Graduated Drivers License
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in Kansas. During 2008, 51 people were killed and more than 5,400 injured as a result of a crash with a teenage driver.
Research has shown graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs have reduced teen crashes by up to 50 percent in the states in which they are implemented. These programs require extensive adult supervision and limit night-time driving and the number of non-sibling passengers in the vehicle.
Kansas now joins 47 other states who have a comprehensive GDL program. The 2008 Legislature enacted a GDL program for Kansas teens which will go into effect on January 1, 2010.
Instruction/Learner's Permit
Restricted License 15 years-old
Restricted License 16 years-old
Full License
Farm Permit
Grandfather Clause
Use of Wireless Devices
Instruction/Learner's Permit
Age
- Minimum age is 14; expires in one year and may be renewed
Requirements
- Must pass written test
- Parent or guardian must provide a written application
- Must pass vision and written exams
Conditions
- A supervising driver (licensed adult over the age of 21 with at least one year of driving experience) must sit beside the permit holder
- No additional people may sit in the front seat
- No wireless communication device may be used while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help
Permit Duration
- 12 months
Penalties
- Penalties apply to all teen drivers
- Holder is subject to the same suspension and revocations as any other licensed driver
- Holder shall be suspended for any violation of the restrictions
- 1st offense: 30 day suspension
- 2nd offense: 90 day suspension
- 3rd offense: One year suspension
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Restricted License
Age
- 15 - 16 1/2 years-old
Requirements for 15 year-olds
- Must complete an approved course in driver training
- Must have held an instruction permit for at least one year and completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving
- Signed affidavit from a supervising driver stating completion of an additional 25 hours
- 10 of the 50 supervised driving hours must be at night
Conditions
- To and from a job, employment or farm-related work
- May drive over the most direct and accessible route between home and school for the purpose of attendance
- Operate a vehicle with a licensed adult (at least 21), at any time
- NO non-sibling minor passengers allowed
- No wireless communication device may be used while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help
Permit Duration
- Till 16 1/2 years-old with the following condition after turning 16
Penalties
- Penalties apply to all teen drivers
- Holder is subject to the same suspension and revocations as any other licensed driver
- 2 or more moving traffic violations on separate occasions under the age of 16 and license is suspended till 17 years of age
- 1st offense: 30 day suspension
- 2nd offense: 90 day suspension
- 3rd offense: One year suspension
- Signed affidavit from a supervising driver stating completion of an 50 hours driving
- 10 of the 50 supervised driving hours must be at night
Conditions
- May drive between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- To and from a job, employment or farm-related work
- To and from authorized school activities
- May drive while going directly to or from any religious worship service held by a religious organization
- Can operate a vehicle with a licensed adult (at least 21), at any time
- One non-immediate family minor (under age 18) passenger is allowed
- No wireless communication device may be used while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help
Permit Duration
- 6 months
Penalties
- Penalties apply to all teen drivers
- Holder is subject to the same suspension and revocations as any other licensed driver
- 2 or more moving violations committed on separate occasions while at least 16 and license is suspended till 18 years of age
- 1st offense: 30 day suspension
- 2nd offense: 90 day suspension
- 3rd offense: One year suspension
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Full License
Age
- 17 years-old if first time applicant, not including instruction permit
Requirements
- Signed affidavit from a supervising driver (at least 21) stating completion of 50 driving hours
- 10 of the 50 supervised driving hours must be at night
- Must pass vision and written exams
- Must provide proof of age and identification
Penalties
- Subject to all penalties under KSA 8-291
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Farm License
Age
- 14 - 17 years-old
Requirements
- Submission of a signed affidavit of either a parent or guardian stating the applicant lives on a farm (minimum 20 acres used for agricultural operations) or if the applicant does not live in a farm but is employed for compensation on a farm, the applicant must submit a signed affidavit of the applicant's employer and parent or guardian, attesting to such employment
- Pass vision, written and driving exams
- written application from parent or guardian
Conditions
- To or from or in connection with any farm job, employment or other farm related work
- May drive over the most direct and accessible route between home and school for attendance
- NO non-sibling minor passengers
- No wireless communication device may be used while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help
- A driver with a farm permit, who is at least 16 years old, can drive while going directly to or from any religious worship service held by a religious organization
Permit Duration
- Ages 15 and 16 will follow the requirements of restricted licensing
Penalties
- Penalties apply to all teen drivers
- Holder is subject to the same suspension and revocations as any other licensed driver
- A farm permit shall be suspended for any violation of restrictions and/or 2 or more crashes chargeable to the holder
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Use of Wireless Devices
No wireless communication device may be used while driving, except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help until a full license has been granted
Grandfather Clause
Teens entering the licensing system prior to January 1, 2010, fall under 2009 licensing guidelines