Kansas Road Signs: Take the Test Online at ks.knowtodrive.com

Can you take the Kansas knowledge test online before visiting a license office? What happens after 4 failed Kansas knowledge test attempts? What is the school bus stop law under K.S.A. 8-1556? Kansas allows the 25-question test online at ks.knowtodrive.com before visiting any license office. After 4 attempts you wait 6 months. Retakes cost $1.50. School zones cap at 20 mph. Work zone fines are doubled.

Table of Contents

1. Across the Flint Hills and the Kansas Prairie: Why the 25-Question Knowledge Test Puts Signs at the Core

Kansas roads run from the dense Kansas City metro and Wichita urban grid to the Flint Hills rolling prairie routes, Tallgrass Corridor highways, and the long, open US-50 and US-54 corridors across the state. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles knowledge test requires 25 questions covering traffic laws and sign identification by shape, color, or symbol. Take it online at ks.knowtodrive.com or at any drivers license office. Fail four times and you must wait at least 6 months before retesting. A re-exam fee of $1.50 applies after each failure.

2. Identify Kansas Signs by Shape, Color, or Symbol: Exactly How the Knowledge Test Is Worded

The Kansas knowledge test explicitly requires you to "identify certain signs by their shape, color, or the symbol appearing on them." On Kansas high-speed separated multilane highways and long rural state routes, shape and color register before text. Master every entry here before your test. whether you are taking it online or in person.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

3. Kansas Regulatory Signs: K.S.A. Violations That Can Cost You Your Driving Privilege

Regulatory signs in Kansas carry the force of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.), violations are moving offenses subject to fines and can trigger suspension or revocation of your driving privilege. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested on the Kansas knowledge exam by shape, color, and symbol.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. Kansas Warning Signs: Hazards on the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills & Open Prairie Two-Lane Highways

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Kansas roads that means curve warnings on Flint Hills and Smoky Hills routes, railroad grade crossing approaches on rural secondary roads, and livestock crossing warnings on open range corridors. Orange signs mark active work zones where fines for speeding are doubled. Kansas flat terrain creates deceptively long sight lines. high approach speeds make warning signs critical.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer and wild turkeys are common hazards on Kansas rural highways through the Flint Hills and Eastern Kansas timber corridors

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present. Kansas school zone speed limit is 20 mph when properly marked; business districts also 20 mph when posted

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. Kansas Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-70, I-35, US-54 & the Kansas Turnpike

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-70, I-35, I-135, I-470)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-54, US-56 Santa Fe Trail, US-81, US-50)

State Route Marker

Identifies Kansas state routes (e.g., K-10, K-7, K-96, K-177 Flint Hills National Scenic Byway)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. Kansas Traffic Signals: Flashing Lights, Flag Persons & What the Knowledge Test Asks

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Kansas knowledge test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Kansas also requires stopping when directed by a flag person at a construction site or any police officer.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This distinction is one of the most commonly tested signal questions on the Kansas knowledge exam.

7. Kansas Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, No-Passing Zones & Bicycle Lane Markings

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Kansas knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, bike lane markings, and pavement symbols. including Kansas no-passing zone rules within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Kansas Work Zone Signs: Fines Doubled for Speeding and Flagger Authority on Kansas Roads

Orange signs alert you to construction, maintenance, and emergency work zones throughout Kansas. Kansas law explicitly states: fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled. Reduce your speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, and never tailgate in work zones. Flaggers direct traffic with STOP/SLOW paddles or signs. their instructions must be followed immediately, and stopping is required when directed by a flag person (K.S.A. 8-1551).

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must stop when directed by a flag person at a construction site (K.S.A. 8-1551), their directions override all existing signs and signals.
• Kansas law states that fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled, this is explicitly stated in the Kansas Driving Handbook and is a tested fact.
• Reduce your speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly. most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions.
• Do not tailgate in work zones. Maintain safe following distance on all sides of your vehicle.
• Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubular markers guide you safely through work areas. follow them and never attempt to bypass lane closures.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Kansas Railroad Crossings: Blue ENS Signs, the 50-Foot No-Parking Rule & Always Yielding to Trains

Kansas law requires yielding the right-of-way to trains and railroad vehicles at all highway-railroad grade crossings. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing is prohibited. Blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs are posted at every Kansas highway-rail grade crossing with a 24/7 toll-free number to report problems. the number goes directly to railroad dispatchers who can stop all train traffic at that crossing.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Stop at the stop line before the tracks; Kansas prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail; never stop on the tracks

• The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a railroad crossing.
• You must always yield the right-of-way to trains and railroad vehicles at all Kansas highway-railroad grade crossings.
• Do not cross until the train is well down the track or railroad devices (lights and gates) indicate it is safe. If you need to stop for traffic before the tracks, stop at the stop line. never let traffic conditions trap you on the tracks.
• It is against the law to pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing.
• Kansas prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings.
• It is wise not to shift gears when crossing tracks. you might stall. If you do stall, get everyone out, run in the direction the train is coming from, and call local law enforcement immediately.
• Blue ENS signs at every Kansas crossing have a 24/7 toll-free railroad dispatcher number. use it in an emergency.

