Kansas Road Signs: Take the Test Online at ks.knowtodrive.com

Can you take the Kansas knowledge test online before visiting a license office? What happens after 4 failed Kansas knowledge test attempts? What is the school bus stop law under K.S.A. 8-1556? Kansas allows the 25-question test online at ks.knowtodrive.com before visiting any license office. After 4 attempts you wait 6 months. Retakes cost $1.50. School zones cap at 20 mph. Work zone fines are doubled.

1. Across the Flint Hills and the Kansas Prairie: Why the 25-Question Knowledge Test Puts Signs at the Core

Kansas roads run from the dense Kansas City metro and Wichita urban grid to the Flint Hills rolling prairie routes, Tallgrass Corridor highways, and the long, open US-50 and US-54 corridors across the state. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles knowledge test requires 25 questions covering traffic laws and sign identification by shape, color, or symbol. Take it online at ks.knowtodrive.com or at any drivers license office. Fail four times and you must wait at least 6 months before retesting. A re-exam fee of $1.50 applies after each failure.

2. Identify Kansas Signs by Shape, Color, or Symbol: Exactly How the Knowledge Test Is Worded

The Kansas knowledge test explicitly requires you to "identify certain signs by their shape, color, or the symbol appearing on them." On Kansas high-speed separated multilane highways and long rural state routes, shape and color register before text. Master every entry here before your test. whether you are taking it online or in person.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory information or instruction; obey the posted requirement
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

Kansas road sign color meanings: Yellow is used for general warning signs, orange for construction and maintenance warnings, green for destination guidance, blue for motorist services, and brown for parks, recreation, and cultural-interest destinations. Fluorescent pink signs warn of temporary traffic incidents such as crashes, hazardous-material spills, natural disasters, or other unplanned roadway events.

3. Kansas Regulatory Signs: K.S.A. Violations That Can Cost You Your Driving Privilege

Kansas drivers must obey official traffic-control devices. Regulatory signs cover traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other legally enforceable instructions. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are included in the road-sign material used to prepare for the Kansas knowledge exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Kansas Warning Signs: Hazards on the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills & Open Prairie Two-Lane Highways

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Kansas roads that means curve warnings on Flint Hills and Smoky Hills routes, railroad grade crossing approaches on rural secondary roads, and livestock crossing warnings on open range corridors. Orange signs mark active work zones where fines for speeding are doubled. Kansas flat terrain creates deceptively long sight lines. high approach speeds make warning signs critical.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; slow down and yield to pedestrians as required

Bicycle Crossing

Bicyclists may cross here; slow down and yield when required

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Recommended advisory speed for the condition ahead; reduce speed appropriately

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Kansas Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-70, I-35, US-54 & the Kansas Turnpike

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; move out of it if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Kansas Traffic Signals: Flashing Lights, Flag Persons & What the Knowledge Test Asks

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. The Kansas knowledge test covers traffic signals and road signs, including circular lights, arrows, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Kansas also requires stopping when directed by a flag person at a construction site or any police officer.

Kansas lane-direction-control signals: a green signal means the lane may be used; a steady yellow signal warns that a lane-control change is being made; a steady red signal means do not enter or travel in that lane; and a flashing yellow signal means the lane may be used only to approach and make a left turn.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line or crosswalk; after stopping, a right turn or qualifying one-way-to-one-way left turn may be allowed unless prohibited

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed through the intersection; yield to pedestrians and cross traffic

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The protected green-arrow movement is ending; prepare to stop

Steady Red Arrow

Stop and do not make the arrow movement until a green arrow or light permits it

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless prohibited; left turns must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. Kansas lane-control signals use green, steady yellow, steady red, and flashing yellow indications.

7. Kansas Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, No-Passing Zones & Bicycle Lane Markings

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate same-direction traffic. The Kansas knowledge test covers pavement markings such as lane lines, road arrows, crosswalks, stop lines, reserved lanes, and railroad-crossing markings, along with Kansas no-passing rules near railroad grade crossings.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; you may cross a solid yellow line to turn when a safe gap exists

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Stay within the lane unless a special situation requires a lane change; solid white also marks the right roadway edge and may designate turn lanes

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing area; obey signals and yield to pedestrians as required by Kansas crosswalk rules

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

Stay within the lane unless a special situation requires a lane change; solid white also marks the right roadway edge and may designate turn lanes

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for bicycle traffic; motorists should not use it as a travel lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Yellow curb

Loading zone or another posted parking restriction

Red curb

Fire zone restriction; follow posted stopping or parking rules

White curb

Only short stops are permitted

Kansas curb color meanings: The Kansas Driving Handbook identifies white curbs for short stops, yellow for loading zones or other restrictions, blue for an accessibility/handicap restriction, and red for fire-zone restrictions.

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate same-direction traffic.

8. Kansas Work Zone Signs: Fines Doubled for Speeding and Flagger Authority on Kansas Roads

Orange signs alert you to construction, maintenance, and emergency work zones throughout Kansas. Kansas law explicitly states: fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled. Reduce your speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, and never tailgate in work zones. Flaggers direct traffic with STOP/SLOW paddles or signs. their instructions must be followed immediately, and Kansas law requires compliance with a flagger's traffic directions in a road construction zone.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Work Zone Headlights

Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in the work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must comply with traffic orders or directions from a flagger in a Kansas road construction zone.
• Kansas law states that fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled, as stated in the Kansas Driving Handbook.
• Kansas work-zone restrictions apply 24/7, including nights, weekends, and times when work is not actively taking place, when the restrictions and traffic-control devices are posted.
• Reduce your speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Do not tailgate in work zones. Maintain safe following distance on all sides of your vehicle.
• Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubular markers guide you safely through work areas. follow them and never attempt to bypass lane closures.

