06/21/2025
Hey Sterling Parents
Let’s Talk Teen Drivers
We know what a huge milestone (and relief!) it is when your teen starts driving. After years of hauling them to practices, summer workouts, school, and friends’ houses, it’s nice to finally get a little help with the carpool, right?
But before your teen takes the wheel solo, we need to talk about something important: Graduated Driver’s Licenses (GDLs), Farm Permits, and the rules that come with them.
With Driver’s Ed wrapping up and more teens out on the road, we've seen an increase in reports of teens driving outside of their legal restrictions. We get it, most of the time it’s due to confusion, not carelessness. So we’re here to help clear things up with this quick guide. Whether your teen has completed Driver’s Ed or not.
🟨 Instruction Permit (Age 14+) (Most, if not all, of the teens that completed driver's ed fall into this category)
What it allows:
Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat at all times.
No solo driving, period.
Passengers are allowed, but the supervising adult must approve and remain in control of the situation.
NOTE: Teens must hold this permit for 12 months before becoming eligible for a restricted license, even if they pass Driver’s Ed.
If Driver’s Ed is not completed, a restricted license won’t be granted until age 16, and with additional supervised driving hours.
Common Misconceptions:
❓ "Can my teen drive to summer weights or a friend’s house by themselves if they’ve passed Driver’s Ed?"
❌ No. Even with Driver’s Ed, they must be supervised at all times until they’ve held the Instruction Permit for a full year.
❓ "Can they drive siblings or friends around?"
✅ Yes, but only if the supervising adult is in the front seat and approves. We strongly recommend limiting distractions for beginners.
❓ "We finished Driver’s Ed, so they have a restricted license now, right?"
❌ No. They must hold the Instruction Permit for 12 months, and if Driver’s Ed was not completed, they must wait until age 16 and log at least 25 additional supervised hours to move on.
🟧 Farm Permit (Ages 14–17)
What it allows:
Drive alone to/from the farm, school, or work, using the most direct route.
No non-family passengers under 18.
Supervision required for any other driving.
Must carry an official farm affidavit with valid credentials.
Common Misconceptions:
❓ "Can my teen drive around town on a farm permit?"
❌ Not legally. They can only drive solo to and from school, work, or the farm.
❓ "If my teen has a farm permit, can they take their friend to Sonic after practice?"
❌ No. Non-family passengers under 18 are not allowed unless an adult is present.
❓ "Do we need a real farm?"
✅ Yes. The permit is only valid if the teen lives or works on a qualifying farm, and paperwork must be filed and approved.
🟦 Restricted License (Age 15)
What it allows:
Must have:
Completed Driver’s Ed
Held an instruction permit for 12 months
May drive alone to and from school or work, using the most direct route.
No passengers, except siblings.
Supervision is required for any other driving.
NOTE: If your teen did not complete Driver’s Ed, they must wait until age 16 to apply for a less restricted license, and must complete at least 50 supervised hours (10 at night).
Common Misconceptions:
❓ "Can they drive to summer weights or practices?"
❌ Not unless it’s an official, required school activity. Most voluntary summer workouts don’t qualify.
❓ "Can my teen stop for gas or snacks on the way home from work?"
❌ No. They must travel directly to and from school or work, no side trips.
❓ "They can have friends ride along, right?"
❌ No, only siblings. All other passengers are prohibited unless supervised.
🟪 Less Restricted License (Age 16–17)
What it allows:
Drive unsupervised between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Destinations: school, work, religious services, or official school activities
May carry one non-sibling passenger
Supervision required for any other travel or late-night driving
Common Misconceptions:
❓ "They’re 16, does that mean full driving privileges?"
❌ Not yet. They still have time and passenger restrictions until completing the full GDL process at age 17.
❓ "Can they drive home from a late game or practice after 9 PM?"
✅ Yes, but only if it’s a school-sponsored event. No additional stops afterward are allowed.
❓ "Can they take a carload of friends to McDonald's after practice?"
❌ No. They’re limited to one non-sibling passenger under 18.
We’re not trying to be the “fun police” we just want your teen’s first driving experiences to be safe, responsible, and drama-free.
We’ve seen far too many close calls due to misunderstanding these rules. We don’t want to issue tickets, but when safety or repeated violations become a concern, we’re left with no choice.
Let’s work together to help our teen drivers earn their independence the right way.
Full license guidelines available here:
https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovgdl.html
Have questions? Reach out to us, we’re happy to help.
Drive safe, Sterling!
Sterling Police Department
(620-278-2100)
Official Website of the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles
