Kansas's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Kansas's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

CDL Requirements in Kansas Before we get into the steps on how to get your CDL, you first have to see whether or not you’re qualified. Read through the list of requirements and see how many boxes you can check off:

  • You must be at least 18 (to drive within Kansas) or 21 (to drive to other states).
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or at least prove lawful presence in the country (permission to work must accompany the latter).
  • You must be a resident of Kansas.
  • You must have a valid Kansas non-commercial class C driver’s license.
  • All your driving privileges must be active (these cannot be suspended, canceled, revoked, or disqualified at the time of your application).
  • You must be in good health and comply with the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
  • You must be proficient in English (written and verbal)

If you can check all the boxes, then you’re qualified to get a CDL in Kansas. How to Get a CDL in Kansas The process of getting your CDL in Kansas involves two stages:

  • Earning Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
  • Earning Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Let’s break down each stage into steps. How to Get Your Kansas CLP The first thing you need to work on is your permit. Here’s how to do that:

    1. Ensure you meet all the requirements as stated in the previous section.
    2. Decide which CDL class you need.
    3. Make an appointment for the CDL knowledge exam. Call your local commercial driver’s license office to set a schedule. Click here to see a complete list of locations and phone numbers.
    4. Ok
    5. At the office, submit these necessary documents:
    • One document proving your identity
    • One document showing your Social Security Number
    • Two documents proving your residency in Kansas
    • Your non-commercial Class C driver’s license
    • A medical self-certification form. You can also submit this form online.
    • A medical certificate from an FMCSA-approved. Medical Examiner (if applicable)
    1. Pass a vision test.
    2. Pass the knowledge exam(s).
    3. Undergo a driving record check.
    4. Pay the necessary fees:
    • CLP fee: $5
    • Photo fee: $8
    1. Have your photo taken.
    2. Get your CLP.

    With a CLP, you can now practice driving your CMV. But just like a regular learner’s permit, you must have a licensed CDL driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.