Kansas Teen License: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Kansas uses a graduated licensing program to help new drivers (usually teens) understand road rules and gain valuable behind-the-wheel experience through testing.

The program includes three stages:

  • Learner’s permit
  • Intermediate licenses
  • Unrestricted (adult) license

By now, if you’re going through the GDL program, you’ll have a learner’s permit. If not, see our Kansas permit guide to apply. Then, continue below to learn how to apply/upgrade to your state’s provisional license.

Getting a Provisional (Restricted) Driver’s License

The provisional license is available to teens 15 or 16 years old.

Kansas has two versions of this level of license:

  • Restricted (usually for 15-year old)
  • Less restricted (usually for 16-year old)

Driver’s ed is required for a restricted license if under 16 years old.

To upgrade a permit to a provisional — you must pass these requirements:

  • Be at least 15 years old
  • Held a learner’s permit for one year
  • Finished 25 hours of driving experience
  • Get a certificate of driver’s ed completion (under 16 years old)

If you meet these requirements — you will do the following:

  1. Visit a local KS DMV (with parent’s permission if under 16)
  2. Provide your ID and residency documents
  3. Provide proof of driver’s ed completion
  4. Provide your 25-hour driving log (Form DE-IB01)
  5. Pass your vision test
  6. Pay the fees:
    1. License: $20
    2. Photo: $8
    3. Test: $3

Congratulations!

If you pass the requirements and submit the correct information, you’ll have upgraded your learners into a restricted (or less restricted) license!

Driving Restrictions with a Restricted License

Yes, a provisional license gives you greater driving freedom when behind the wheel. Yet, there are restrictions depending on your age.

Restrictions for drivers under 16 years old include:

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+)
  • Must keep to main roads between school/work and home
  • Stick to driving to and from school, work, or farm-related work
  • No non-siblings in the vehicle while driving
  • Don’t use a cell phone to call or text while driving

Restrictions for a less restricted license, for the first six months over age 16, let you drive between 5 AM and 9 PM, to and from work/school, or to a place of religious worship. Only one non-sibling under 18 can accompany you when driving. Plus, you aren’t allowed to text or call when driving.

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

You are expected to drive the remaining 25 hours of your behind-the-wheel experience before upgrading to an unrestricted license.

The experience will include 10 hours (of the total 50) done at night.

Next: Upgrading to an Unrestricted License

The next stage of your Kansas licensing involves upgrading to an unrestricted license.

The unrestricted license is available to those meeting these requirements:

  • Turn 17 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Have completed a driver’s course (if under 18, for your restricted)
  • Are cleared of any unpaid fines and fees
  • Have the total 50 hours of driving experience
  • Auto insurance (if you’re driving your own car)

Do you pass these requirements? If so, see our Kansas Licensing Guide for details on how to upgrade a provisional license into an adult/unrestricted one.

In conclusion, if you live in Michigan and need to replace a title for a vehicle, you are now aware of the process. You must fill out the necessary forms, ensure that all data is accurate, and provide all supporting documents before applying.