Key test point: Kansas prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail and passing within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing. Always yield to trains. they cannot stop quickly. Both rules appear on the Kansas knowledge exam.

10. Kansas School Zone Speed and School Bus Laws: 20 mph Zones and K.S.A. 8-1556 Stop Requirements

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones and crossings. Kansas sets the school zone speed limit at 20 mph when properly marked. This same 20 mph limit applies to business districts when posted. School bus speed limits are the posted speed limit unless otherwise determined by school district policy. Under K.S.A. 8-1556, Kansas requires stopping for school buses, church buses, and day care buses stopped to pick up or let off children.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Kansas school zone speed limit is 20 mph when properly marked; school bus speed follows the posted limit unless school district policy sets a lower maximum

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Kansas school zone speed limit is 20 mph when the zone is properly marked.
• Under K.S.A. 8-1556, you must stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus, church bus, or day care bus that is stopped to pick up or let off children.
• You must remain stopped until the STOP signal is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
• Traffic approaching a school bus in the opposing roadway of a divided highway is not required to stop.
• Stop when a school crossing guard is displaying an official flag in a STOP position (K.S.A. 8-15,103).
• School bus speed limits are the posted speed limit unless the school district has established a lower maximum by policy.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Kansas: Extra Space Required and Bike Lanes Reserved for Cyclists

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks. marked or unmarked. Kansas requires drivers to give extra space to pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children, and to be prepared to stop when they appear to be moving into the lane of travel. A "Bicycle" marking on the road indicates the lane is reserved for cyclists. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are covered on the Kansas knowledge exam.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. you must stop if a pedestrian or school crossing guard is crossing or signaling you to stop.
• You must come to a complete stop when crossing a street guided by a guide dog or carrying a white cane.
• Give extra space to pedestrians and bicyclists. especially children who may move unexpectedly into the lane of travel.
• Be prepared to stop whenever a pedestrian or bicyclist appears to be moving into your lane or about to enter the street.
• A "Bicycle" pavement marking means the lane is reserved for bicyclists. do not drive or park in a designated bike lane.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. Kansas Knowledge Test: Can You Take It Online? Yes. Here is How to Pass

• 25 questions. shape, color, symbol, and traffic laws. The Kansas knowledge test requires you to answer traffic law questions and identify signs by shape, color, or symbol. Study both categories equally. sign identification is explicitly part of the test.
• Take it online. Kansas offers the knowledge exam online at ks.knowtodrive.com, complete it before visiting a drivers license office to skip the in-office written test. Visit ksrevenue.org for more details.
• Failure rules: 4 attempts, then 6 months. After failing the written or driving test, you may retake it the next working day for a $1.50 re-exam fee. Fail four times and you must wait at least 6 months before retesting.
• Know Kansas speed limits. Urban district: 30 mph. School zone/business district when posted: 20 mph. State/Federal highway: 65 mph. Separated multilane highway (as designated): 75 mph. County/Township road: 55 mph.
• Work zone speeding fines are doubled. This is explicitly stated in the Kansas Driving Handbook. it is a tested fact on the knowledge exam.
• School bus: stop for school, church, and day care buses. You must remain stopped until the STOP signal is retracted and red lights are off (K.S.A. 8-1556). Divided highway exception: opposing traffic not required to stop.
• Railroad: never stop on the tracks; 50-foot no-parking rule. Yield to trains at all crossings. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail is prohibited. Blue ENS signs at every Kansas crossing have an emergency dispatcher number.
• No passing within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing. This is the same 100-foot rule that applies to intersections. know it for both contexts.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. Stopping is also required when directed by a flag person at a construction site (K.S.A. 8-1551).
• Yellow vs white lines. Yellow = opposing traffic. White = same-direction traffic. A foundational rule consistently tested on the Kansas knowledge exam.

Kansas DOR Driver License