Take the Knowledge Test for Your Kansas Permit
If you apply for your first Kansas Driver’s License, you must pass the knowledge and vision tests before taking the skills test.
You must also take the test if Kansas has revoked your previous license or if you let your driver’s license expire for one year or more.
The Written Knowledge Test
You must have a permit before you can drive and practice your driving skills. To obtain that permit, you must pass a knowledge test.
Kansas DMV has created the knowledge test with safe driving in mind and draws all from the information in the Kansas Driving Handbook .
If you start by reading the handbook, it will make the practice tests and the actual knowledge exam much more effortless. Skipping the handbook and thinking that driving knowledge is just common sense can be a bad idea.
We recommend downloading the handbook online and reading it on your computer, tablet, or phone. You should also get a hard copy (textbook) from your local DMV. Studies suggest you learn a text better from a book than from a screen.
On the test, the DMV will ask questions about traffic laws, and you must be able to identify road signs by their shape, color, or symbol appearing on them. Make sure you learn everything there is to know about road sign shapes and colors .
The Practice Tests
DMV Test Facts
Number of Questions: 25
Number of Correct Answers: 20
Passing score: 80%
Time Limit: None
Retest: Next business day (subject to availability and a new fee is required)
Attempts: 4
The Kansas knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. They focus on the safe operation of a motor vehicle, including your knowledge of traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, Kansas laws, and safe driving practices.
Where are the answers? Answers to all questions can be found in the Kansas Driver’s Handbook. Very often, the wording is directly from the handbook.
You need 20 correct answers to pass the written exam. That is a passing score of 80%, which is the most common passing score in United States .
How difficult is the test? The difficulty of the Kansas exam is rated medium, which means that the knowledge test is not among the hardest in the U.S. and that most test-takers pass it the first time. Being well prepared is, of course, an essential key to passing the first time.
There is no time limit on the test, so read carefully. Re-read every question and all choices before you answer. Allow approximately 15 minutes for the test.
If you fail the test, the DMV generally allows you to retake it the next business day. It can, however, be subject to availability. All visits to a service location require an appointment.
You should also be aware that you must pay the testing fee each time you take the test.
After four failed attempts, you must wait six months before attempting again.
Find your nearest driver’s license exam station here: Kansas DOV Service Locations
Unlike some states, Kansas DMV does not allow you to take an online knowledge test from home.
If You Haven’t Had a License Before
After passing the vision exam and the Kansas knowledge test, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues an instruction permit, also known as a learner’s permit.
The instruction permit allows new drivers to practice their driving skills under the supervision of a licensed adult. The supervising adult must be at least 21 years old and have one year of driving experience. They must sit beside the permit holder in the front seat; no other person may occupy this seat.
At no time can you drive alone.
You should also be aware that no wireless communication devices are permitted while practicing except to report illegal activity or call for emergency assistance. The rule includes hands-free devices.
Turn off your phone while you drive!
Kansas Graduated Licensing System
The Kansas Graduated Licensing System is a step-by-step program that allows teen drivers to gain driving experience under restrictions and supervision. The purpose is to reduce risks for teen drivers and limit the number of crashes involving teens.
In general, the program has three steps:
1 Instruction Permit
2 Restricted Driver’s License
3 Full Driver’s License
Kansas also allows for special farm permits for applicants from 14 years to 17 years old.
Farm Permits
Requirements
Age: Minimum 14 years old and less than 17 years
Present acceptable proof of identity
Must live or work on a farm consisting of 20 or more acres
Farm affidavit signed by the employer, if applicable, and a parent or legal guardian
Must pass vision exam
Must pass the knowledge test
Must pass the driving skills test
The permit is issued if the teen lives on a farm of 20 or more acres used for agricultural purposes or works on such a farm. The farm affidavit must be signed by the employer (if applicable) and a parent or legal guardian.
The teen must pass the knowledge and skills tests or present a certificate of completion from an approved driver’s education program.
