The Kansas permit test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. Official source. Page updated 2026-10-19.
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Key Kansas DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Kansas handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Kansas DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Kansas handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- Kansas sets the default maximum at 65 miles per hour on any state or federal highway, unless another limit is posted. (Handbook, p. 16)
- The handbook lists 55 miles per hour as the default maximum on any county or township road, unless otherwise posted. (Handbook, p. 16)
- Kansas lists 75 miles per hour for a separated, multilane highway when it has been designated and posted by the Secretary of Transportation. (Handbook, p. 16)
- Kansas sets the default maximum at 30 miles per hour in any urban district, unless a different limit is posted. (Handbook, p. 16)
- Kansas sets 20 mph as the maximum in a school zone or a business district when the zone is properly marked and no other limit is posted. (Handbook, p. 16)
Right of way
- At a 4-way stop, Kansas says the driver who reaches the intersection first should be given the right-of-way by the other drivers approaching it. (Handbook, p. 33)
- At an uncontrolled intersection, Kansas gives priority to the vehicle on the right when vehicles enter at approximately the same time. (Handbook, p. 18)
- For a right turn from a four-lane divided highway, Kansas says to move into the right lane well in advance and then make a tight turn into the right lane of the cross street. (Handbook, p. 17)
- Vehicles traveling on a public street or highway have the right-of-way over vehicles entering from a private drive or side road. (Handbook, p. 18)
- Kansas requires a driver emerging from an alley, driveway, or building in a business or residential district to stop immediately before driving onto the sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across the entrance. (Handbook, p. 18)
Alcohol and DUI
- The handbook identifies .02 BAC as the point at which vision is impacted for all drivers. (Handbook, p. 23)
- Kansas describes .08 or higher as a violation, but it also warns that a driver remains impaired below .08 and can still be convicted for driving impaired. (Handbook, p. 23)
- The Kansas handbook states that a BAC of .08 or higher is a violation of the law. (Handbook, p. 23)
- The handbook says a BAC of .08 or more may lead to a 30-day suspension of the driver's license and driving privileges, along with possible criminal penalties. (Handbook, p. 23)
- The handbook identifies .02 percent as the BAC at which a Kansas driver under 21 can also be arrested for alcohol impairment. (Handbook, p. 23)
Signals and markings
- Entering a roundabout requires negotiating a sharp curve, so the handbook advises slowing to about 15 to 20 mph. (Handbook, p. 49)
- Kansas lists passing within 100 feet of crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing as prohibited. (Handbook, p. 17)
- Do not make a U-turn on a curve, near the top of a hill, or anywhere other drivers cannot see you for at least 500 feet. (Handbook, p. 17)
- At speeds above 40 mph, the handbook says to signal 200 feet or 3 to 5 seconds before turning or changing lanes. (Handbook, p. 69)
- When a solid yellow line is on your side of the centerline, you should not pass. (Handbook, p. 43)
Parking
- Kansas prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. (Handbook, p. 19)
- Kansas bars parking within the 30 feet approaching any traffic control signal, stop sign or flashing beacon at the side of the roadway, and within 30 feet of the curb points opposite the ends of a safety zone. (Handbook, p. 19)
- Parking is prohibited within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station and, on the side of the street opposite the entrance, within 75 feet of it, so apparatus can swing out. (Handbook, p. 19)
- For uphill parking with a curb, Kansas says to stop parallel to the curb, move slowly forward while turning the steering wheel sharply away from the curb, and then let the vehicle roll slowly back until the tire touches the curb. (Handbook, p. 52)
- Kansas makes drivers responsible for keeping a parked vehicle from becoming a hazard, and that includes getting out. (Handbook, p. 52)
Safe driving
- For children from age 4 through age 8, Kansas requires a federally approved child safety seat or booster seat unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches or weighs more than 80 pounds. (Handbook, p. 16)
- Kansas explains that on wet roads modern tires have stable traction up to about 30 mph, but above about 35 mph the steering tires start to ride up on pooled water, which is called hydroplaning. (Handbook, p. 60)
- Kansas requires the signal to begin at least 100 feet before the actual slowdown, turn, or lane change. (Handbook, p. 17)
- Kansas requires you to return to your driving lane before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. (Handbook, p. 17)
- Before a long trip, the handbook says to get adequate sleep, since most adults need 7 to 9 hours to stay alert, and to schedule proper breaks about every 100 miles or two hours. (Handbook, p. 21)
Road signs
- A fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle marks a slow moving vehicle, such as farm equipment, construction equipment, or an animal drawn vehicle, traveling less than 25 mph. (Handbook, p. 88)
- An octagonal red sign identifies a stop sign, and Kansas requires the vehicle to stop behind the stop line or crosswalk when one is present. (Handbook, p. 18)
- A LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN sign means a left turn is permitted on the green light, but you must yield to oncoming traffic. (Handbook, p. 41)
- A solid white lane line generally means the driver must remain in the lane unless a special situation requires changing it. (Handbook, p. 43)
- The round yellow sign with an X and RR letters is placed before a highway-railroad grade crossing. (Handbook, p. 36)
Laws and paperwork
- The Kansas knowledge test requires an applicant to answer 25 questions about traffic laws and identify certain signs. (Handbook, p. 13)
- A 15-year-old with a restricted license may not use wireless communication devices while driving, except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help. (Handbook, p. 13)
- The less-restricted 16-year-old rules list driving from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. as a permitted time window. (Handbook, p. 12)
- The 16-year-old restrictions allow only one non-sibling minor passenger. (Handbook, p. 13)
- The handbook states that after age 16 and six months holding a restricted license, all age-related driving restrictions are removed. (Handbook, p. 13)
Emergencies
- Once an emergency vehicle has passed, the driver should check behind, return to the roadway only when safe, and stay at least 500 feet away from it. (Handbook, p. 85)
- Kansas lists passing within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the roadway with its emergency lights on as a no passing situation. (Handbook, p. 17)
- Flares go about 200 to 300 feet behind the disabled vehicle, which gives approaching drivers time to change lanes. (Handbook, p. 69)
- When your wheels leave the pavement, ease off the accelerator, brake gently, steer straight, and slow to 25 mph or less before returning. (Handbook, p. 76)
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, and just 6 inches reaches the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause loss of control or stalling. (Handbook, p. 91)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 26 short lessons quoted from the Kansas manual.
Signs
Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.
Keep studying
This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Kansas DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Kansas DMV facts and fees before test day.