What you need to bring to the Kansas DMV
To get a Kansas learner's permit, you will visit your local Driver Examination Station in person with specific documents. The Kansas Department of Revenue requires proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Acceptable identity documents include a certified birth certificate, a passport, a consular report of birth, or a Tribal ID card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Kansas address. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies, but the DMV staff will tell you which ones they need to see in person.
If you are under 14, Kansas law requires a parent or legal guardian to be present. If you are 14 or older, you can go alone, but some stations prefer a parent present. Call your local Driver Examination Station ahead of time to ask what their practice is.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas Driver Examination Station in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- If you are under 14, a parent or legal guardian must come with you; if you are 14 or older, you may go alone depending on the station.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and the fee is currently $20 for a learner's permit.
- After you pass, your permit is valid for one year, and you must follow Kansas's graduated licensing rules, which require a licensed adult in the front seat while you drive.
The written test and what it covers
Before you receive your permit, you will take a written test at the DMV. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent.
The DMV provides a free study guide called the Kansas Driver's Manual, which you can read from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or pick up at any Driver Examination Station. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment and do well on the first try.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it.
How long the permit lasts and what it lets you do
Your Kansas learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you can practice driving, but you must follow specific rules under Kansas's graduated licensing system.
The main rule is that a licensed adult driver must be in the front seat next to you at all times while you are behind the wheel. That adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other teenagers in the car unless a licensed adult is present.
You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit. If you are under 16, you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules are designed to keep new drivers safe while they are learning.
When you can move to a full driver's license
After you have held your learner's permit for at least one year, you can take the road test to get your full Kansas driver's license. You must schedule this test at a Driver Examination Station. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, steering, braking, parking, and following traffic laws.
You will need to bring the same documents you brought for your learner's permit, plus your current permit. You will also need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and it must pass a safety inspection — the DMV staff will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.
If you pass the road test, you will receive your full driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake it after a waiting period, which varies by station.
Finding your nearest Driver Examination Station
Kansas has Driver Examination Stations in most counties. You can find the one closest to you by visiting the Kansas Department of Revenue website and using their station locator tool, or by calling 785-296-3671 to speak with someone who can tell you the address and hours.
Many stations require you to make an appointment in advance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long. When you call or visit the website, check whether your station takes appointments and how far in advance you need to book.
Hours vary by location, but most stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some larger stations in cities like Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka may have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
The cost and what happens if you lose your permit
The fee for a Kansas learner's permit is $20. You pay this at the Driver Examination Station when you pass your written test. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee — you only pay if you receive the permit.
If you lose your permit before it expires, you can get a replacement at any Driver Examination Station. Bring your proof of identity and residency again, and pay a replacement fee, which is typically $10 to $15 depending on the station. You do not have to retake the written test.
If your permit expires before you take your road test, you will need to retake the written test to get a new one. There is no grace period — once the year is up, the permit is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a driver education class before I get my learner's permit?
No, Kansas does not require a driver education class to get a learner's permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one, and some high schools offer them. Taking a class can help you feel more confident before your test.
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No, you must take the written test in person at a Driver Examination Station. You cannot do it online or mail it in. This is to verify your identity and make sure you are the one taking the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on their second try if they study the Kansas Driver's Manual between attempts.
Can I practice driving on highways with my learner's permit?
Yes, you can drive on highways with your learner's permit as long as a licensed adult is in the front seat. There are no restrictions on road type — only on the time of day (no midnight to 5 a.m.) and the requirement for an adult supervisor.
What if I move to another state before my permit expires?
Your Kansas learner's permit is only valid in Kansas. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's DMV to find out what documents and tests you need.