Topeka Kansas Online Driver Education and Topeka Kansas Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Topeka Kansas? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Topeka Kansas has implemented a graduated driver license program for Topeka Kansas drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Topeka Kansas.
Topeka Kansas Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
You need to be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit in Topeka Kansas.
When you're ready to get your permit, you will need to make an appointment at your local driver's license office. Be sure to take the following paperwork/documents with you:
- Proper forms of ID (for a list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Topeka Kansas Dept. of Revenue website)
- Written parental consent from your parent/guardian
At the driver's license office, you will need to pass both a vision and a written test. However, you can skip out of taking the written test if you've successfully completed a state-approved drivers education course!
After you receive your instruction permit, you may begin driving under certain restrictions:
- You must have a licensed driver who's at least 21 years of age sitting next to you in the front passenger seat actively supervising you while you drive. You may not drive alone with only an instruction permit!
- You may not use a cell phone, or a text-messaging device while you drive
Topeka Kansas Restricted Driver's License
To be eligible to apply for a restricted driver's license, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Have had your instruction permit for at least 1 year in good standing
- At 15, you must have completed at least 25 hours of driving practice
- At 16, you must have completed at least 50 hours of driving practice
When you're ready to apply for your restricted driver's license, head down to your local driver's license office and take your instruction permit as well as the same ID documents and written parental consent form (if you're under 18) you took when you went to get your instruction permit.
Once you have your restricted driver's license, a few restrictions still apply to you:
- If you're under 17, you may only drive between the hours of 5am and 9pm (unless you're driving to or from work or an authorized school activity)
- No use of cell phones or text-messaging devices while you are driving (cell phones may be used in the event of an emergency)
- You may only have one (1) passenger who's under the age of 18 (immediate family members are excluded from this restriction)
After you've had your restricted license for 1 year and have maintained a clean driving record, you will be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted Topeka Kansas driver's license.
Topeka Kansas Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
Topeka Kansas law requires you to have auto insurance liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of coverage required is as follows:
- $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
- $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
- $10,000--property damage
- $50,000--for underinsured motorists
Driving without auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving without the required coverage, you will face a possible suspension of your driver's license plus a hefty fine.
Topeka Kansas Drunk Driving Laws
If you drive while under the influence of alcohol in Topeka Kansas, you will be in for some ugly consequences. Upon your FIRST DUI conviction you will face the following penalties:
- 48 hours in jail
- 100 hours of community service
- A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000
- Suspension of your license for 30 days
- 330 days of license restriction following suspension period
- Vehicle impoundment for up to 1 year
- Mandatory treatment program
Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties including extended time in jail and the revocation of your driver's license.
Topeka Kansas Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws
Topeka Kansas currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or text-messaging while driving.
Topeka Kansas Driver Education
For a list of state-approved drivers education courses in Topeka Kansas, please visit the Topeka Kansas Department of Revenue's website.