Applying for a New License

As of May 2004, Kansas driver's licenses have a new format. Rather than receiving your license at the driver's license exam station, you'll get a temporary receipt. The new license will be mailed to you, so make sure your address is correct on your application.

When you apply for your new driver's license you must surrender all valid out-of-state licenses. No one is permitted to have more than one valid license at any time.

Preparing for Testing

Your driver license examination contains three parts: a visual
screening, a written examination and a driving test. Careful study of the handbook will help you do well on the tests.

If you pass the vision test you'll be allowed to continue with the rest of the testing. If you do not pass the vision test you'll be required to have your eyes tested by an ophthalmologist or optometrist before continuing.

After passing the vision and written tests, you'll take the driving exam (if applicable). You must have a vehicle with you of the same class of license for which you're applying. The examiner will check your vehicle for safety and you will need to show proof of insurance before the test begins.

During the driving exam you may be tested on:

• Making a smooth stop

• Backing your car for a distance of about fifty feet at a slow rate of speed
  as straight and smoothly as possible

• Parallel parking

• Stop signs

• Traffic lights

• Following

• Hand position on steering wheel

• Using the horn

• Keeping in lane

• Passing

• Starting on a grade

• Parking on a hill

• Clutch, if applicable

• Right-of-way

• Approach to corner

If you fail either the written test or driving test, you may take them again the next working day. You may wait longer if you wish. You have four chances to pass the written test and four chances to pass the driving test. After the fourth failure of either test, you must wait six months before re-testing.

First-time License, Age 18 or Older

If you have never been licensed you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity

• Pass a vision screening

• Pass all applicable written examination(s)

• Pass the driving examination in a vehicle you provide

• Pay applicable fees

Teen License

Parental approval is required if you are younger than 16 years of age.

Instruction Permit

• Must be 14 years of age

• Must pass vision and written exams

• You may drive at any time when accompanied by a licensed adult driver 18 years of age or older

• To get a restricted license, you must have held an instruction permit for at least six months

Restricted Driver's License

• Must be 15 years of age but less than 16.

• Parent or guardian consent required.

• Driver's education completion slip required.

• Must have had an instruction permit for at least six months, during which time you completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving. An additional 25 hours is required before you turn 16. All 50 hours can be completed anytime after obtaining your instruction permit.

• Before age 16, you must provide an affidavit showing at least 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, with 10 of those hours being at night, by a licensed driver at least 21 years old. If the affidavit is not provided before you turn 16, you'll have the restriction on your license until you turn 17 or until you turn in the affidavit, whichever happens first.

• With a restricted license, you may drive to and from school (but not school activities); to, from or in connection with any employment or farm-related work, or at any time when accompanied by a licensed adult driver 18 years of age or older. With a restricted license or farm permit, you cannot transport non-family members younger than 18.

Please note: Internet courses do not meet Kansas requirements for a driver's license. Only driver education programs offered through a local, accredited school district are acceptable. If you are unsure whether a program has been approved you may contact the Department of Education at (785) 296-8107 or the Kansas Division of Vehicles at (785) 296-3963.

Non-restricted Driver's License (for 16 and 17 Year Olds)

• Must pass full tests (vision, written, and driving) or present driver's education completion slip.

• Must provide affidavit showing at least 50 hours of adult supervised driving, with 10 of those hours being at night, by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.

Residents New to the State

You have 90 days from the date you establish residency in Kansas to obtain a new license. Non-resident full-time students (at least 12 credit hours per semester) and active military personnel are not required to obtain Kansas licenses.

If you have a valid out-of-state license you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity.

• Not have your license canceled, suspended, or revoked in any state.

• Pass a vision examination.

• Pay applicable fees.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're a currently licensed driver from another country and are visiting Kansas, you may drive for up to one year within the state. You'll also need an International Driver Permit, issued from your home country, which basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

If you're interested in obtaining a Kansas license, refer to the state's page on this matter to see what types of identification are needed for your situation. Call (785) 296-3963 for more information on how to apply for a license as a non-citizen.

Change of Address

If you move within Kansas you have 10 days to notify the Kansas Department of Revenue of your new address.

License Fees

• Commercial instruction permit (any class): $5 for 90 days

• Commercial Class A, B or C: $18 for four years

• Commercial license endorsements (per endorsement) $10 for four years

• Non-commercial Class A or B instruction permit: $2 for three months

• Non-commercial Class A or B (driver younger than 21 or 65 and older): $16 for four years

• Non-commercial Class A or B (driver at least 21 but younger than 65) $24 for six years

• Non-commercial Class C (driver younger than 21 or 65 and older): $12 for four years

• Non-commercial Class C (driver at least 21 but younger than 65): $18 for six years

• Class M (driver younger than 21 or 65 and older): $9 for four years

• Class M (driver at least 21 but younger than 65): $12.50 for six years

• Replacement license or instruction permit (any class): $8

• Exam fee: $3

• Photo fee: $4