Driver's License Test (Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and Road Test)

Kansas Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

The Kansas driving test has three parts: a pre-trip safety inspection of your vehicle, a basic control skills test (two or more exercises from two-point turnabouts, a three-point turnabout and left- or right-side parallel parking), and a road test over a route with turns, intersections, lane changes and possibly expressway driving. Errors such as reversals, cone hits, missed signals or missed head checks add points to your score. Some actions, like not checking blind spots or forcing another driver to take evasive action, are automatic failures.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 10 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
10
Score limit
Not published
Listed automatic failures
8

Who can take the Kansas road test

You must pass the knowledge test first. If you are under 17, you must hold your instruction permit for one full year or until you turn 17, whichever comes first. Under 18, a parent or guardian must sign for 50 hours of supervised driving. A driver education certificate can replace the written and drive tests for the less-restricted license at 16. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you are under 17 years old, you must hold your Instruction Permit for one full year or until reaching age 17 whichever comes first, before you are eligible to take the Driver’s License Test.”“You must pass three tests, the Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Inspection Test, the Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and the Road Test to receive your Driver’s License.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2ksrevenue.gov“Instruction permit required: Yes - must have held a state issued permit at least 1 year. This does not include driver's education permit slip time held.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 4 ready

SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“You will need to present the following items to the examiner prior to taking your Driver’s License Test. All items must be valid and for the correct vehicle. Valid Instruction Permit. Proof of Kansas residence.”“If under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign for 50 hours of supervised driving, and if under the age of 17, sign permission to issue a license.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • All signals working
  • Tires in safe condition
  • Brake lights working
  • Windshield and mirrors intact
  • Horn working
  • Valid tag
  • Safe inside temperature: over 85°F the air conditioner must work; 75-85°F the air conditioner must work or the passenger window must roll down; under 45°F the heater must work
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“The vehicle being used for the driving exam must meet the following criteria: o All signals must be working o All tires must be of safe condition o Brake lights must be working o Windshield and mirrors must be intact o Horn must be working o Tag must be valid”“If outside temperature is over 85°F, air conditioner must work properly”“If outside temperature is between 75°F-85°F, air conditioner must work properly, or passenger window must roll down.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Kansas road test is scored

On the skills exercises, each reversal of direction, each encroachment on a line or cone, each missing or wrong turn signal, each missed head or traffic check, and a wrong final position counts as an error or adds points. On the road test the examiner scores specific maneuvers and your general driving behavior. Any automatic-failure item ends in a fail. Kansas does not publish the point limit for passing. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Reversal – A reversal is when you stop and reverse direction to get a better position. Each time you reverse direction it is counted as an error. Stopping without changing direction does not count as a reversal.”“Touching or crossing over an exercise boundary line or cone with any part of your vehicle, other than the vehicle’s mirrors is considered an encroachment. Each encroachment will count as an error.”“Each time you fail to use or improperly use your turn signal it will count as an error. If your turn signal cancels automatically, make sure to reactivate it when necessary.”“If you do not maneuver the vehicle into its final position as described by the examiner, points will be added to your score.”“During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on your general driving behavior.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a Kansas road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Not using your safety belt Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Doing any of the following during your road exam will result in an automatic failure: If you do not use your safety belt.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Not checking your blind spots Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you do not use your safety belt. If you do not check your blind spots”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. A moving violation: disobeying signs or signals, speeding, rolling through stops or ignoring traffic laws Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you receive a traffic citation for a moving violation, disobey signs or signals, speed, roll through stops, or ignore traffic laws.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Not yielding to pedestrians or other road users Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you do not yield to pedestrians or other roadway users.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. An avoidable crash or any contact with vehicles, objects or pedestrians Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you are involved in an avoidable crash or if your vehicle has physical contact with other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. Any unsafe act, or forcing another driver to take evasive action Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you commit any unsafe act or if another driver is forced to take evasive actions in order to prevent a crash.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  7. Driving over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you put the vehicle over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily. If the examiner must take control of the vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  8. The examiner having to take control of the vehicle Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you put the vehicle over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily. If the examiner must take control of the vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the Kansas driving test

Steps and scoring come from Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Pre-trip vehicle safety inspection

Always tested

How it’s scored

You show the vehicle is safe to drive: walk around it, point to or touch each item, and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You do not open the hood or crawl under the vehicle.

