Due to recent changes at the state level, We Kan Drive will not enroll youth in a driving school until they have their original birth certificate and social security card available to them. We Kan Drive does not need a copy of the documents at this time, but driving schools will need a copy. The youth will need to take the originals to the DMV. The state ID form, Appendix 7, should also be filled out and signed by the CMP. This might be accepted at the DMV in lieu of a social security card. The youth should always take the form with them to the DMV, to avoid being charged for the permit/license.

Additionally, Kansas requires that youth under 18 obtain 50 hours of supervised driving to get their Driver’s License (DL). These hours must be completed while the youth is driving with a licensed adult aged 21 or older seated in the passenger seat.

We recognize that meeting this requirement can be challenging for youth in foster care. Many group homes and some foster homes may be unable to provide the time, resources, or opportunities necessary for youth to complete their supervised driving hours. If a youth does not complete these hours within a year, they may be required to retake the course resulting in additional costs and frustration.

We Kan Drive encourages youth to identify a trusted adult in their support network who may be willing and able to help them complete the required driving hours. When supervised driving opportunities are not available, We Kan Drive recommends delaying enrollment in driver education until approximately three months before the youth’s 18^th birthday. This approach helps ensure the required driving experience can be completed within the allowable timeframe and reduces the risk of needing to repeat the course.