Free Kansas CDL Practice Tests 2025

• Test Format: Computer-based at Kansas DOR offices
• General Knowledge Test: 50 questions, need 80% to pass
• Permit Validity: 12 months
• Waiting Period: 14 days before skills test
• Languages: English only
• Fees: $13 for permit, $18 for license plus $8 photo fee
• Endorsement Fees: $10 per endorsement
• Retesting: Wait until next business day to retest

The Kansas CDL knowledge test is a computer-based assessment that tests your knowledge of the rules, regulations and skills needed to safely operate commercial vehicles. You must pass this test to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) which is your first step towards a full CDL. The test covers federal transportation regulations, Kansas specific driving laws, vehicle inspection procedures and safe driving techniques. Testing is done at designated Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license offices. Passing this test shows you have the basic knowledge required before you start behind the wheel practice with a qualified instructor.

In Kansas you must take the CDL knowledge test if you're:

• A first time commercial driver getting a CLP
• Currently licensed but upgrading to a higher CDL class
• Adding a new endorsement to your existing CDL
• Renewing a CDL that's been expired for more than one year
• Transferring an out of state CDL to Kansas with additional endorsements

The General Knowledge test is required for all applicants, additional tests are required based on the type of vehicle you will be driving and cargo you will be hauling. For example school bus drivers need the Passenger and School Bus endorsement tests, hazmat transporters need the Hazmat endorsement test.

The CDL knowledge test is an important safety measure for Kansas roadways. Commercial vehicles due to their size, weight and sometimes hazardous cargo pose a much greater risk when operated improperly. The test verifies you understand safety regulations, emergency procedures and technical aspects of commercial vehicles before you start practical training. By making sure all commercial drivers meet a standardized knowledge requirement Kansas keeps the highways safer for all road users. The test also prepares you for the responsibilities of a professional driving career where understanding regulations and safety protocols is just as important as the physical driving skills.

The Kansas CDL knowledge test meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards but includes state specific content. This way your Kansas CDL will be recognized nationwide and you will be prepared for Kansas specific driving conditions and regulations. The test includes federally required topics like vehicle inspection, basic control skills and shifting techniques, and Kansas specific content on state traffic laws and operating requirements. This standardization means your Kansas CDL will allow you to operate in other states (subject to age and other qualifications), interstate commerce while maintaining the same safety standards across all states.

The Kansas CDL knowledge tests have varying number of questions:

• General Knowledge: 50 multiple choice questions
• Air Brakes: 25 multiple choice questions
• Combination Vehicles: 20 multiple choice questions
• Passenger Transport: 20 multiple choice questions
• School Bus: 20 multiple choice questions
• Hazmat: 30 multiple choice questions
• Tank Vehicles: 20 multiple choice questions
• Doubles/Triples: 20 multiple choice questions

Each question has 4 possible answers and you need to choose the most correct one based on your knowledge of commercial driving regulations and safety practices. The questions are designed to test not just memorization but practical understanding of commercial driving concepts.

Sample question: When connecting a trailer to your tractor you should verify that:

• The kingpin is positioned directly above the fifth wheel
• There is space between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling
• The locking jaws are around the trailer kingpin shank, not the head
• The safety latch is in the open position

Answer: C. The locking jaws are around the trailer kingpin shank, not the head

To pass a Kansas CDL knowledge test you must score at least 80% on each test:

• General Knowledge: 40 out of 50 questions
• Air Brakes: 20 out of 25 questions
• Combination Vehicles: 16 out of 20 questions
• Passenger Transport: 16 out of 20 questions
• School Bus: 16 out of 20 questions
• Hazmat: 24 out of 30 questions
• Tank Vehicles: 16 out of 20 questions
• Doubles/Triples: 16 out of 20

Each test is scored independently, so passing one test doesn't affect the others. If you pass some tests but fail others, you'll only need to retake the specific tests you failed.

In Kansas, all CDL knowledge tests are given in English only. This is due to federal regulations that require commercial drivers to be able to:

• Read and understand road signs and signals in English
• Communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency personnel
• Complete required shipping and logbook documentation
• Comprehend dispatcher instructions and routing information

No exceptions or translators are allowed for CDL testing, regardless of your native language. This ensures all commercial drivers can communicate effectively in situations affecting public safety and interstate commerce.