Steps

  1. Walk around the vehicle checking its general condition and for children, animals or debris
  2. Look for leaks under the engine, transmission and fuel tank
  3. Check tires for inflation, tread depth and condition
  4. Check headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work and lenses are intact
  5. Inside: check seats and safety belts, windows and windshield, doors and mirrors, wipers and washers, heater/air conditioner/defroster, horn, indicator lights and fuel gauge
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that your vehicle is safe to drive. You may have to walk around the vehicle, point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will NOT have to open the hood or crawl under the vehicle.”“Walk around the vehicle, indicating that you are looking at the general condition of the vehicle and that you are looking for children, animals, and other debris around the vehicle before entering.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parallel parking (left side or right side)

May be tested

How it’s scored

Get the vehicle completely within the space, within 12 inches of the curb side, without crossing side or rear boundaries. Reversals, encroachments, signal errors, missed head checks and final position are scored. It is one of five exercises; you will be given two or more.

Steps

  1. Drive past the parking space
  2. Back into the space
  3. Get the vehicle completely within the space
  4. Stop within 12 inches of the curb side without crossing side or rear lines or cones
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“You are to drive past the parking space and back into it. You must get the vehicle completely within the parking space. Bring the vehicle within 12 inches of the curb side of the space without crossing side or rear boundaries marked by lines or cones.”“It will consist of two or more of the following exercises: Forward Two-point Turnabout Reverse Two-point Turnabout Three-point Turnabout Left-side Parallel Park Right-side Parallel Park”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Three-point turnabout

May be tested

How it’s scored

Drive forward into the turnabout area (on the road test or a coned off-street area) and turn the vehicle around. Scored for reversals, encroachments, signals, head/traffic checks and final position.

Steps

  1. Check mirrors and signal right to pull off to the right side of the road
  2. Drive forward into the turnabout area and complete the three-point turnabout
  3. Check traffic in both directions before re-entering the roadway
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“You may be asked to drive forward into a three-point turnabout area (during the road test or in an off-street area marked by traffic cones and/or lines) and execute a three-point turnabout.”“Check the mirrors and activate your right turn signal to communicate your intention to pull off to the right side of the road.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Forward two-point turnabout

May be tested

How it’s scored

Pull forward into a driveway or alley until the vehicle is clear of the roadway, then back to the right into the street and drive forward out. Scored for reversals, encroachments, signals, head/traffic checks and final position.

Steps

  1. Pull forward into the driveway or alley until the back of the vehicle passes the front cones and is out of the roadway
  2. Back to the right into the street
  3. Drive forward out of the exercise area, back toward where you started
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“until the back end of your vehicle passes the front set of cones and the vehicle is not in the roadway. You will then back the vehicle to the right into the street and drive forward out of the exercise area, returning to the area where you started.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Reverse two-point turnabout

May be tested

How it’s scored

Drive past a driveway or alley, back to the right into it until the vehicle is out of the roadway, then drive left into the street. Scored for reversals, encroachments, signals, head/traffic checks and final position.

Steps

  1. Drive past the entrance to the driveway or alley
  2. Back to the right into it until the front of the vehicle clears the front cones and is out of the roadway
  3. Drive to the left into the street and out of the exercise area
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“back to the right into the street or alley until the front end of your vehicle clears the front set of cones and the vehicle is not in the roadway. You will then drive the vehicle to the left into the street”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Traffic checks, correct signal, smooth braking, correct lane before, during and after the turn; complete stops behind the line; both hands on the wheel; yield to pedestrians; no drifting into oncoming traffic or over the curb. Finish a left turn in the left-most lane and a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.

Steps

  1. As you approach: check traffic in all directions, use the correct signal, brake smoothly and get into the correct lane
  2. If you must stop: stop smoothly behind the stop line, crosswalk or stop sign, wheels straight
  3. When turning: check traffic again, keep both hands on the wheel, accelerate smoothly and yield
  4. After the turn: finish in the correct lane, make sure the signal cancelled, and accelerate to the speed of traffic
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“Check traffic in all directions, use the correct turn signal, brake smoothly and evenly and safely get into the correct lane needed for the turn.”“Check traffic in all directions. Keep both hands on the steering wheel during the turn. Maintain smooth even acceleration and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.”“Make sure you finish completing the turn in the correct lane and that your turn signal has cancelled.”“vehicle should finish a left turn in the left-most lane, the one directly to the right of the centerline). Finish a right turn in the rightmost (curb) lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Intersections

Always tested

How it’s scored

Check traffic in all directions, brake smoothly, stop completely behind signs, signals, sidewalks or stop lines, leave a gap where you can see the rear tires of the car ahead, and do not change lanes in the intersection.

