Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently signed a bill into law that will make significant changes to the process for obtaining a driver’s license in the state. The new legislation, which is set to go into effect on January 1, 2022, aims to improve road safety and streamline the licensing process for Kansas residents.
Under the new law, Kansas residents will be required to complete a 50-hour supervised driving requirement before they can obtain their driver’s license. This requirement includes 10 hours of nighttime driving and will be in addition to the current six-month learner’s permit period. The goal of this change is to ensure that new drivers have enough experience behind the wheel before they are granted full driving privileges.
In addition to the supervised driving requirement, the new law will also require all new drivers to complete a driver education course. This course will cover topics such as safe driving practices, traffic laws, and defensive driving techniques. By completing this course, new drivers will be better prepared to navigate the roads safely and confidently.
Another significant change under the new law is the introduction of a graduated driver’s licensing program for new drivers. This program will divide the licensing process into three stages: a learner’s permit stage, an intermediate stage, and a full license stage. Each stage will have specific requirements that must be met before a driver can progress to the next stage.
The learner’s permit stage will require new drivers to complete the supervised driving requirement and pass a written exam before they can obtain their permit. During this stage, new drivers will only be allowed to drive with a licensed adult in the car.
The intermediate stage will require drivers to complete an additional 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. They will also be required to pass a driving skills test before they can obtain their intermediate license. During this stage, new drivers will have restrictions on when they can drive and who they can have in the car with them.
Finally, the full license stage will grant drivers full driving privileges once they have completed all the requirements of the previous stages. This includes passing a final driving skills test and demonstrating that they can drive safely and responsibly on their own.
Overall, the new law is aimed at improving road safety in Kansas by ensuring that new drivers have the skills and experience they need to navigate the roads safely. By implementing these changes, Governor Kelly hopes to reduce the number of car accidents involving new drivers and make the roads safer for all Kansas residents.
In response to the new law, many driver education programs in Kansas have already begun updating their curriculum to reflect the changes. They are also working to educate new drivers and their parents about the new requirements and how they can be successful in obtaining their driver’s license under the new system.
Overall, the new driver’s license law in Kansas represents a significant step forward in improving road safety and ensuring that new drivers are adequately prepared for the responsibilities of driving. By implementing these changes, Governor Kelly and state officials are taking proactive measures to make the roads safer for everyone in Kansas.
