Updated for 2026

Kansas Kansas Department of Revenue (Division of Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$11 (Permit) / $20-$26 (License varies by age)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

A frequent cause of failure in Kansas is the lack of understanding of right-of-way rules at uncontrolled rural intersections (where no stop signs exist) and failing to properly identify the unique restrictions associated with the Farm Permit versus the standard Restricted License.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Kansas traffic laws are uniquely tailored to its agricultural heritage, offering one of the youngest driving ages in the country under specific conditions. The most distinctive statute is the 'Farm Permit' (Class C). Adolescents as young as 14 can obtain this permit if they reside on a farm or are employed for farm labor. However, the restrictions are rigid: a 14-year-old with this permit may only drive to and from the farm, school, or religious activities, and strictly between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM. They cannot drive for leisure. At age 15, teens can transition to a 'Restricted License'. Under Kansas law, a 15-year-old restricted driver can drive to school or work unsupervised but must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) for all other driving. It is not until age 16 that a 'Less Restricted' license is available, which allows driving anywhere but still imposes a curfew (usually no driving between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM) and limits passengers to one non-immediate family member under 18. Kansas also strictly enforces right-of-way laws at 'uncontrolled intersections'. On the state's vast network of rural gravel roads, many intersections have no stop signs or yield signs. The law dictates that you must yield to the vehicle that reaches the intersection first; if you arrive at the same time, you must yield to the vehicle on your right. Furthermore, the 'Move Over Law' in Kansas requires drivers on four-lane highways to change lanes away from any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights (police, maintenance, or utility). On two-lane roads, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution. Regarding school buses, traffic in both directions must stop for a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, unless the road is divided by a physical median. A raised concrete barrier counts as a median, but a simple turning lane does not. Finally, Kansas is a 'Zero Tolerance' state for drivers under 21 regarding alcohol, and for all drivers, texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning police can stop you solely for that violation.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Kansas presents specific environmental challenges associated with the Great Plains that are heavily emphasized in safety materials. One major hazard is driving on gravel roads. Kansas has thousands of miles of unpaved roads where traction is significantly reduced. Drivers are taught that gravel acts like marbles under the tires; sudden braking or sharp steering can cause an immediate slide or rollover. The manual advises staying in the 'tracks' created by other vehicles and slowing down well before intersections. Another critical fact is the risk of tornadoes and high winds. Kansas is in the heart of 'Tornado Alley'. If a driver spots a tornado, the official advice is NOT to park under an overpass (which creates a wind tunnel effect that can be deadly) but to find a low-lying ditch and cover their head if no sturdy building is available. Crosswinds are also a daily hazard; open highways can see gusts strong enough to push a vehicle out of its lane, especially when passing large semi-trucks. Statistically, deer collisions are a primary cause of accidents in Kansas, particularly in November during the 'rut' (mating season). Drivers are warned to scan the ditches constantly and never to swerve for a deer, as hitting the animal is generally more survivable than a rollover in a ditch. Regarding the test itself, the Kansas written exam is relatively short, consisting of 25 questions. You must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. The questions are randomly pulled from a larger pool, so memorizing the manual is essential. Interestingly, Kansas allows you to take the written test at a Driver's Education school instead of the DMV if you are enrolled in a course. Also, be aware of the 'No-Zone' around agricultural equipment. Combines and tractors are wide and often occupy more than one lane; patience is legally required, and passing on a hill or curve is strictly illegal. Finally, Kansas utilizes the 'Kansas 511' system for road conditions, which is vital during winter ice storms that can glaze over the Interstates rapidly.