Step-by-step guide to Kansas's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — from first permit at age 14–15 to a full Unrestricted Class C License at 17.
At age 14 you may apply for a Class C or M Instruction Permit. Under age 16 requires written application by parent/guardian. Must pass the vision and knowledge examinations — or bring in a DE-99 form from an approved Driver's Education course currently being attended. The Instruction Permit is valid for 1 year and may be renewed with retesting (p.12).
Pass the tests at any Kansas KDOR driver licensing office, or take the knowledge exam online at ks.knowtodrive.com. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all applicants under 18.
While on the Instruction Permit: A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 1 year of driving experience must occupy the seat beside you at all times. No person but the supervising adult may sit in the front seat. No wireless communication devices while driving except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help (p.12).
Before applying for a Restricted License, you must have held a valid Instruction Permit for at least 1 full year (for applicants under age 17). This does NOT include any time held on a driver's education permit slip (p.12). Then do one of the following:
• Age 15: Complete 25 supervised hours plus an approved Driver's Education course (written and drive tests waived with DE-99 form), OR
• Age 16: Complete 50 supervised hours (at least 10 at night), certified by a parent/guardian. Must pass vision, written, and driving exams (or bring DE-99 from driver's education).
Age 15: Must have held Instruction Permit for 1+ year, completed 25 supervised hours, and completed an approved Driver's Education course. Driving restricted to: to/from employment or farm work, directly to/from school (not activities), to/from religious activities, and with a licensed adult in the front seat. No non-sibling minor passengers. No wireless devices (p.12).
Age 16: After completing 50 supervised hours (10 at night), pass vision, written, and driving exams. May drive freely from 5 AM to 9 PM. Also permitted at any hour to/from school activities, religious activities, and employment. With a licensed adult in front seat, any time. Only 1 non-sibling minor passenger. No wireless devices. All age-related restrictions removed at 16 after holding for 6 months (p.11–12).
At age 17, you may apply for an Unrestricted Non-Commercial Class C License by passing the vision, written, and driving tests — OR presenting a gold DE-99 completion slip from an approved driver's education course. Parent/guardian must sign an affidavit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) if under 18 (p.13).
Licenses issued to those under 21 expire on the holder's 21st birthday. Those 21 and older may renew up to 90 days before their birthday (p.15).
Drive alone freely 5 AM – 9 PM · Drive to/from school and school activities at any hour · Drive to/from religious activities at any hour · Drive to/from employment at any hour · Drive with a licensed adult 21+ beside you at any time of day
Outside 5 AM–9 PM (except school/work/religious trips): licensed adult must be in front seat · Max 1 non-sibling minor passenger at all times · No wireless devices while driving (except reporting illegal activity or emergencies) · All restrictions removed at 16 after 6 months on Restricted License
Every application requires: A completed application form (available at the exam station or online) and 2 documents proving your Kansas physical address (must be less than 1 year old).
Acceptable address documents include: utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, mortgage document, rent receipt, tax document, phone bill, homeowner's insurance, or school transcript/report card.
Identity documents must be originals — no photocopies. A hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable; it must be a certified copy with the state seal.
• A parent or legal guardian can withdraw consent for a minor's driving privileges at any time. The minor must restart the licensing process, or wait until age 18.
• Your license may be suspended for conviction of 3 moving violations within 12 months (K.S.A. 8-255, p.14). Parents/guardians are responsible for the financial consequences of a minor's driving.
• All permit holders and Restricted License holders under 17 may not use any interactive wireless communication device while driving — except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help (p.11–12).
• All applicants under 18 must have parent or guardian present at the exam station for every application.
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