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Kansas Farm Permit Requirements

3 min read

A Kansas farm permit, also referred to as a restricted farm permit, is a special type of driver's license available to certain teens in rural areas. It allows young drivers to operate vehicles for farming-related purposes before they meet the minimum age for a regular license. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) offers this permit to support agricultural families while still ensuring public safety.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Kansas farm permit, an applicant must:

  • Be 14 or 15 years old
  • Reside on a farm or be employed for work on a farm
  • Have completed a state-approved driver education course
  • Obtain signed approval from a parent or legal guardian

A “farm” in Kansas is legally defined as a tract of land of 20 or more acres used principally for agricultural purposes.

Application Process

Applying for a Kansas farm permit involves the following steps:

  1. Complete an Instruction Permit Phase
    Before applying for a farm permit, the applicant must hold an instruction permit for at least one year and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

  2. Driver Education Completion
    Proof of completing an approved driver education course must be submitted.

  3. Parental Approval Form
    A parent or guardian must sign a Farm Permit Affidavit (Form DE-103) confirming the need for farm driving privileges.

  4. Pass Required Tests
    The applicant must pass a vision exam, written test, and may be required to pass a driving test if not already completed during the education course.

  5. Visit a DMV Location
    Visit a Kansas DMV location with all documentation, including:

    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of residency
    • Instruction permit
    • Affidavit for farm use
    • Completion of supervised driving log

Permit Restrictions

Kansas farm permits come with specific restrictions that drivers must follow:

  • Permitted Driving Times:
    Farm permit holders may drive from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., unless driving to or from a school or religious activity.

  • Allowed Driving Purposes:

    • To/from farm-related work
    • To/from school or religious services
    • While accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat

  • Passenger Restrictions:
    Only immediate family members are allowed as passengers unless accompanied by a licensed adult.

  • No Unsupervised Recreational Driving:
    Recreational or social driving is strictly prohibited under this permit.

Violations of these restrictions may result in suspension or revocation of the permit.

Transitioning to a Full License

Once the permit holder turns 16, they may apply for a restricted or full driver's license, depending on how long they’ve held the farm permit and whether they meet all Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements.

Understanding the farm permit is just one part of becoming a knowledgeable young driver. You may also be interested in:

For complete guidelines, visit the official Kansas Department of Revenue - Driver Licensing website.