How to Get a Driver’s License in Missouri and Kansas

    The differences in requirement for a Missouri license and a Kansas license are abundant. Before you get your license you must first get a Learner’s Permit. A permit allows a person under 16 years old to drive with a qualified driver, such as a parent, grandparent, or a driving instructor. 

Missouri Guidelines:

    In Missouri, you can get a Learner's Permit at age 15. To acquire a Learner's Permit in Missouri you must pass a simple vision, road sign and written test. The fee is $3.50. There are three requirements that are set in place in order for you to graduate from your Learner’s Permit to your Driver’s License. The first is you must have a permit for at least 182 days. The second is that you may not have any alcohol-related convictions in the last 12 months and no traffic convictions within the last 6 months. And the third is you must have received 40 hours of driving instruction, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving instruction between sunset and sunrise, with a qualified person. To acquire a license you must satisfy the requirements above and pass a Driver’s Test. The three restrictions are: during the first 6 months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is under 19 years old and who is not a member of your immediate family. Next is after the first 6 months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than three passengers who are under 19 years old and who are not members of your immediate family. And the final is you may not drive alone between 1:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. except to and from a school activity, job, or for an emergency, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years old or older. 

Kansas Guidelines:

    In Kansas, you are allowed to acquire your permit at age 14. Very recently a bill has been passed stating that you must be at least 17 to acquire a license in Kansas. The bill also states that you must have your Learner's Permit for at least a year. Currently you can get your license at age 16 and you only have to have your permit for six months. Before you can graduate from your permit you must have completed 50 hours of driving with a licensed person over the age of 21. In Kansas, when you own a permit it is allowed that you drive with those over the age of 18 but these hours will not count in the 50 hours.

Taylor Hartley is a local teen, eager to acquire her own License and set of wheels!