Key test point: Orange warning signs identify construction, maintenance, or other work-zone conditions. Follow posted signs, flaggers, and channelizing devices.

9. Kansas Railroad Crossings: Stop 15-50 Feet Away When Required, Blue ENS Signs & the 50-Foot No-Parking Rule

Kansas law requires yielding the right-of-way to trains and railroad vehicles at highway-railroad grade crossings. When a stop is required by a warning signal, lowered gate, flagman, or an approaching train or other on-track equipment that is an immediate hazard, K.S.A. 8-1551 requires stopping within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing is prohibited. Blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs are posted at Kansas highway-rail grade crossings with a 24/7 toll-free number to report problems to the railroad dispatcher responsible for the crossing.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign is placed before a highway-railroad grade crossing.
• When K.S.A. 8-1551 requires a stop, stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and do not proceed until it is safe.
• You must always yield the right-of-way to trains and railroad vehicles at all Kansas highway-railroad grade crossings.
• Do not cross until the train is well down the track or railroad devices (lights and gates) indicate it is safe. If you need to stop for traffic before the tracks, stop at the stop line. never let traffic conditions trap you on the tracks.
• Do not drive left of center to pass when approaching within 100 feet of or traversing a railroad grade crossing.
• Kansas prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings.
• It is wise not to shift gears when crossing tracks. you might stall. If you do stall, get everyone out, run in the direction the train is coming from, and call local law enforcement immediately.
• Blue ENS signs at every Kansas crossing have a 24/7 toll-free railroad dispatcher number. use it in an emergency.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail. Kansas also prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail and driving left of center to pass within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing.

10. Kansas School Zone Speed and School Bus Laws: 20 mph Zones and K.S.A. 8-1556 Stop Requirements

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones and crossings. Kansas sets the school zone speed limit at 20 mph when properly marked. This same 20 mph limit applies to business districts when posted. School bus speed limits are the posted speed limit unless otherwise determined by school district policy. K.S.A. 8-1556 covers stopping for school buses, while K.S.A. 8-1556a applies similar stopping rules to church and day care program buses.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Kansas school zone speed limit is 20 mph when the zone is properly marked.
• Under K.S.A. 8-1556, stop before reaching a school bus when its flashing red lights are operating. K.S.A. 8-1556a applies similar stopping rules to church and day care program buses.
• You must remain stopped until the STOP signal is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
• On a highway with separate roadways, traffic on a different roadway is not required to stop for the bus.
• Stop when a school crossing guard is displaying an official flag in a STOP position (K.S.A. 8-15,103).
• School bus speed limits are the posted speed limit unless the school district has established a lower maximum by policy.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Kansas: Extra Space Required and Bike Lanes Reserved for Cyclists

When traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, Kansas drivers must yield, slowing or stopping if needed, to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the driver's half of the roadway or is approaching closely enough from the opposite half to be in danger. A "Bicycle" marking on the road indicates a lane reserved for bicyclists.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; slow down and yield to pedestrians as required

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Bicyclists may cross here; slow down and yield when required

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• When traffic-control signals are absent or not operating, yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on your half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.
• You must yield the right-of-way to a blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog.
• Give extra space to pedestrians and bicyclists. especially children who may move unexpectedly into the lane of travel.
• Be prepared to stop whenever a pedestrian or bicyclist appears to be moving into your lane or about to enter the street.
• A "Bicycle" pavement marking identifies a lane reserved for bicyclists.
• Fluorescent yellow may be used for school-zone, school-crossing, and pedestrian-crossing warning signs.

Key test point: When signals are absent or not operating, yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk as required by K.S.A. 8-1533. Pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection generally must yield to vehicles under K.S.A. 8-1534.

12. Kansas Knowledge Test: Can You Take It Online? Yes. Here is How to Pass

• 25 questions. shape, color, symbol, and traffic laws. The Kansas knowledge test requires you to answer traffic law questions and identify signs by shape, color, or symbol. Study both categories equally. sign identification is explicitly part of the test.
• Take it online. Kansas offers the knowledge exam online at ks.knowtodrive.com, complete it before visiting a drivers license office to skip the in-office written test. Visit ksrevenue.gov for more details.
• Failure rules: 4 attempts, then 6 months. After failing the written or driving test, you may retake it the next working day for a $1.50 re-exam fee. Fail four times and you must wait at least 6 months before retesting.
• Know Kansas speed limits. Urban district: 30 mph. School zone/business district when posted: 20 mph. State/Federal highway: 65 mph. Separated multilane highway (as designated): 75 mph. County/Township road: 55 mph.
• Work zone speeding fines are doubled. This is explicitly stated in the Kansas Driving Handbook. Posted work-zone restrictions may remain in effect even when work is not actively taking place.
• School bus: stop when required by the flashing red signals. K.S.A. 8-1556 covers school buses, and K.S.A. 8-1556a covers church and day care program buses. On highways with separate roadways, traffic on a different roadway is not required to stop.
• Railroad: stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail when required. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail is prohibited. Blue ENS signs provide an emergency railroad-dispatcher number.
• No driving left of center to pass within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing. Do not begin or continue a left-side passing maneuver in that restricted approach area.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. In a road construction zone, comply with traffic directions given by a flagger.
• Yellow vs white lines. Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate same-direction traffic.