Kansas prohibits the use of any study materials or reference aids during CDL knowledge tests. Banned items include:

• The CDL manual or any reference books
• Handwritten notes or study guides
• Electronic devices including phones, tablets, or calculators
• Smart watches or other wearable technology
• Any communication devices

Testing stations provide a secure environment where personal belongings must be stored away during testing. Using unauthorized materials is considered cheating and will result in automatic test failure. The Kansas Department of Revenue has test proctors and surveillance systems in place to maintain test integrity. If caught using prohibited materials, you may be restricted from testing in the future.

Kansas CDL knowledge tests don't have a time limit. Most applicants complete the General Knowledge test in 60-90 minutes, while endorsement tests take 30-45 minutes each. The testing system allows you to work at your own pace, review and change answers before submitting. If you're taking multiple tests in one session, plan for about 2-3 hours total testing time. If you have documented learning disabilities or special needs, you may request reasonable accommodations by contacting the Kansas Department of Revenue before your test date and providing proper documentation.

• General Knowledge (required for all CDLs)
• Air Brakes (for vehicles with air brakes)
• Combination Vehicles (for Class A licenses)
• Passenger (P) Endorsement (for buses)
• School Bus (S) Endorsement
• Doubles/Triples (T) Endorsement
• Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement
• Hazmat (H) Endorsement

Each test is designed to assess knowledge specific to that vehicle class or type of operation. You only need to take the tests relevant to the type of commercial driving you plan to do.

Sample question: What happens during brake lag?

• Time for brakes to wear out
• Time for air to flow through lines when brake pedal is pressed
• Time to move foot from accelerator to brake
• Time to pull parking brake

Answer: B. Time for air to flow through lines when brake pedal is pressed

General Knowledge: Vehicle inspection procedures, basic control, shifting gears, space management, night driving, adverse weather conditions, emergency procedures, cargo handling, accident procedures, fires, fatigue awareness and basic hazardous materials regulations.

Air Brakes: System components and function, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, proper use in various conditions, emergency stops, brake system failures and brake lag/fade.

Combination Vehicles: Coupling and uncoupling procedures, inspection points, handling characteristics, rollover prevention, jackknife avoidance, turning techniques and backing procedures for combination vehicles.

Passenger (P): Passenger loading and unloading procedures, proper use of emergency exits, passenger communication, accessibility requirements, dealing with disruptive passengers and railroad crossing requirements for passenger vehicles.

School Bus (S): Student loading and unloading procedures, emergency evacuation protocols, operating around schools, railroad crossing procedures, student management, danger zones around the bus and special equipment.

Doubles/Triples (T): Coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, handling characteristics during various maneuvers, inspection procedures, identifying and correcting handling problems and operating in adverse conditions.

Tank Vehicle (N): Liquid surge and weight distribution effects on handling, baffled versus non-baffled tanks, loading/unloading procedures and special braking for partially full tanks.

Hazmat (H): Classification and identification of hazardous materials, proper documentation, loading/unloading procedures, driving rules, emergency response procedures and security awareness.

• Study all relevant sections of the Kansas CDL Manual for your license class and endorsements
• Take practice tests to identify your weak areas
• Create a study schedule over several weeks rather than cramming
• Make flashcards for difficult concepts and technical terms
• Focus extra time on challenging topics (air brakes, hazmat)
• Review the pre-trip inspection procedures thoroughly
• Pay attention to Kansas specific regulations and requirements
• Study vehicle systems and components until you understand how they function
• Familiarize yourself with all required documentation and procedures

The key is to study regularly over time. Many applicants underestimate the technical knowledge required for CDL tests, especially for specialized endorsements like Hazmat and Air Brakes.

Yes! Our free Kansas CDL practice tests will help you:

• Identify areas where you need to improve
• Build confidence through repeated practice with similar question formats
• Get used to the test environment before your actual exam
• Track your progress as you study
• Learn from explanations of correct and incorrect answers
• Get familiar with the types of questions you'll see on test day

Practice tests are available for all CDL test categories including endorsements. Regular practice testing has been shown to increase first-time pass rates for the Kansas CDL knowledge test.