Steps

  1. Approaching: check traffic thoroughly in all directions, brake smoothly and keep your lane position
  2. Stopping: come to a complete stop behind any stop sign, signal, sidewalk or stop line; behind another car, stop where you can see its rear tires
  3. Driving through: check traffic, keep both hands on the wheel, yield, and do not change lanes
  4. After: keep checking mirrors and accelerate smoothly
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“If necessary, come to a complete stop behind any stop signs, signals, sidewalks, or stop lines. If stopping behind another vehicle maintain a safe gap. You should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead of you.”“Keep both hands on the wheel, slow down and yield to any pedestrians or traffic in the intersection. Do not change lanes while proceeding through the intersection.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane changes

Always tested

How it’s scored

On multi-lane roads you will change lanes to the left and then back to the right, checking mirrors and blind spots, signaling, changing smoothly and cancelling the signal.

Steps

  1. Check your mirrors
  2. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder (head check)
  3. Use the correct turn signal
  4. Change lanes smoothly when safe
  5. Cancel the signal and check traffic
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“During multiple lane portions of the test, you will be asked to change lanes to the left, and then back to the right. You should make the necessary traffic checks first by looking in your mirrors and checking your blind spots by looking over your shoulder (head check).”“Make sure you use the correct turn signal and smoothly change lanes when it is safe to do so. Cancel your turn signal upon completion and check traffic.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Entering and exiting an expressway

May be tested

How it’s scored

When the route includes an expressway: mirror and head checks, signal, merge smoothly while increasing speed without stopping or crossing solid lines, then keep lane position, spacing and speed; on exit, signal and brake in the deceleration lane.

Steps

  1. Check mirrors and blind spots (head check) and signal
  2. Increase speed and merge smoothly into the proper lane without stopping or crossing solid painted lines
  3. Cancel your signal after merging
  4. To exit: check traffic, signal, and brake smoothly once in the deceleration lane
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“While increasing speed, smoothly merge into the proper lane of traffic without stopping or crossing over any solid painted lines. Cancel your turn signal upon completion of the merge.”“Make necessary traffic checks. Use proper signals and brake smoothly once you enter the deceleration lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Curves

May be tested

How it’s scored

Slow down before the curve so no braking is needed in it, keep in your lane, and follow posted warning signs.

Steps

  1. Check traffic in all directions
  2. Reduce speed before entering the curve
  3. Keep the vehicle in the lane and keep a safe speed through the curve
SourcesOfficial source 1ksrevenue.gov“Before entering the curve, reduce your speed so further braking is not required in the curve. Keep vehicle in the lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Identifying traffic signs

    The examiner may ask you to name road signs you just passed. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“During the road test you will be asked to identify several traffic signs. They can be located anywhere on the road test. If the examiner asks you what road sign you just passed, you should be able to tell the examiner.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Urban and rural driving

    Regular traffic checks, safe following distance, centered in the right-most lane, keeping up with traffic without speeding. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Your vehicle should be centered in the proper lane (rightmost lane) and you should keep up with the flow of traffic, but not exceed the posted speed limit.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Braking

    Brake smoothly with steady pressure; come to complete stops at signs and signals. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady pressure. Come to a complete stop at traffic signs or signals.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Steering

    Both hands on the outside of the wheel except when using other controls; hand-over-hand and hand-to-hand are both acceptable. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel at all times unless using other controls. Once you have completed using other controls, return both hands to the steering wheel.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Traffic and head checks

    Check traffic and mirrors before, during and after intersections, turns and lane changes; search at driveways, store entrances and railroad tracks. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Check traffic and mirrors before, while in and after an intersection, turn or lane change. Watch for hazards by searching left and right at intersections, driveways, store entrances, railroad tracks or any other areas where traffic intersects.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Lane use

    Stay off curbs, sidewalks and lane markings; stay in the right-most lane unless blocked; no lane changes at intersections. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings.”“Move to or remain in the right-most lane unless lane is blocked. Do not attempt lane changes at intersections.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Turn signals

    Signal when required, not too early or too late, and cancel after the turn or lane change. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“Use turn signals when required. Activate turn signals at appropriate times. Do not signal too early or too late. Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Stopping position

    Do not stop over the stop line, crosswalk or sidewalk or in the intersection; behind another car, see its rear wheels. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“When stopping at a stop sign or traffic signal do not stop over marked stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, sidewalk, or other marker, do not stop vehicle in the intersection.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Kansas road test

You can retest the next working day after paying a $1.50 re-exam fee. You get four chances to pass the driving test; after the fourth failure you must wait at least six months from the last failed exam before retesting. Official source 1ksrevenue.gov“If you fail to pass either the written test or driving test, you may take again the next working day after paying a $1.50 re-exam fee.”“You have four chances to pass the written test and four chances to pass the driving test. After the fourth failure of either test, you must wait a minimum of six (6) months from the most recent failed exam before retesting.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Kansas permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

