Other License Info

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about obtaining a driver's license in Kansas.

I am only here in Kansas for two years and want to keep my home state license. Can I get a Kansas license, too?

You will be required to apply for a Kansas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency here. Federal laws now prohibit any person from holding more than one driver's license at a time, so you will be required to surrender your home state license.

What testing is required for a Kansas driver's license?

Your driver license examination contains three parts:

• A visual screening

• The written knowledge test

• A driving skills test

These tests are given to help eliminate any drivers who may be unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, or who may not have the skills to discern traffic signs, signals and road conditions safely enough to drive a motor vehicle.

Which test is given first?

The first test that will be conducted is the vision screening. If you pass the screening, you will be permitted to go forward with the rest of the testing. If you are unable to pass the vision screening, you will be required to have an eye test performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist before continuing with the testing for your driver's license.

How is the written test formatted?

The written exam is given to verify that you have an understanding of the basic traffic laws and rules of the road. Questions are given in a multiple-choice format and there is a section of the test devoted to the correct identification of traffic signals and signs. Spend some time studying the driver handbook before your testing date.

Do I have to take a driving skills test?

Once you have completed the vision screening and the written knowledge test, you are ready to move on the driving skills test. If you are 18 or older and applying for your first driver's license, or if you are 16 years old and are applying for your unrestricted driver's license, you will be required to take a driving skills exam.

Does the DMV have testing vehicles available?

Unfortunately, no. You must supply a vehicle for this test, and it must be within the same class of license for which you're applying. The vehicle will be subjected to a safety inspection by a DMV examiner, and you will be required to show your proof of insurance before you begin your driving test.

What if I fail any of the tests?

If you happen to fail either the written test or the driving test, you are permitted to take them again on the next working day. If you prefer, you may wait longer, to give yourself time to study the driver handbook or to practice driving with an experienced driver in the seat next to you. You may take the written test a total of four times, and you may take the driving skills test a total of four times. If you do not pass either test in the time allotted, you must wait six months before re-testing.

I'm well older than 21, and I am finally ready to apply for my first driver's license. What do I need to do?

If you have never been licensed you must visit a driver's license exam station and:

• Show acceptable proof of identity

• Pass a vision examination

• Pass the written examination

• Pass the driving skills test

• Pay applicable fees

My daughter is just about to turn 14. What does she need to do to get her driver training started?

At 14, she is ready to apply for a learner's permit, which will allow her to drive a motor vehicle as long as she is accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least 21 and who is sitting in the passenger seat next to her.

There are different levels of teen driver's licenses. Depending on the age of your teen driver and the status of his or her driver education and driver's training hours, there are three options:

• An instruction permit, also known as a learner's permit, may be issued when your teen is at least 14 years old.

• A restricted driver's license is the next step for those teens who are at least 15 years old, and have completed at least 25 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, and the driver's education course offered at the teen's school.

• The non-restricted driver's license is for those teens who are at least 16 years old, and have completed all 50 hours of the mandatory behind-the-wheel driver's training.

I've just arrived in my new home in Kansas. I'm finally unpacked and am learning my way around town. What do I need to do about changing my driver's license over to a Kansas license?

Once you have settled in, you must apply for your Kansas driver's license within 90 days of establishing your residency here. If you have a valid out-of-state license you'll need to do the following:

• Appear in person at your nearest driver's license exam station

• Be prepared to surrender your out-of-state license

• Pass a vision examination

• Pay the applicable fees

We live in Oklahoma, but my son will become a full-time student at the University of Kansas in the fall. Does he need to change his driver's license?

No, if he is a full-time student in Kansas, and is enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester, he will not be required to change his driver's license.

I'm active duty military and am being transferred to Ft. Leavenworth for a duty assignment. Do I need to make any changes to my driver's license? Kansas is not my home of record.

Active duty military personnel are not required to change their driver's licenses from their home states when stationed in Kansas.

My husband and I are Kansas residents, and have just moved into a new house. How soon do we need to notify the DMV of our new address?

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

Where do I go to apply for a Kansas driver's license?

Go to your nearest driver's license station to apply for your Kansas driver's license. All stations are closed on Mondays; you may apply at any station, regardless of your county of residence.