How to take the Kansas permit test
Once your practice scores are solid, you can take the real knowledge test one of two ways: online from home, or in person at a Kansas driver's license office. You can start with a few practice tests first.
Option 1: Take it online
Kansas offers an official online knowledge test through KnowTo Drive. You can take it from home on a desktop or laptop computer with a front-facing camera, and it's available in English and Spanish. You get your result right away.
- Who can take it: any Kansas resident at least 14 years old.
- If you're under 18: a parent or guardian who is a Kansas resident and at least 18 must register you and verify their identity.
- Camera and rules: a webcam monitors you and your surroundings. You can be disqualified if the camera doesn't match your starting photo, if another person is seen, or if your cursor leaves the test window's red border.
- Time limit: 60 minutes.
- Cost: $6.50 per attempt at last check. The driver's license office collects its own fees separately when you get your permit.
- If you don't pass: you can retake it the next day. After four failures or disqualifications within six months, you must wait six months from the last failed test.
- If identity checks fail: you'll need to take the test in person at an office instead.
Read the official KnowTo Drive FAQ before you register.
Option 2: Take it at a driver's license office
You can still take the written test in person at a Kansas Division of Vehicles driver's license office. The best way to be seen is to book an appointment. Customers with appointments receive priority over walk-ins, so scheduling one can save you a long wait.
- Gather your documents (see the list below).
- Open the state's appointment page and find your nearest office. Larger offices and smaller offices use different scheduling links, and the page points you to the right one.
- Pick a time and arrive a little early with your documents and a parent or guardian if you're under 18.
What to bring
For a first-time permit or license, the state asks for at least one document from each group below. Originals only: documents can't be photocopied or laminated.
- Proof of lawful presence: for example a state-issued birth certificate or a valid passport.
- Proof of your Social Security number: a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 showing the full number, or a current pay stub showing it.
- Two proofs of Kansas address: recent items showing your name and a physical address, such as a bank statement, utility bill, lease or insurance document.
- If it applies: name change documents, an out-of-state license or permit, or a driver's education certificate.
The full, current checklist is on the state's required documents page, and fees are on the Kansas credential fee chart.
Permit basics for teens
- The minimum age for an instruction permit is 14. Parent or guardian approval is required at 14 and 15.
- You'll need to pass a vision test and the written test, or have a driver's education completion certificate.
- With a permit, a licensed adult at least 21 years old must be in the front seat at all times.
- Teens hold a permit for at least one year before moving to a restricted license.
Rules for each stage are on the state's Graduated Driver's License page.
Skip the DMV testing with our course
If you take our driver's education course, we waive the DMV testing for you. You finish the course with us, and you don't have to sit for the test at the DMV or online.
Before test day
- Read the official Kansas Driving Handbook. A printed copy is sold at driver's license offices.
- Take the full practice test, then review each topic where you missed questions.
- Get a good night's sleep and bring your documents.
Have a question about the state's process? You can email the Division of Vehicles at KDOR_DL@ks.gov. We're not the state and can't speak for it, but we're happy to help with practice and driver's education at 913-599-6818.