DMV Driver Handbook in Kansas

SUMMARY: Kansas Driver Handbook

The Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) offers various driving manuals including the KS driver's handbook, commercial driver's manual, and motorcycle operator manual. If you're interested in traffic laws, view the Kansas Vehicle Code.

If you're getting your first permit or license, or if you're a new Kansas resident, you'll want to read up on KS driving laws and licensing processes.

Driver's manuals and other DMV handbooks explain the rules of the road and other important information that you need as a licensed driver in Kansas.

Continue reading this page to find links to and information on the driver manuals offered in Kansas.

Kansas Driving Manual

The Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) provides the Kansas Driving Handbook (Form DE-9) to help you learn how to safely operate a vehicle. If you're attending driver's education or need to take the driver's license exam, you'll find the driver's manual very beneficial.

If you're new to Kansas, the driver's handbook will help you learn the state's traffic laws and driving regulations, which may differ from your home state's road rules.

Subjects covered in the KS driving manual include:

  • Basic road rules.
  • Road, street and highway speed limits.
  • Road signs, signals, and markings.
  • Making turns, passing other vehicles, following, and stopping.
  • Handling your vehicle at night, in winter, or in the rain.
  • Effects of drugs and alcohol on driving skills.
  • Road construction and maintenance signs.
  • Speed, impact, and braking distance.
  • Defensive driving.

The DMV handbook for new drivers also explains:

  • How to get a driver's license.
  • Types of KS drivers licenses.
  • License suspensions.

Studying the KS Drivers Handbook

The DMV handbook for Kansas drivers helps you prepare for the written knowledge exam that you have to pass to get your KS license.

The exam asks questions about the information in the driving manual, so you should read and study it to learn the material.

In addition to simply reading the information, you can answer the sample questions in the driver's manual to check what you've learned.

Other resources are also available to help you study the topics in the driver's handbook and pass your KS DOR written exam.

Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

An ideal complement to studying the Kansas driver's handbook is an online practice test. These study guides have been created to help you pass the test on your first try. Our certified partner offers multiple practice tests for most types of vehicles and driving manuals, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Motorcycle Operator Manual in KS

The Kansas Motorcycle Operator Manual (REV 2020) can help you prepare for both the written test and riding skills test for your motorcycle license.

The motorcycle driver's manual covers operation, safety, and licensing topics, for example:

  • Operation topics include:
    • Basic motorcycle control.
    • Passing, turning, following, and stopping.
    • How to carry passengers and cargo.
  • Safety topics in the DMV handbook include:
    • Mechanical problems.
    • How to avoid flying objects.
    • How to ride safely in a group.
  • Motorcycle licensing topics include:

Within the driver's handbook are some sample questions so you know what to expect on the KS DOR written exam. Answering these questions is a great way to check that you're learning the information that's presented in the DMV manual.

For additional study questions that cover more of the topics in the driving manual, you can take an online practice test.

Commercial Driver's License Manual

The Commercial Driver's License Handbook will help you pass your commercial driving exam and become a safer driver. The DMV handbook covers a range of CDL topics, from driving skills to licensing procedures.

In the commercial driver's manual, you'll find information about:

  • Driving safely (skid control, hot weather, night driving, maneuvering mountains, winter driving, etc.).
  • Emergencies, fires, and accidents.
  • Hazmat rules for all drivers.
  • Transporting cargo and passengers.
  • Air brake usage.
  • Combination vehicles.
  • School bus driver training.

You'll also read about the requirements to get a CDL in Kansas. For example, the driving manual explains medical requirements, licensing tests, and the license application process.

The driver's handbook is your source of information and study guide for your written CDL exam. You should read and learn the information in the DMV handbook to prepare for the test.

You can also take an online CDL practice test for additional preparation before your exams.

DMV Handbooks for Vehicle Dealers

The Kansas DOR also provides a handbook for vehicle dealers, as well as other guides and manuals for those working in motor vehicle sales.

These handbooks cover compliance and dealer licensing topics; they are not driver's manuals.

Visit the Kansas DOR website for a complete list.

Kansas Vehicle Code

Within the Kansas Motor Vehicle Code, the Kansas Legislature lists the traffic laws, registration/titling procedures, and driver's licensing requirements that are covered in the state's driving manuals.

You'll find more details in the Vehicle Code than you do in most drivers handbooks. These details can be helpful if you're fighting a traffic ticket or simply need more specific information about a particular law, procedure, or penalty.

However, if you just need to learn about driving in Kansas to prepare for your driver's license exam, a driver's manual is probably a better option than the Vehicle Code.

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