How To Get A Motorcycle License In Kansas

Motorcycle licenses are one of the most important forms of documentation a motorcyclist can have.

In addition to being the only way to legally operate a motorcycle, they also prove that you’re qualified to ride a motorcycle and that your skills are up to par.

The thing with motorcycle licenses is that the way to obtain them differs in all states in the US. Many people ask the question, how to get a motorcycle license in Kansas?

You need to submit some official documents, prepare for, and submit knowledge and skill tests, and then pay the motorcycle endorsement fee.

This process may seem simple enough. Before heading down to your nearest Kansas DMV office, I must advise that you read this article completely. There are a lot of things to know.

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it.

Motorcycle License Requirements In Kansas

As is the case with almost all other states in the US, Kansas has separated motorcycle license applicants into two distinct groups, separated by age.

These age groups have to follow different steps. Confirm which one you fall into so you don’t run into any issues.

Knowing Your Age

The two age groups are between 16 and 21 and 21 or older. People that have just entered the legal limit may have to perform a few more steps than those that entered it a few years ago.

Let’s take a look at exactly what they have to do.

Age 21 And Under

• If you’re under 16, you’ll need to bring your birth certificate and US passport to get your motorcycle license. You should also take with you your official Kansas ID card.
• That is not all. People under 21 should have their social security number and a parental consent form.
• This form is the main differentiating factor between them and adults, as parents take on the responsibility of the risks associated with their son or daughter riding.
• At the time of submission, a guardian must be present when you are handing over the documents.
• After this stage, you can move on to the tests. Their contents will be discussed further down in this article.

Age 21 Above

If you are over 21 years old, you will need to provide the following forms of identification:

• Birth certificate.
• A valid US passport.
• A US military ID card (if applicable).
• Kansas ID card.
• Your Social Security number.

So, in simpler terms, you need to submit everything that a person under 21 has to, except for a parental consent form. As an adult, you don’t need your parents or legal guardians to sign off on being aware of the risks.

These documents are important because they allow DMV officials to confirm that you meet all the requirements to be eligible for the license in the state of Kansas.

Types Of Motorcycle Licenses

Kansas has three different types of motorcycle licenses, each with its restrictions.

Type 1: Kansas Motorcycle Permit

The first is the Kansas Motorcycle Permit, which you can get between 14 and 16 years old.

The motorcycle permit allows you to ride a motorcycle without any other licensed drivers in the car, as long as you are accompanied by someone who has a valid M Class motorcycle license.

This permit is valid for one year and requires passing knowledge and vision tests before obtaining one. You will also have to submit documents such as proof of identity and residence.

Type 2: Restricted Class M License

The next level up is the less restricted Class M license. To get one of these, you must be 16 years old only and if they are 17 or above, they are qualified for a full fledged M Class license.

The state requires that this license be carried out for at least six months. An affidavit must be submitted that 50 hours of riding have been completed while being supervised by an adult.

Minors with such a license can only ride between 5 am and 9 pm. They are also not allowed to use any communication device.

Type 3: Class M License

The final type of license is a Class M license. This license has no restrictions, and people must be at least 17 years old to apply for it. Before getting the license, you must take tests.

Once again, an affidavit must be submitted that explains that you have completed 50 hours of completely supervised driving. If you are 18 or older, you don’t need to submit this affidavit.

How To Apply For Your Kansas Motorcycle License

This is the section that many of you have been waiting for. There are many steps to cover, so don’t skip over any part.

Hopefully, by the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to get a license in Kansas.

Step 1: Obtain Proof Of Residency

To apply for your Kansas motorcycle license, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity and that you live in Kansas.

If you don’t have any kind of photo ID, you can go to the DMV with a blank check, a bill from a dentist, or even a lease agreement.

If you don’t have them, you can even take a utility bill to the DMV office with your name on it.

Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License

Now that you have proven to the officials that you are indeed a resident of Kansas, you need to complete these tests, confirming whether you are ready to ride on the road or not.

1. Motorcycle Written Test

The motorcycle written test has 25 questions, and you must get at least 20 of them right to pass. You can practice for this test with one of the free online practice tests available on various websites online.

If you’re looking for something more in-depth, I’d recommend getting a copy of the official Kansas Motorcycle Handbook and reading through it.

2. Motorcycle Skills Test

The Motorcycle Skills Test is the most important part of your Kansas motorcycle license process. This is where you will be tested against different situations to prove that you can handle a motorcycle on the road.

If you fail the test, it is highly recommended that you complete an approved motorcycle safety course before attempting the test again. If you do so, you will be eligible for an exemption from taking the skills test altogether.

Step 3: Pay All Required Fees

If you’re under 21 years of age, you’ll need to pay $20 to get your motorcycle license. If you’re 21 years or older then it will cost you a total of $12.

The license is valid for six years; if you are 65 years or older, it will cost $9. You’ll also need to pay an additional $11 fee for the written exam and photo for the license.

Step 4: Wait For Your License

After all the steps have been successfully completed, you can finally wait patiently. The state will send the license to your provided address within a month.

After you receive it, you can finally enjoy riding in the streets of Kansas without worrying about the authorities.

Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In KS

The state of Kansas endorses driving licenses, which means you don’t have to carry a completely separate license. The steps are similar but let’s recap.

Step 1: Provision Of Documents

You need to submit all important documents, such as proof of residency and your identity card. This will help prove that you are indeed a resident of the state of Kansas.

Step 2: Pass A motorcycle Knowledge Test

The knowledge test has 25 questions, of which 20 must be correct. You need to study hard, so you don’t get confused or flustered. There are many online tests available.

Step 3: Take A Safety Course Or A Skills Test

Although the latter is preferred because you will be done with the license application process quicker, you can always take a safety course when you are not confident enough in your abilities to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Kansas?

You should expect to receive your motorcycle license within a month after completing all the steps and passing all the tests.

If it is not delivered on time, you should contact your nearest DMV office as soon as possible. It may be a clerical error, but you should not take it lightly and get it fixed.

Q2: How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Revenue requires that you pay a fee of $20 if you are under 21 years old and $12 for anyone 21 or older.

If you are 65 or older, you will need to pay only $9 for your license. On top of these fees, all people need to pay $11 for the tests and the license photo.

Q3: Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Kansas?

Yes, you should have a license to ride a motorcycle in Kansas. It’s the law, and even if you think it’s not needed or too expensive, you could be facing some serious charges if caught by the authorities.

So, ensure you get your license as soon as possible, so you are not at risk of getting into trouble.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this guide. Now you can go out and get your motorcycle license in Kansas.

I hope your question about how to get a motorcycle license in Kansas has been answered. The most important thing to remember is that you must be prepared for the knowledge exam, which can get pretty difficult.

Other than that, if you are confident in yourself and your skills, you will be done with all other hurdles in no time. You can always save this article and return to it whenever you feel you are missing a step.