After Getting a Kansas Learner's Permit: Practice Plan, GDL Steps and Road Test Preparation

After getting your learners permit, you begin the 1-year instruction phase of the Kansas GDL system.

What Should You Do Right After Getting Your Kansas Learner's Permit?

After getting your learners permit, you begin the 1-year instruction phase of the Kansas GDL system. Your next steps are logging 50 hours of supervised driving and preparing for the restricted license road test.

Permit Rules and Practice Requirements

Your instruction permit has specific restrictions. Violating them can reset your 1-year holding period.

Visit the Kansas learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

Full Kansas permit rules are at the Kansas learner's permit guide.

For Kansas permit process details, see the Kansas permit guide.

• You must have a licensed adult, age 21 or older, in the front seat at all times.
• Using any wireless device while driving is illegal.
• You can drive at night, but only with your supervising adult to complete the required 10 night hours.

Start your official logbook immediately after getting your driving permit. The goal is 50 total hours, with 10 at night. Use the official 50-Hour Supervised Driving Affidavit (Form DE-IB01).

• Worth Noting: Schedule your practice sessions in Wichita or Overland Park during actual DMV office hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM) to experience real traffic patterns you'll face on your test, avoiding the empty-road surprise that causes last-minute failures.
• You must hold the permit for one full year before applying for a restricted license. Follow a practice schedule to build skills progressively.
• Before You Go: Practice the 'Kansas Stop' at signed intersections in Topeka - a full stop behind the line, count to three. Examiners at the Forbes Field station frequently fail applicants for rolling stops, a common first-minute error.
• After the waiting period and completing your hours, prepare for the road test to get your restricted license.
• If you complete a state-approved Driver Education course, you may waive the DMV road test. Get your 'DE-99' completion slip from your school or driving school.
• Double-Check This: Call the Salina DMV a week before your scheduled test to confirm they have an examiner available. Walk-in test cancellations are common, and confirming can prevent a wasted trip and rescheduling delay.

Note: Rules can vary by age. Verify latest requirements at the official Kansas Drivers License site.