A resource page for Kansas parents and teens
The Kansas Legislature recently approved a plan to update our drivers licensing system. Pending the Governor's approval, the Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) proposal will make a few simple, but effective, changes to our current law and will bring Kansas up to speed with the 48 other states that have already passed similar measures for teen drivers.

This Web page is designed to be a resource for Kansas parents and teens, and to provide accurate information about the GDL proposal.

Why is this proposal so important?
Right now, Kansas is lagging behind most of the nation when it comes to preparing teens for the lifelong responsibility of driving. Forty-eight other states have updated their licensing systems. This proposal makes a few simple, yet effective, changes that will provide Kansas teens with the same level of driving experience as teens in neighboring states.

What changes will this proposal make to our licensing system?
This proposal, which was modeled after changes proven to work in other states, will make four key changes to our existing licensing system:

• Learner’s permit. Requires every teen to hold a learner’s permit for 12 months before obtaining a restricted or a full license.
• Passenger limitation. Limits teen drivers to no more than one non-sibling passenger under the age of 21 during the first six months of full licensing.
• Late-night limitation. Limits late-night driving to 9 p.m. during the first six months of full licensing unless driving to and from work or school. 
• Cell phones. Prohibits the use of cell phones while driving until teens complete the six-month period of passenger and late-night driving restrictions. An exception is in place for reporting emergencies.
• Click here to download a chart comparing the current policy to the GDL policy

What are the misconceptions about this proposal?
Recent reports contained misinformation about what the GDL bill does. This bill:

• Does not change the age at which teens may obtain a license
• Does not make any changes to the farm permit; and
• Does not make any changes regarding drivers education

What's the impact of an outdated licensing system?
Every year, more than 7,000 Kansans — a number equivalent to twice the size of Kansas State University’s freshman class — are injured or killed in car crashes involving teen drivers. In addition to the emotional impact caused by these crashes, there's a significant financial impact as well. Fewer crashes mean fewer medical costs. In fact, almost 85% of medical costs for crash victims fall on society, increasing health insurance premiums for all of us. And, nationally, employers spend $9 billion per year in health care costs associated with crash injuries. Other states that have implemented similar GDL proposals have seen a reduction in crashes by up to 50%.

Other Resources
Map - breakdown of teen crashes by Kansas county