To get a license you pass three things: a vision screening, a knowledge test and a driving test. Know the pass mark, how many tries you get, and what happens at renewal time.
Required noncommercial license tests:
- Vision: station screening, or an eye exam form by an ophthalmologist/optometrist in the last 90 days
- Knowledge: 25 questions on Kansas traffic laws and on signs by shape, color or symbol
- Driving: drive a designated route that shows your basic skills in traffic
Minimum vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
If you need corrective lenses to meet the standard, a restriction goes on your license and you must wear them any time you drive.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
If you fail the station vision screening, have the eye exam form completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist and return it within 90 days of the exam.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Knowledge test facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 25 multiple choice |
| Passing score | 80% |
| Time limit | Not timed; usually takes 15 to 20 minutes |
| Where | Full-service center, approved driver's ed, or online |
Know the rule
If you fail the written or driving test, you may retest the next working day after paying a $1.50 re-exam fee.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
You get four chances to pass the written test and four to pass the driving test. After the fourth failure of either, wait at least six months from the most recent failed exam.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
Under 17, you must hold your instruction permit one full year or until you reach 17, whichever comes first, before taking the driver's license test.
Handbook p. 94 ↗Bring to your driver's license test:
- A valid instruction permit
- Proof of Kansas residence
- Under 18: parent/guardian signs for 50 hours of supervised driving
- Under 17: parent/guardian also signs permission to issue a license
Permits and renewal
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Class C instruction permit | Valid 1 year; renew by passing the written exam |
| Non-commercial A and B permits | Valid 6 months |
| Temporary resident's credential | Expires with lawful-presence authorization |
| Renewal notice | Sent at least 30 days before expiration |
| Renewing an expired license | $1.00 penalty |
| Expired more than 1 year | Full testing: vision, written and driving |
Know the rule
At renewal you need 20/40 in one eye. An outside eye exam is accepted if it was done no more than 90 days before your renewal application.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
A written test isn't required at every renewal, but an examiner may require a written or driving test if they suspect you can't 'exercise ordinary and reasonable control' of a vehicle.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
You may renew at any Kansas driver's license office. CDL holders and Registered Offenders must renew at a full-service station.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Put it into practice
You fail the knowledge test on Monday. You can pay the $1.50 re-exam fee and retake it Tuesday. If you fail a fourth time, you must wait six months from that last attempt.