feels right for your skill level.
Can someone other than a parent supervise me while I have a permit?
Yes. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license, but they do not have to be a parent or family member. A friend, instructor, or other adult can supervise you.
What if my permit expires before I pass the road test?
Your permit is valid for one year. If it expires, you will need to renew it by visiting a Kansas Department of Revenue office. You may need to retake the written test, depending on how long your permit has been expired. Contact your local office to find out what is required.