Midwest · Instruction Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Kansas
Kansas issues instruction permits at 14. After a year on the permit and 50 certified practice hours, teens can apply for a restricted license at 15 that allows driving to school and work.
Kansas permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 14 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Instruction Permit |
| Supervised practice | 25 hours before a restricted license at 15; 50 total hours, including 10 at night, by 16 |
| Minimum holding period | 12 months (to qualify for a restricted license at 15) |
| Issuing agency | Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Kansas?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 14
- Practice hours
- 25 hours before a restricted license at 15; 50 total hours
- Waiting time
- 12 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 41/100. Easiest in the Midwest: Nebraska (#3) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Six states hand out permits at 14: Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Kansas permit date · ⚔️ Compare Kansas with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Kansas
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 14 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Kansas driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Kansas’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Kansas residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Kansas requires 25 hours before a restricted license at 15; 50 total hours, including 10 at night, by 16. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Kansas, that's 12 months (to qualify for a restricted license at 15). Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Kansas learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Kansas?
The minimum age is 14. Kansas calls this credential the Instruction Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Kansas require?
Kansas requires 25 hours before a restricted license at 15; 50 total hours, including 10 at night, by 16. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Kansas?
The minimum holding period is 12 months (to qualify for a restricted license at 15) before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Kansas?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Kansas an easy state to get licensed in?
Kansas ranks #27 of 50 on our Ease Score (41/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.