Testing and Preparing to Drive
Adults who have never driven before must pass a series of tests before receiving their driver’s license. They must complete a:
- Vision test
- Knowledge test, which requires knowledge of state laws and driving acuity
- Road test, which monitors your driving.
Adults may opt to take a driver training course, but this is not mandatory. Y
Graduated Driver License
Kansas uses a
Graduated Driver License Program for teens ages 14-16. To get a license, drivers first receive an instructional permit. A vision test and either a knowledge test or completion of a state-approved driver education program in school are required for the instructional permit. With the instructional permit, teens can only drive with a licensed adult driver in the front seat beside them. After one year of practice, they advance to a restricted license, which allows them to drive to and from school and jobs to their homes. Drivers with a restricted license can move to a regular license at
age 16 or to a less restricted license after 50 hours of documented driving experience if younger than 16. This license allows them to drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Once they are 16 and have successfully had this license for six months, they can receive a license without restrictions.
Remedial Driver Programs
In some cases, drivers can take state-approved driver improvement program courses when they’ve committed traffic violations to avoid the violations going onto their records. You’ll still have to pay the fine, but you’ll avoid the strike on the license and the potential increase in insurance that often comes with it. If you are eligible for the program, the court will mail you a list of approved courses. Alternatively, you can phone the clerk of court in the jurisdiction where you committed the offense to obtain a list of possible courses.
Defensive Driving Courses
Defensive driving courses are voluntary but may help keep insurance rates low or improve your driving skills. One example is the Mature Driver Program for people older than age
50. AARP and other agencies offer these courses, and drivers can contact their insurer to see which qualify for discounts. These programs are generally not state-approved for purposes of keeping traffic violations off your record. AAA also offers defensive driving courses for drivers of all ages; drivers who take one to save on insurance should check with their insurance company to see if the courses qualify for a discount and how often they may take them.
