If you’re eager to learn how to drive in Kansas City, and you’ve just turned 15, well, congratulations! You are one step closer to earning your driver’s license.
You’ve still got a long way to go, but we’ll help you see it through.
First, we suggest that you sign up at a driving school. Now, driver’s ed isn’t actually mandatory in Missouri.
However, taking a driver’s ed course will help you learn things you wouldn’t know otherwise without proper education. It will teach you how to become not only a good driver but also a smart one.
On top of that, it can help you pass your written exam with flying colors.
So it’s highly recommended to take one.
To make it easier for you, we’ll list down the best driving schools in Kansas City, MO. This way, you can easily select the one that suits YOU.
Let’s begin!
Best Online Driving Schools in Kansas City, MO
Since driver’s ed isn’t mandatory, you will want to take it in the most convenient and flexible way.
Well, this is what online driving schools are for.
And if you’re interested, these are the best online driver’s ed providers in Missouri:
Let’s review each one.
DriversEd

DriversEd has been providing quality driver’s education programs since 1997. It is one of the most recognized online driving schools in the country.
This online driving school takes self-paced learning to a whole new level. Unlike most of its competitors, its online courses aren’t primarily text-based. Instead, they’re highly interactive and filled with exciting features.
Instead of reading course materials, you will learn how to navigate highways, deal with road hazards, execute driving maneuvers, and more through 3D animation and videos.
You can also strengthen your driving knowledge through games, puzzles, and quizzes.
Their online driver education course for Missouri costs around $50. This already includes 50 FREE practice tests to help prepare for the written exams.
What’s more, it comes with a FREE month of Allstate Roadside Services, which covers fuel delivery, towing, lockout, flat tire, and battery services.
DriverEdToGo

DriverEdToGo has been in the industry for over 2 decades. It remains to be a leading provider of driver education in the country.
The school offers a simple yet effective online driver’s ed program. It is suitable for a diverse set of users. So, you won’t have to worry if you aren’t Internet or tech-savvy.
DriverEdToGo’s online course for Missouri is user-friendly. It is well-organized, and the lessons are easy to understand.
If you want a more fun way to learn, you can always visit the school’s game corner for some quick activities.
You can learn about road signs, vehicle maintenance, speed limit, and many more, by playing easy games, crossword puzzles, and interactive quizzes. The animations are nothing fancy, but they are still enjoyable.
As for pricing, DriverEdToGo’s online driver’s ed for Missouri costs around $40. You can also purchase course upgrades, such as unlimited practice tests, read-along narration, etc. The add-ons cost from around $5 to $30.
Safe Motorist

American Safety Council is an organization that promotes road and workplace safety. It offers quality driver education courses through Safe Motorist, one of ASC’s service marks.
Safe Motorist provides quick, easy, and affordable online driver’s ed across the country.
Its program for Missouri consists of 9 sections, including driver responsibilities, fundamentals of vehicle operation, and basic maneuvering tasks. Each unit concludes with a review exam to assess your understanding of the topics.
You should know that Safe Motorist’s online course isn’t text-heavy, but it isn’t engaging either.
It lacks multimedia content, such as images, videos, and animations. However, it is comprehensive, so you can expect to learn everything you need to know to pass your exams.
Safe Motorist’s course offering for Missouri costs about $50.
DMVEdu

Although not affiliated with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), DMVEdu is a legit and trustworthy provider of driver’s ed in the US.
DMVEdu offers an online Missouri driver’s ed program in a straightforward format. To navigate through the course, you simply click through the pages and complete the lessons. You can also revisit previous chapters by accessing your course outline from the dashboard.
Apart from providing quality education, the school also gives back to the community.
The course costs around $35, 10% of which will go to DMVEdu.org’s partner charities or its scholarship fund. For 2023, it will be holding an essay competition on the theme “In the Driver’s Seat.” The winners will receive $3,000 in scholarships for entering college or any higher education institution.
So with them, you’re learning as well as helping out someone.
I Gotta Drive

With I Gotta Drive, preparing for a driver’s license is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Its simple permit prep course, which costs around $20, is a fun, quick, and affordable way to study for the written exam.
I Gotta Drive takes the guesswork out of the process and gets you started with an online driver’s ed that contains only the most recent and relevant information.
The school also offers unlimited practice tests for only around $10.
It isn’t the fanciest, or even the most popular. However, it will teach you everything you need to know and help you get ready for that exam.
Best In-Person Driving Schools in Kansas City, MO
So you want to take driver’s ed and complete your in-car training at the same time…
If that’s the case, then we suggest you go for an in-person driving school.
Here are the best 2 in Kansas City, MO.
Northland Driving School and Classroom Education
Address: 12200 N Ambassador Dr. #301 Kansas City, MO 64163
Contact Number: 816-673-5983
Northland Driving School is a family-owned business that started in Platte County, Missouri. Its owner, Matthew Sharp, has several years of teaching experience. To date, he has coached over 1,000 young drivers.
The school equips students with valuable knowledge to be successful defensive drivers. It provides them with a fun, safe, and structured learning environment that teaches them the rules of the road.
Many previous customers agree that the school’s curriculum provides a foundation of core skills that students can apply in everyday driving.
Their behind-the-wheel training packages cost from around $300 to $410.
Total Driving Instruction 1
Address: 27905 East Colbern Rd, Lees Summit, Kansas City, MO 64086
Contact Number: 816-398-0078
Total Driving Instruction 1 is a fully licensed and insured driving school. Its mission is to produce safe and competent drivers. The school has been around for more than 35 years and has trained thousands of Kansas City teens.
Total Driving Instruction 1 does not offer a classroom course, but it provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel training to students.
The instructors teach them essential topics, such as vehicle parts, traffic laws, and road signs, before teaching them how to drive.
Fees start at around $70 per hour and may include pick-up and drop-off services, depending on the area.
FAQs
Is driver’s ed required in Kansas City, MO?
Driver’s ed is not a requirement for new drivers in Kansas City, MO.
What is the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program in Kansas City, MO?
The GDL is a 3-step program requirement for new drivers in Kansas City, MO. It consists of the Instruction Permit, Intermediate License, and Under 21 Full Driver License phases. It is mandatory for first-time drivers aged 15 to 18.
What are the steps to obtaining a driver’s license in Kansas City, MO?
Below is a summary of how to obtain a driver’s license in Kansas City, MO:
Step 1: Instruction Permit | Step 2: Intermediate License | Step 3: Under-21 Full License |
Pass the vision, road sign recognition, and written tests at any Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station. Ask your parent, your guardian, or any qualified person to accompany you and sign a permission statement at the licensing office. You must be at least 15 years of age at the time of the application. | You must hold your permit for no less than 182 days. You must not have had any alcohol-related convictions in the last 12 months and traffic violations within the last six months. Complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent, guardian, or any qualified person. To be eligible for the intermediate license, you must be at least 16 years old. | You may be eligible to apply for a full license 30 days before you turn 18 years old. You must not have had any alcohol-related or traffic convictions in the last 12 months. You must pass the vision and road sign recognition tests. |
Conclusion
Driver’s ed may not be a requirement in the state of Missouri, but it is still highly encouraged.
Taking the course will certainly help you pass the Missouri State Highway Patrol exam. It will also teach you things you won’t get to learn without proper driver education.
Behind-the-wheel training will teach you driving know-how. But a driver’s ed course will help you mentally prepare for the challenges and responsibilities of becoming a licensed driver.
So if you want to take driver’s ed, then rest assured the schools we mentioned will provide you only the best.