Kansas KDOR Division of Vehicles road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Forward two-point turnabout
• Reverse two-point turnabout
• Three-point turnabout
• Left-side and right-side parallel park (within 12 inches of the curb side)
• Turns, intersections, lane changes, expressway entry/exit, curves, identifying traffic signs

How it's scored

Basic control skills errors: reversals, encroachments (touching or crossing lines/cones except with mirrors), missing or wrong turn signals, missing head/traffic checks, final position. Road test scored on specific maneuvers and general driving behavior.

Mistakes that end the test

• Not using a safety belt
• Not checking blind spots
• A moving violation, disobeying signs or signals, speeding, rolling stops
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other road users
• An avoidable crash or contact with vehicles, objects or pedestrians
• Any unsafe act or forcing another driver to take evasive action
• Driving over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily
• Examiner has to take control

Your car

• All signals, brake lights and horn working; safe tires; windshield and mirrors intact; valid tag
• Over 85°F: working A/C; 75-85°F: working A/C or passenger window rolls down; under 45°F: working heater

After you pass

Drivers under 17 get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• Restricted license at 15 (after 1 year with a state permit, 25 supervised hours, approved driver's ed): may drive to/from work, directly to/from school on school days, to/from religious activities, or anywhere with a licensed adult 21+; no non-sibling minor passengers
• At 16 (with 50-hour affidavit, 10 at night): anywhere 5 a.m.-9 p.m., to/from school activities, religious activities and work at any time, or with a licensed adult 21+; no more than one non-sibling passenger under 18
• No wireless devices except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help
• All age-related restrictions end after age 16 once the restricted license has been held 6 months, or at 17 if that comes first, provided the driver has complied with all laws. Without a 50-hour affidavit, or with two or more moving violations on separate occasions before 16, the license stays restricted until 17.

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.