Overview
The Kansas Driving Handbook provides comprehensive guidance on road laws, safe driving practices, licensing procedures, and special situations for drivers in Kansas. It covers requirements for obtaining and maintaining a driver’s license, traffic regulations, defensive driving tips, and testing procedures.
Licensing and Permit Requirements
- Different license classes have distinct age, education, and practice requirements.
- Instruction permits require adult supervision and have age restrictions.
- Driver’s education must be completed through state-approved programs, not online-only courses.
- Renewal notices are sent 30 days before license expiration; expired licenses over a year require full retesting.
- Loss of driving privileges can result from repeated violations, DUI, or failure to comply with legal obligations.
Safe Driving Practices
- Always adjust seats and mirrors for visibility and control before driving.
- Use safety belts and ensure child restraints are properly installed.
- Maintain full attention to driving, avoid distractions, and never use electronic devices for texting or emailing while driving.
- Manage speed according to conditions, obeying posted limits and reducing speed for curves, weather, or traffic.
Rules of the Road
- Yield right-of-way in specified situations, especially to pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
- Obey all traffic control devices, including signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Follow proper procedures for passing, turns, parking, and stopping for school buses.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; legal limits and penalties are clearly defined.
Defensive Driving and Emergency Situations
- Scan ahead, to sides, and behind to detect hazards early.
- Maintain adequate following distance (minimum two seconds, more in adverse conditions).
- Know how to avoid and handle skids, collisions, or equipment failures.
- In emergencies, focus on controlling the vehicle and minimizing harm; use safety belts and airbags.
Sharing the Road
- Yield and be vigilant around pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Give space to commercial vehicles; avoid their blind spots and do not cut them off.
- Use extra caution in work zones, around slow-moving vehicles, and animal crossings.
Preparing for Tests and Licensing
- Pass vision, knowledge, and driving tests; online and in-person options are available.
- Pre-trip inspections are required to confirm vehicle safety.
- Practice basic vehicle control skills and defensive maneuvers before testing.
Special Driving Situations
- Adjust driving for night, rural, adverse weather, and work zone conditions.
- Understand best practices for winter, heat, tornadoes, floods, and trip planning.
- Follow correct reporting and safety procedures in the event of crashes or breakdowns.
Organ and Tissue Donation
- License applicants can opt-in as organ and tissue donors.
- The decision is legally binding for those 18 or older; there is no cost to the donor’s family.
Decisions
- Texting while driving prohibited: Kansas law bans texting and related communications while driving.
- Only state-approved driver’s ed accepted: Online-only courses are not valid for licensure.
- Zero tolerance for under-21 alcohol use: Strict BAC limits apply for drivers under 21.
Action Items
- TBD – All permit applicants: Bring valid ID, proof of residence, and required documents.
- TBD – Under-18 applicants: Obtain parent/guardian signature affirming supervised driving hours.
- TBD – All drivers: Regularly review and maintain vehicle safety and documentation.
Recommendations / Advice
- Regularly check vision and hearing for continued safe driving.
- Plan routes, combine trips, and use alternative transportation to reduce driving risks.
- In emergencies, remain with the vehicle and use hazard signals until help arrives.