Driving Restrictions
1 Driving Restrictions on the Farm Permit (under 16 Years)
To/from or in connection with any farm job, employment or other farm-related work
Over the most direct and accessible route between home and school for school attendance
Anywhere when supervised by an adult who is 21 years and has at least one year of driving experience
2 Less Restricted Farm Permit – Driving Restrictions for the First 6 Months when 16 Years
A 50-hour driving experience affidavit is required for fewer driving restrictions.
Anywhere during daytime from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To/from or in connection with any farm job, employment or other farm-related work
To/from authorized school activities or religious worship service held by a religious organization
Anywhere when supervised by an adult who is 21 years and has at least one year of driving experience
Other Restrictions
1 Other Restrictions on the Farm Permit (under 16 Years)
No non-immediate family member passenger who are under 18 years
No wireless communication device while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help
2 Less Restricted Farm Permit – Other Restrictions for the First 6 Months when 16 Years
A 50-hour driving experience affidavit is required for lifting the passenger restrictions.
Only one non-immediate family member passenger who are under 18 years
No wireless communication device while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help
When are Restrictions Lifted?
DMV lifts all age-related driving restrictions after you have held a less restricted license for six months.
Instruction Permits Class C or M
Requirements
Age: Minimum 14 years
Present acceptable proof of identity
Parental approval if under 16 years
Pass vision exam
Pass written knowledge test or submit a certificate of approved driver education
Restrictions
May only drive with a licensed adult in the front seat
Licensed adult must be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience
No other person may sit in the front seat
No wireless communication devices while driving except to report illegal activity or call for emergency assistance
If under 17 years, must hold the permit for one year to advance to restricted license
Suppose you are 17 years or older. In that case, there are no wireless restrictions (except for text messaging) and no requirement to hold the permit for a specific time.
Restricted Driver’s License (15-16 Years Old)
Requirements
Minimum 15 years old
Have a written application from parent/guardian
Held instruction permit for at least one year
Completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving
Successfully completed an approved Driver Education course (if under 16 years)
Driving Restrictions
1 Driving Restrictions if under 16 Years
To/from or in connection with any farm job, employment or other farm-related work
Over the most direct and accessible route between home and school for school attendance
Anywhere when supervised by an adult who is 21 years and has at least one year of driving experience
2 Driving Restrictions for the First 6 Months when 16 Years
You must have completed an additional 25 hours of supervised driving (10 of the 50 hours total must be at night) to be eligible for the less restricted license at age 16.
Anywhere during daytime from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To/from or in connection with any farm job, employment or other farm-related work
To/from authorized school activities or religious worship service held by a religious organization
Anywhere when supervised by an adult who is 21 years and has at least one year of driving experience
Other Restrictions
1 Other Restrictions if under 16 Years
No non-sibling minor passengers are allowed
No wireless communication device while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help
2 Other Restrictions for the First 6 Months when 16 Years
Only one non-immediate family member passenger who are under 18 years
No wireless communication device while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help
When are Restrictions Lifted?
After holding a less-restricted driver’s license for six months or upon turning 17 (whichever comes first), the DMV lifts all age-related driving restrictions.
Non-Restricted Driver’s License – First-time Applicant (17 Years)
Requirements
Present acceptable proof of identity
Minimum 17 years old
Pass vision exam
Pass written knowledge test or submit a certificate of approved driver education
Show proof of 50 hours of driving experience if under 18 years.
Pass the skills test or submit a certificate of approved driver education
Restrictions
There are no age-related restrictions on the unrestricted driver’s license. However, please note that texting is prohibited for all drivers in Kansas.
The Practice Tests
Check your knowledge with our practice tests!
Kansas Permit Practice Test No. 1
Moving from Another State to Kansas
If you move from another state in the United States with a valid driver’s license, the DMV will only check your vision and take a new picture for your Kansas driver’s license. The knowledge and driving skills tests are waived.
This is what you need:
Your out-of-state license
A document that shows your Social Security Number (SSN)
Two documents that prove your Kansas residency
If your out-of-state license expired less than a year ago, DMV will ask you to take the written knowledge test. When your license has expired for over a year, all tests, including the skills test, are required.
Moving from Another Country other than Canada to Kansas
Depending on age, you follow the same steps as new applicants. You must pass all tests and all requirements.
Kansas does not waive any testing requirements for licensed drivers from foreign countries.
