Kansas license renewal for older drivers
Vision screening (20/40 in one eye) at every renewal, or an eye doctor's report from within 90 days. There is no routine written or road test, but an examiner may require one if they suspect you can't exercise ordinary and reasonable control of a vehicle. Drivers 65 and older pay lower renewal fees (Class C $12 plus $8 photo).
Preparing for the renewal test
If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Kansas practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.
Rules that may have changed since you first got your license
Some of the rules in today's Kansas handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:
- Phones: All drivers: no using a wireless device to manually type, send or read a written communication (text, instant message, email) while driving (K.S.A. 8-15,111; the handbook cites 8-1598). Exceptions include a vehicle stopped off the traveled roadway, entering a number or name to make a call, emergency/traffic/weather alerts, navigation messages, voice-operated hands-free texting, and reporting illegal activity or preventing imminent injury. Talking or dialing is not specifically illegal for licensed adults. Instruction permit, farm permit and restricted license holders: no wireless communication devices at all except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help.
- Move over: Approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights (the handbook includes towing and recovery vehicles): on a road with two or more lanes in your direction, change to a lane not next to it if possible and safe; otherwise slow down to a safe speed and proceed with caution (K.S.A. 8-1530(b)). Same for highway construction vehicles and workers (K.S.A. 8-1531). Moving emergency vehicles with siren/lights: pull to the right edge clear of intersections and stop until they pass; stay 500 feet behind them. No passing within 100 feet of a stopped emergency vehicle with lights on.
- School buses: Stop for a school, church or day care bus stopped with red lights flashing and/or stop arm extended, whether it is on your side or the opposite side, including two-lane roads, roads with a center turn lane, multi-lane highways and intersections. Stay stopped until the bus moves or the red lights and stop arm are off, then wait until children have left the roadway. You don't have to stop if the bus is coming toward you on a roadway separated by a median or other physical barrier (K.S.A. 8-1556: separate roadways). No stopping distance is specified.
- Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.
Vision standard
At least 20/40 in one eye, with or without corrective lenses, when screened at the driver license station. Applicants who fail must have a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist complete the Driver Licensing eye examination form (DV-124V); reports must be within 90 days.
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.