Teens in Kansas can start driving as early as 14, but to do so they’ll have to meet several state requirements, including a written test or a driver education course. Further, drivers aged 14 through 17 need to be accompanied by an adult who is 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times.

Getting a learner's permit—called an instruction permit in Kansas—is a rite of passage for many teens, allowing them to get some hands-on experience behind the wheel before moving on to full driving privileges.

Getting a good foundation in driver’s education as a teen will set the stage ahead for a future of

safe driving

and affordable

car insurance

. This guide will show you how to get started.

MORE:

How to lower your Kansas insurance costs

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How to get a Kansas learner’s permit

To start driving with a Kansas instruction permit, you’ll need to be at least 14 years old. But hitting your 14th birthday is just the first requirement to satisfy.

Next, you’ll need to start studying up with the

Kansas driver’s handbook

. That’s because before you can even think about getting a learner’s permit, you’ll have to prove to the state of Kansas that you know your stuff. You can do this by taking an approved driver’s education course or by passing a state-issued written exam at your department of motor vehicles office.

No matter which method you choose, you’ll also need to pass a vision exam conducted at the DMV office.

If you opt to take a driver’s education course instead of the written exam, make sure to bring your certificate of completion with you to your local DMV office when you apply for your instruction permit.

MORE:

Can you buy a car with a learner’s permit?

What to bring to the DMV

When you do make it over to the DMV office, you’ll need to head over to your local Kansas Department of Motor with your parent or legal guardian, because their approval is required. You’ll also have to bring

two forms of identification

. One I.D. should establish your citizenship or legal residency and the other should indicate your Social Security Number.

Your proof of citizenship or residency can be completed with one of the following:

Birth certificate

Passport

Certificate of naturalization or citizenship

U.S. Consular Report of birth abroad

Permanent resident card

Work authorization card

I-94 for asylum seekers and refugees

An unexpired foreign passport with U.S. entry markings

Make sure you also bring a form of payment for the $10 fee you’ll owe for your permit. You can pay in cash, check, money order, or cashier’s check.

MORE: How education level affects car insurance

Kansas learner’s permit regulations

Now that you have your instruction permit, you can finally hit the road—as long as you have an accompanying adult in the passenger seat. By state law, instruction permit drivers must adhere to the following restrictions:

Have an adult aged 21 or older who holds a valid driver’s license seated in the front passenger seat at all times.

No one except your supervising adult may sit in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

You may not use any wireless communication device while driving unless it is to seek emergency help or report a crime.

You must complete at least 25 logged hours of supervised driving.

Once you’ve driven with your instruction permit for a full year, the restrictions loosen a little bit if you apply and qualify for a restricted license. Drivers who are 15 or 16 years old may obtain this license. For 15-year-old drivers, the following conditions apply:

You can drive to and from school and work by the most direct route possible, without a supervising adult.

At any other time, you will need a supervising adult as outlined above for the instruction permit.

You may not have any minor passengers with you while driving unless they are your siblings.

The same restrictions on wireless communication devices apply.

For 16-year-old drivers with a restricted license, you can:

Drive any time between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. without a supervising adult.

Drive to and from school, work, or religious worship services without an adult.

Have one minor passenger in the vehicle who is not an immediate family member.

Otherwise, the same restrictions apply as above. For instance, if you drive after 9:00 p.m., you’ll need a supervising adult in the front passenger seat. Also, you’ll need to complete another 25 hours of logged supervised driving time to graduate to a full license at age 17.

There is another unique driving permit for teens in Kansas. The farm permit is available for 14-year-olds who either live on a farm that’s at least 20 acres or are employed on a farm. With parental permission and a passing score on vision, written, and driving exams, teens can drive to and from school and work without a supervising adult, even if they’re just 14.

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

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