How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Kansas?

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Kansas. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Kansas?

Kansas intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Kansas?

In Kansas, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

Kansas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Kansas uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 25 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 passenger under 18 who is not a family member
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines, license suspension, and extended restriction period

Kansas-Specific Information

Kansas has one of the earliest curfew start times (9 PM). Permit available at 14, one of the youngest in the nation. Must complete approved driver education. Full license available at 16 with all requirements met, though full unrestricted driving at 17.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Kansas gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Kansas at age 14. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Kansas restricts driving between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

With an intermediate license in Kansas, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 passenger under 18 who is not a family member.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Kansas at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.