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The Kansas written driving test (the permit test) is the knowledge exam you pass before KDOR issues an instruction permit. According to the Kansas Driving Handbook, it has 25 questions on Kansas traffic laws, and you must also identify road signs by their shape, color or symbol. You can take it at a driver’s license office, and some applicants can take it online.
Key facts
- Earliest age: 14. Under 16, a parent or guardian must apply in writing (K.S.A. 8-2,100).
- For a permit you pass the vision and written tests. The driving test comes later.
- Format: 25 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, signs and pavement markings. You need 80% to pass (Kansas Driving Handbook, February 2022).
- Online option: KDOR launched a web-based written exam on April 1, 2021.
- Statutory in-office fees (K.S.A. 8-240, as of November 2026): $2 permit application fee for class C; $1.50 to retake a failed written test.
What is on the Kansas permit test?
The handbook describes two parts:
- Traffic laws: 25 written questions on Kansas traffic laws.
- Road signs: identifying signs by their shape, color or symbol.
Section 11 of the handbook sets the pass mark at 80%, which is 20 of 25 correct. The test is not timed but usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Not every office gives the knowledge test, so check KDOR’s office list before you go.
Everything comes from the Kansas Driving Handbook (Non-Commercial Driver’s Manual), available from KDOR in English and Spanish. Spend most of your study time on:
- Right of way and traffic control devices (handbook “Rules of the Road” section)
- Sign shapes and colors: see US road signs by shape and color
- Pavement markings: see US pavement markings
- School bus rules and parking
- Alcohol, drugs and distractions (handbook “Be in Shape to Drive” section)
Can you take the Kansas written test online?
Yes, if you qualify. On April 1, 2021, KDOR’s Division of Vehicles launched KnowToDrive Online, a web-based version of the written exam. It is available 24/7 and runs on a laptop or desktop computer outside the driver’s license office. The handbook says the online exam is open to some applicants, not all, and the portal tells you whether you qualify.
- Fees announced in 2021: $10 for the first online test and $8.50 for each retest. Check the current fee on the portal before you start, as it may have changed.
- The in-office written test is still available.
- You still visit a driver’s license office for the vision test, your documents and the permit itself. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian signs at the office.
How to get your Kansas instruction permit: step by step
- Study the Kansas Driving Handbook.
- Gather proof of age, identity, Kansas residency and Social Security number (or lawful presence), as K.S.A. 8-240 requires. See REAL ID and your first license if you want a REAL ID card.
- If you are under 16, bring a parent or guardian to sign the application.
- Pass the vision test. If you fail it, you can have your vision corrected and retake it at no extra fee.
- Pass the written test, in the office or online.
- Get your permit. It is valid for one year.
Can a driver’s ed certificate replace the written test?
KDOR’s teen FAQ says a driver education completion certificate (form DE-99) is accepted instead of the written test for an instruction permit, as long as you can prove your name and date of birth. Read Kansas driving test and the driver’s ed waiver for how certificates work at later stages.
What happens if you fail?
| Situation | Rule (K.S.A. 8-240) |
|---|---|
| Failed the written test | Retake as soon as the next working day, after paying an extra $1.50 examination fee |
| Failed the vision test | Correct your vision and retest at no extra fee |
| Haven’t passed all tests within six months of applying | File a reexamination application ($3) |
| Failed the written test four times within six months | Wait six months from the last failure |
The handbook gives you four chances at the written test. After a fourth fail you wait six months from that fail before starting again. These are the statutory examination fees for in-office testing. KDOR may add other charges, such as photo fees, to the license itself. Check the total on the KDOR website.
Rules once you hold the permit
- Carry the permit whenever you drive.
- A supervising adult must sit beside you. They must be at least 21, hold a valid class A, B, C or commercial license and have at least one year of driving experience.
- Under 17: no one else in the front seat, and no wireless device use except to report illegal activity or call for emergency help.
Next steps are in Kansas restricted license rules at 15 and 16 and Kansas 50 hour supervised driving affidavit. For how other states run their tests, see US permit tests by state.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Kansas permit test?
The handbook says 25 questions on traffic laws, plus road sign identification.
What score do you need to pass the Kansas written test?
80%, according to the Kansas Driving Handbook. On 25 questions that means at least 20 correct.
Can I take the Kansas permit test at home?
Possibly. KDOR’s online exam can be taken on a laptop or desktop, but not every applicant qualifies. The portal checks your eligibility.
How old do you have to be to take the permit test in Kansas?
14. Under 16, a parent or guardian must apply in writing.
Is the Kansas permit test available in Spanish?
KDOR publishes a Spanish handbook (Manual de conducción de Kansas). Ask your office which languages the test itself is offered in.
How long is a Kansas instruction permit valid?
One year from issue. You renew it by retaking and passing the written test.
Sources
- Kansas Department of Revenue, “Kansas Driving Handbook, Non-Commercial Driver’s Manual” (ksrevenue.gov)
- Kansas Department of Revenue, “Kansas Department of Revenue Announces a Web-Based Written Driver’s License Exam Option” (ksrevenue.gov)
- Kansas Department of Revenue, “I Have Questions About” driver’s license FAQ (ksrevenue.gov)
- Kansas Department of Revenue, “Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Driving” (ksrevenue.gov)
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, “K.S.A. 8-2,100 Instruction permits; under 17 years of age” (ksrevisor.gov)
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, “K.S.A. 8-240 Drivers’ licenses and instruction permits; fees” (ksrevisor.gov)