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Driving Permit

Kansas Graduated Driver Licensing System

3 min read

The Kansas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is designed to help new drivers—especially teenagers—gain driving experience gradually under lower-risk conditions. It consists of three stages: the Instruction Permit, the Restricted License, and the Full (Unrestricted) License.

Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit)

Teens can apply for an Instruction Permit at age 14. This permit allows young drivers to gain supervised driving experience.

Requirements:

  • Be at least 14 years old
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written knowledge test or provide proof of completion from an approved driver's education course
  • Parental/guardian consent for applicants under 16

Restrictions:

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat
  • No use of wireless communication devices, even hands-free
  • Must hold the permit for at least one year before advancing

Restricted License

At age 15, a teen may apply for a Restricted License, provided they’ve held an instruction permit for at least one year and completed a driver education course.

Requirements:

  • Must be 15 years old
  • Completion of a driver’s education program
  • At least 25 hours of supervised driving logged
  • Parental/guardian approval

Restrictions:

  • May drive unsupervised to/from school or work
  • Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) at all other times
  • No non-sibling minor passengers allowed
  • No wireless device use
  • Must complete 50 total hours of supervised driving (10 at night) to advance

Less Restricted License

At 16, a driver becomes eligible for a less restricted license after completing 50 supervised hours and holding the restricted license for at least six months.

Restrictions (until age 17):

  • May drive at any time between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Driving outside of those hours requires a licensed adult or valid school/work-related reason
  • Limit of one non-sibling minor passenger
  • No use of wireless devices

Full Unrestricted License

At age 17, drivers may obtain a full, unrestricted license if they have complied with all GDL rules and driving requirements.

Conditions:

  • All previous restrictions lifted
  • Continued adherence to Kansas driving laws

Additional Considerations

Parental involvement and regular driving practice are crucial during all phases of the GDL process. Teens are also expected to maintain a clean driving record; violations may delay progression through the system.

The GDL system works alongside other Kansas driving laws, including Kansas Speed Limits and Enforcement and Kansas Right-of-Way Laws Explained, which are important for new drivers to understand and follow.

Applicants and parents should also be aware of the Kansas REAL ID Requirements, especially for those planning to fly domestically or enter federal facilities.

For those preparing to begin the process, refer to Applying for a Kansas Driver's License for detailed application steps.