What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DOV office — start to finish.
A Kansas motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice while you prepare for a Class M license. Kansas issues a combined "Class C or M" instructional permit under K.S.A. 8-239, available beginning at age 14. To ride a motorcycle you must read the Kansas Motorcycle Handbook and pass the motorcycle knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test.
The steps below follow the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles process. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents at ksrevenue.gov before you go, and schedule an appointment at your driver licensing office.
The Class C or M instructional permit is available at age 14. Applicants under 16 must have a parent or guardian submit the written application, and a parent or guardian must sign an affidavit at the driver licensing office.
The motorcycle knowledge test is based on the Kansas Motorcycle Handbook (Rev. 2020). Study the riding strategies, the SEE process, braking and swerving, lane positioning, and Kansas's helmet, eye-protection and licensing rules.
At the driver licensing office you take a vision screening and a written knowledge examination. Alternatively, you may present a DE-99 form authorizing an instruction permit from an approved Kansas driver education course you are attending.
Once you pass, you are issued a Class C or M instructional permit. It expires one year after the date of issue. If it lapses, it can be renewed only by retaking and passing the written examination.
Use the permit period to build the skills the on-cycle test measures — slow tight turns, quick stops with both brakes, swerving, and smooth clutch and throttle control. The handbook recommends practicing away from traffic before riding in it.
To earn the Class M license you must pass an on-cycle skill test, conducted either in actual traffic or in a controlled, off-street area. Under K.S.A. 8-240 this driving examination may instead be completed as part of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-recognized rider course. Passing on a three-wheeled motorcycle that is not an autocycle restricts your license to three-wheeled motorcycles.
Check the official DOV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. Kansas does not publish an official motorcycle knowledge-test count; 25 questions / 80% is a strong multi-site consensus. Every operator must wear approved eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen at least 10 inches above the handlebar center.