Anyone who drives a motor vehicle, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on Kansas public roads needs a driver's license. Which class you can hold depends on your age, and new residents have a deadline to switch to a Kansas license.
Time you have to get a Kansas license after moving to Kansas
Handbook p. 11 ↗Minimum age by license class
| License | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Commercial Class A, B or C (interstate) | 21 |
| Commercial Class A, B or C (intrastate) | 18 |
| Non-commercial Class A or B | 18 |
| Non-commercial Class C | 17 |
| Class C Restricted | 15, with driver's ed and 25 of the 50 hours |
| Class C or M (less restricted) | 16, with 50 hours practice, 10 at night |
| Class C Farm Permit | 14 or 15 |
| Class C Less Restricted Farm Permit | 16, with 50 hours practice, 10 at night |
Know the rule
Practice hours for these licenses must be driven with an accompanying adult who is 21 years of age or older.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Instruction permit minimum ages
| Permit | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Class C or M instruction permit | 14 |
| Non-commercial Class A or B permit | 18 |
| Commercial permit (any class) | 18 |
You may get a Kansas driver's license if you:
- Are at least 16 years of age
- Can submit proof of name, age and address
- If under 18: completed approved driver's education (if applicable) and have parent/guardian consent
- Pass the required exams (the knowledge exam may be taken online at ks.knowtodrive.com)
- Turn in any driver's licenses or ID cards you held before
- Are not suspended, revoked, denied or cancelled (disqualified from driving)
- Are lawfully present in the United States
- Pass the medical requirements for the license type you want
- Haven't been found by a court mentally incompetent, a substance/alcohol abuser or habitual illegal drug user
- Have no unpaid fines for moving traffic violations
Know the rule
Internet driver's education courses do not meet Kansas requirements. A certificate of completion from an online course will not be accepted for licensure.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
Approved driver's education comes only from local accredited school districts approved by the Department of Education, or approved private schools offering 8 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
You can take the non-commercial knowledge exam online at ks.knowtodrive.com and bring in your passing results instead of testing in the office. Appointments are recommended when you visit a license office.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
This manual covers noncommercial vehicles (passenger cars). A commercial license requires the CDL Manual, and a motorcycle license requires the Motorcycle Manual, each with its own knowledge and skills tests.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Missouri to Wichita on March 1. You have 90 days to get a Kansas license, so plan your license office visit before the end of May, and bring your old Missouri license to turn in.