• Start studying 2-3 weeks before your test
• Focus on understanding, not memorization
• Use practice tests to target your weak areas for more study
• Get a full night's rest before test day
• Eat well before the test to stay focused
• Read each question completely before answering
• Pay attention to keywords like "always," "never," or "except" that change the question
• When unsure, choose the safest answer
• Stay calm and work methodically
• Pace yourself to make sure you have time to answer all questions

Sample question: When should you use turn signals?

• Only when other vehicles are present
• At least 100 feet before turning
• Just as you begin to turn
• Only when changing lanes

Answer: B. At least 100 feet before turning

Practice tests match the format and content of the Kansas CDL knowledge test, but the questions will be different. Quality practice tests are designed to:

• Be multiple-choice with 4 answer options
• Cover the same subject areas and regulations
• Be the same difficulty as the Kansas test
• Help you practice time management
• Develop critical thinking skills

Remember to focus on understanding, not memorization, as the actual test draws from a large pool of questions and each exam is unique.

At designated Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license offices that offer commercial testing services. Not all offices provide CDL testing, so check the Kansas DOR website or call ahead to confirm availability. Major testing locations include Topeka, Wichita, Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, and several other cities throughout Kansas.

Yes, appointments are required. Schedule through:

• The Kansas Department of Revenue website: KS Revenue Appointment Info
• Calling your local driver's license office

Walk-ins are not typically accommodated for CDL testing due to the length and specialized nature of these exams. Scheduling an appointment ensures testing availability at your preferred location and time.

No. All CDL knowledge tests must be taken in person at authorized Kansas Department of Revenue offices to ensure security, identity verification and test integrity. This is a federal requirement that applies to all states, not just Kansas. In-person testing prevents cheating and ensures the person receiving the CDL is the one who demonstrated the knowledge.

Required documents:

• Valid Kansas driver's license
• Social Security card/number
• Proof of citizenship/legal residency (birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, etc.)
• Proof of Kansas residency (two documents showing your Kansas address)
• Current DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
• Completed CDL application
• Payment for applicable fees

For Hazardous Materials: Additional identification documents for security threat assessment

Other:

• Reading glasses if needed
• Appointment confirmation
• Knowledge of your medical history for medical certification

All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If you're unsure about document requirements, contact your local driver's license office before your appointment.

Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for:

• Document verification
• Application processing
• Fee payment
• Getting settled before the test begins

If you arrive late, you may have to reschedule. First-time applicants should arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for additional paperwork processing. Traffic and parking at testing offices can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly.

You'll receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) valid for 12 months with these conditions:

• Must wait at least 14 days before taking the skills test
• Can only drive with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat
• No passengers except supervisors, trainees or examiners
• No hazardous materials transport
• Other restrictions based on vehicle type/endorsements

What can I do with my CLP?

Use this time to practice driving commercial vehicles while supervised before taking your skills test. This is important to develop the skills needed to pass the behind-the-wheel test. Use this time to get comfortable with vehicle inspection procedures, basic control maneuvers and safe road operations.

Scores are valid for 12 months, same as your CLP. If your CLP expires before you complete the skills test, you will need to retest all knowledge tests. There are no extensions on score validity so plan to complete your skills test within the 12 month window to avoid having to retest. This ensures your knowledge is current when you get your full CDL.

If you fail:

• Wait until the next business day to retest
• Only retest the sections you failed
• Use practice tests to focus on weak areas
• Review incorrect answers to understand why they were wrong
• Consider studying with different methods if you're struggling with particular topics

There's no limit to how many times you can retest but repeated failures may mean you need more preparation.

Sample question: What happens if you fail a section of the test?

• Wait 30 days before retesting
• Retest immediately at another location
• Wait until the next business day to retest
• Retest all sections, even those passed

Answer: C. Wait until the next business day to retest

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days:

• Contact a testing location directly by phone or email (skills tests cannot be scheduled online)
• Make sure your CLP is valid and medical certificate is current
• Arrange for a test vehicle that matches your CDL class
• Pay the skills test fee ($15)
• Choose a date and time from available slots

Skills tests are conducted at designated locations throughout Kansas. The skills test consists of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and on-road driving demonstration. Make sure you're prepared for all three parts before scheduling.