About the Kansas DMV written test
The Kansas knowledge test (often searched as the Kansas permit test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Kansas driver handbook published by the Kansas Division of Vehicles.
Kansas applicants take a 25-question knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs based on the Kansas Driving Handbook. A vision exam is also required, and you get four chances to pass each test before a six-month wait.
Kansas permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can get a Kansas instruction permit at age 14, with parental approval required for 14- and 15-year-olds.
- Questions on the real test
- 25
- Vision screening
- At least 20/40 in one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
- Permit fee
- Instruction permit: $10.00 ($2.00 issuance plus $8.00 photo); first exam attempt $3.00, re-exams within 6 months $1.50.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for adults; drivers under 21 can be arrested for impairment at 0.02%.
- Seat belt law
- Seat belt violations are a primary offense; children under 14 must ride in the rear seat with appropriate restraints.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Kansas Division of Vehicles before you test.
What Kansas drivers should know
- Speed limits: 30 mph urban districts, 20 mph marked school zones, 55 mph county roads, 65 mph state/federal highways.
- Signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane move.
- Use a two-second following distance, four seconds in bad conditions.
- Park at least 15 feet from a hydrant and 50 feet from a railroad rail.
- Teens under 17 hold a permit one year before a restricted license.
Topics covered in our Kansas practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Kansas permit test
- Read the official Kansas driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DMV.