Instruction Permit

To obtain a Kansas Instruction Permit under KSA 8-2,100, an applicant must be at least 14 years of age. The permit is available to teenagers in the 14–15 age range and serves as the first official step in the Kansas Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program for most teens. Once issued, the permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Applicants must pass two examinations: a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Both tests are administered at Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles offices. It is strongly recommended that applicants study the Kansas Driver Handbook before attempting the written examination.

If the applicant is under 16 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must submit a written application on the teen's behalf. This ensures that a responsible adult is aware of and consents to the teen beginning supervised practice driving on public roads.

Once an Instruction Permit is issued, the teen may practice driving on public roads but only under strict supervision. All practice driving must be done with a licensed adult supervisor who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver's license for at least one year. The supervisor must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times when the permit holder is operating the vehicle.

No. A Kansas Instruction Permit holder is not permitted to drive alone under any circumstances. One of the fundamental restrictions of the Instruction Permit is that the holder must always be accompanied by a supervising driver who meets specific qualifications under Kansas law.

The supervising driver must be a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver's license for a minimum of one year. Additionally, this supervising driver must be seated in the front seat alongside the permit holder. No other passengers may occupy the front seat while the permit holder is driving — the front seat is reserved for the permit holder and the supervising adult only.

This requirement exists because the Instruction Permit stage is specifically designed for learning. The presence of an experienced adult allows for real-time coaching, intervention if a dangerous situation arises, and the transfer of important driving knowledge that can only be conveyed through direct experience in actual traffic conditions.

Driving alone with only an Instruction Permit constitutes a violation under KSA 8-291, which subjects the permit to suspension or revocation. The first offense carries a 30-day suspension, the second a 90-day suspension, and the third results in a one-year suspension of driving privileges.

Yes. During the Instruction Permit stage, there is a strict restriction on front seat occupancy. Only two people are allowed in the front seat of the vehicle: the Instruction Permit holder who is driving, and the qualifying supervising adult. No other person is permitted to sit in the front seat while an Instruction Permit holder is operating the vehicle.

This rule is distinct from passenger restrictions that apply at other GDL stages. At the Instruction Permit level, the primary restriction relates specifically to who may occupy the front seat rather than limiting the total number of passengers in the vehicle. The purpose is to ensure the supervising adult has clear sightlines and the ability to communicate with and monitor the teen driver without interference.

Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distraction from passengers. Studies consistently show that having peers in the vehicle significantly increases the crash risk for new drivers. While the Instruction Permit stage involves supervised practice with an adult, developing focused driving habits from the very beginning is critically important.

Permit holders and their families should review all applicable restrictions carefully before each drive. If you are unsure about what is and is not permitted during the Instruction Permit stage, consult the Kansas Driver Handbook or contact your local Kansas DMV office for clarification.

No. Kansas law explicitly prohibits Instruction Permit holders from using any wireless communication device while operating a vehicle. This prohibition covers mobile phones, smartphones, and any other wireless devices used for voice calls, texting, or any other communication purpose while driving.

There is a narrow exception: an Instruction Permit holder may use a wireless communication device if it is necessary to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help — for example, calling 911 to report a medical emergency or a crime in progress. Outside of these specific emergency circumstances, using a wireless device while driving with an Instruction Permit is a violation of the permit conditions.

This restriction reflects a well-documented road safety concern. Distracted driving — particularly phone use — is one of the leading causes of crashes among teen drivers. By prohibiting wireless device use during the learning stage, Kansas law aims to establish good habits early, before teens develop problematic patterns linked to serious accidents and fatalities.

Permit holders who violate the wireless device restriction face the same suspension penalties as any other GDL violation: 30 days for a first offense, 90 days for a second offense, and a full year for a third offense.

A Kansas Instruction Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. During this year, the permit holder is expected to accumulate substantial supervised driving experience across a variety of driving conditions — including daytime driving, highway driving, and nighttime driving under adult supervision.

If the Instruction Permit expires before the holder has met all the requirements to progress to a Restricted License, the teen may need to renew the permit. Renewal requirements may include re-taking vision and written tests, depending on the circumstances. Contact the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles to understand the specific renewal process applicable to your situation.

Once a teen is ready to apply for the next stage — the Restricted License — they will need to demonstrate that they have met the supervised driving hour requirements and pass the appropriate driving examination. Families should keep careful records of supervised driving hours throughout the Instruction Permit period, as documentation may be required when applying for the Restricted or Full License.

Planning ahead is important. Allowing the permit to lapse without advancing to the next stage can delay a teen's overall progress through the GDL program. Parents and guardians are encouraged to create a structured driving practice schedule with their teen from the start of the Instruction Permit stage, ensuring the one-year validity period is used productively to build genuine driving competence and confidence.