At 16, a certificate of completion from an approved driver education course (offered through an accredited school district approved by the Kansas Department of Education) can replace the written and drive tests for the less-restricted license. The certificate expires after two years, and online driver education is not accepted. A valid out-of-state license transfers without testing, as do licenses from U.S. territories and Taiwan. Official source 2ksrevenue.gov“Testing required: Vision. Written and Drive - or certificate of completion from driver education.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3ksrevenue.gov“The only programs that are approved by the Kansas for driver’s education purposes are programs offered through a local, accredited school district which have been approved by the Kansas Department of Education.”“If your out of state license is valid, testing will not be required. If your out of state license is expired, a written and driving exam is required.”“Kansas does reciprocate with all U.S. territories and Taiwan. If your license is from another country, you will be required to complete a vision, written, and driving exam to obtain a Kansas license.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Kansas road test questions

What is on the Kansas road test?

The Kansas driving test has three parts: a pre-trip safety inspection of your vehicle, a basic control skills test (two or more exercises from two-point turnabouts, a three-point turnabout and left- or right-side parallel parking), and a road test over a route with turns, intersections, lane changes and possibly expressway driving. Errors such as reversals, cone hits, missed signals or missed head checks add points to your score. Some actions, like not checking blind spots or forcing another driver to take evasive action, are automatic failures. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Pre-trip vehicle safety inspection, Parallel parking (left side or right side), Three-point turnabout, Forward two-point turnabout, Reverse two-point turnabout, Turns, Intersections, Lane changes, Entering and exiting an expressway, Curves.

How is the Kansas driving test scored?

On the skills exercises, each reversal of direction, each encroachment on a line or cone, each missing or wrong turn signal, each missed head or traffic check, and a wrong final position counts as an error or adds points. On the road test the examiner scores specific maneuvers and your general driving behavior. Any automatic-failure item ends in a fail. Kansas does not publish the point limit for passing.

What is an automatic fail on the Kansas road test?

Official Kansas sources list these as automatic failures: Not using your safety belt; Not checking your blind spots; A moving violation: disobeying signs or signals, speeding, rolling through stops or ignoring traffic laws; Not yielding to pedestrians or other road users; An avoidable crash or any contact with vehicles, objects or pedestrians; Any unsafe act, or forcing another driver to take evasive action; Driving over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily; and The examiner having to take control of the vehicle.

What do I need to bring to the Kansas road test?

Valid instruction permit; Proof of Kansas residence; If under 18: a parent or legal guardian to sign for 50 hours of supervised driving (and, if under 17, to sign permission to issue a license); and A vehicle that passes the examiner's checks (valid tag).

What are the vehicle requirements for the Kansas road test?

All signals working; Tires in safe condition; Brake lights working; Windshield and mirrors intact; Horn working; Valid tag; and Safe inside temperature: over 85°F the air conditioner must work; 75-85°F the air conditioner must work or the passenger window must roll down; under 45°F the heater must work.

When can I take the Kansas road test?

You must pass the knowledge test first. If you are under 17, you must hold your instruction permit for one full year or until you turn 17, whichever comes first. Under 18, a parent or guardian must sign for 50 hours of supervised driving. A driver education certificate can replace the written and drive tests for the less-restricted license at 16.

What happens if I fail the Kansas road test?

You can retest the next working day after paying a $1.50 re-exam fee. You get four chances to pass the driving test; after the fourth failure you must wait at least six months from the last failed exam before retesting.

Can the Kansas road test be waived?

At 16, a certificate of completion from an approved driver education course (offered through an accredited school district approved by the Kansas Department of Education) can replace the written and drive tests for the less-restricted license. The certificate expires after two years, and online driver education is not accepted. A valid out-of-state license transfers without testing, as do licenses from U.S. territories and Taiwan.

Notes from our check

All test content comes from Section 11 of the Kansas Driving Handbook. The handbook describes the scoring categories but publishes no examiner score sheet, point values or passing threshold. The skills test uses 'two or more' of five exercises, so no single exercise is guaranteed; the examiner may also run them on-street during the road test. The 'turns' maneuver (id left-turn) covers both left and right turns. Not every Driver License Center offers the driving test; the handbook points to https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovlicenses.html to check. The handbook says that after passing the knowledge test you may take the Driver's License Test at 17 or older, and in the next sentence gives the under-17 permit-holding rule; the GDL page lists drive testing for the less-restricted license at 16.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

ksrevenue.gov

  1. dlhb (PDF)
  2. dovgdl
  3. dovdlfaq

This guide summarizes official Kansas sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DOR examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles before test day.

Kansas permit practice testsSupervised driving log