Teen Driver Insurance in Kansas

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Kansas operates a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing program for teen drivers between ages 14 and 17. The program includes multiple licensing stages with progressive relaxation of restrictions as teens gain experience and mature. Kansas requires completion of specific supervised driving hours and adherence to strict nighttime, passenger, and cell phone restrictions during the graduated licensing period.

Licensing Timeline

Teen drivers begin with an instructional permit at age 14, which must be held for one full year. At age 15, teens may obtain a restricted license after completing driver education and 25 hours of supervised practice, or 50 hours without driver education. The restrictions are reduced at age 16 with completion of 50 hours of supervised driving, and most restrictions end after 6 months with the restricted license or at age 17.

GDL Restrictions

Kansas imposes significant restrictions on young drivers, including complete prohibition of wireless communication devices except for emergencies. Restricted license holders face nighttime driving limitations from 9 PM to 5 AM, with exceptions for employment, school activities, religious worship, or when accompanied by a licensed adult. Passenger restrictions prohibit transportation of non-sibling minors, with exceptions for siblings and when a licensed adult age 21 or older is present.

Permit holding period: 1 year. Nighttime restriction: 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM (restricted license), none for permits. Passenger restriction: No non-sibling passengers under 18 (restricted license), no more than one non-sibling under 18 (less restricted license). Cell phone restriction: No wireless communication devices except to report illegal activity or emergencies. Supervisor requirement: Licensed adult age 21+. Nighttime exceptions include: employment, school activities, religious worship, licensed adult present. Passenger exceptions include: siblings, licensed adult age 21+ present.

Insurance Requirements

Kansas requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 and operates as a no-fault state, mandating Personal Injury Protection coverage with minimum benefits of $4,500 for medical expenses, $900 monthly for disability, and additional benefits for rehabilitation and burial expenses. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required at the same limits as bodily injury liability.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: no-fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $4,500. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. Required at same limits as bodily injury liability (25/50).

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in Kansas face higher insurance costs due to their inexperience and the state's comprehensive coverage requirements. Families can reduce costs by maintaining teens as occasional operators on family policies when possible, completing state-approved driver safety courses for discounts, and ensuring teens maintain clean driving records to avoid extended restrictions and higher premiums.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Standard path with driver education. 25 supervised hours required; driver education required.

Option 2: Standard path without driver education. 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $10. License fee: $28. Restricted license valid until age 21.