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Kansas CDL Practice Test
10 Kansas-specific questions + General Knowledge · Updated July 12, 2026
The Kansas CDL General Knowledge test runs 50 questions at the federal 80% standard (miss up to 10). Kansas administers the CDL knowledge test in English only (as most states now do). This practice set leads with 10 questions specific to Kansas — the state licensing rules (CLP validity, fees, intrastate age) that generic CDL prep skips — then fills with General Knowledge from the federally standardized material.
Kansas's real CDL exam sections. Also take the Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles practice tests.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. In Kansas, you must have a commercial driver license (CDL) to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least:
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Correct answer: 26,001 pounds
A Kansas CDL is required to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
2. What does a Kansas CDL permit (commercial learner permit) cost?
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Correct answer: A $5 credential fee plus an $8 photo fee — $13 total
The Kansas Credential Fee Chart lists the Regular CDL Permit at a $5.00 credential fee plus the $8.00 photo fee, for a $13.00 total.
3. After you pass the knowledge exams and get your Kansas CDL permit, how long must you hold that permit before you may take the skills (drive) exam?
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Correct answer: 14 days or more
Kansas requires you to hold your CDL permit for 14 days or more, then complete a skills exam in the type of vehicle you will drive. This matches the federal 14-day floor (49 CFR 383.25(e)).
4. To obtain a Kansas CDL permit, you must pass written (knowledge) exams covering:
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Correct answer: The class of license you need, air brakes, and any endorsements you will need
To obtain a Kansas CDL you must complete the required written exams for the class of license needed, air brakes, and any endorsements you will need before you are issued the CDL permit.
5. Before Kansas will issue your full CDL, you must also complete which of the following?
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Correct answer: The Truckers Against Trafficking video and quiz
Kansas requires you to complete the Truckers Against Trafficking video and quiz prior to obtaining your full CDL. You can complete it and print your certificate online at truckersagainsttrafficking.org to save time at the office.
6. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider must be completed before Kansas lets you take the CDL skills or knowledge test in which situation?
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Correct answer: Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time (or a first Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement)
Since February 7, 2022, ELDT from an FMCSA Training Provider Registry provider is required before a first-time Class A/B CDL, an upgrade from Class B to A, or a first Hazmat/Passenger/School Bus endorsement. It is training, not a substitute for the state exams.
7. A printed copy of the Kansas CDL Handbook can be purchased from a driver license office for:
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Correct answer: $2.00
The handbook is free to view online at ksrevenue.gov/pdf/cdlhandbook.pdf; a printed copy may be purchased at a driver license office for $2.00 (the "Book Purchase" line on the fee chart).
8. What is the fee for the Kansas CDL skills (drive) exam?
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Correct answer: $15.00
The Kansas Credential Fee Chart lists the CDL Skills Exam at $15.00. A CDL skills retest is a separate $10.00 fee.
9. If you fail the Kansas CDL skills test and must retake it, the skills retest fee is:
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Correct answer: $10.00
The fee chart lists a CDL Skills Retest at $10.00, separate from the $15.00 first skills exam.
10. What happens if you do not complete your Kansas CDL testing within 6 months?
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Correct answer: A $3.00 abandonment fee is charged
If testing is not completed within 6 months, Kansas charges a $3.00 abandonment fee. A reexam taken after 6 months from your last exam is charged this $3.00 abandonment fee rather than the $1.50 reexam fee.
11. How should you think about a CDL knowledge study manual or practice test?
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Correct answer: As test preparation — it is not a substitute for formal truck-driver training
The manual states it is not a substitute for a truck-driver training class. Formal, hands-on training is the most reliable way to learn to safely operate a large commercial vehicle.
12. What is the minimum age set by federal rule to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce?
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Correct answer: 21 years old
Federal rules require a driver to be at least 21 to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Drivers aged 18–20 are generally limited to intrastate driving; the exact intrastate rule varies by state.
13. What is the minimum age to hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP)?
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Correct answer: 18 years old
A CLP holder must be at least 18 years old. You must hold a CLP before taking the CDL skills (driving) test.
14. Which knowledge test must every CDL applicant take, regardless of vehicle class or endorsements?
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Correct answer: The general knowledge test
The general knowledge test is taken by all applicants. Other knowledge tests — air brakes, combination, and endorsement tests — depend on the class of license and endorsements you need.
15. When must you take the air brakes knowledge test?
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Correct answer: If the vehicle you will drive has air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes
You must pass the air brakes test if the vehicle you intend to drive is equipped with air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes. Failing or skipping it results in a no-air-brake restriction.
16. The combination vehicles knowledge test is required if you want to:
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Correct answer: Drive combination vehicles (a Class A CDL)
The combination vehicles test is required to drive combination vehicles. Passing it is part of qualifying for a Class A CDL.
17. After passing the required knowledge tests, which three general skills are tested on the CDL skills test?
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Correct answer: Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
The skills test covers three areas: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take it in the type of vehicle for which you want to be licensed.
18. What score must you achieve to pass each CDL knowledge test section?
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Correct answer: At least 80 percent
Federal rule sets the passing mark at 80 percent for each section of the CDL knowledge test, and this standard is the same in every state.
19. How long must you hold a commercial learner’s permit before you are eligible to take the CDL skills test?
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Correct answer: At least 14 days
You are not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after your CLP is first issued. Some states require a longer hold, but 14 days is the federal minimum.
20. For how long may a commercial learner’s permit be valid without retesting?
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Correct answer: No more than one year from the date of issuance
A CLP is valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance. Renewal rules beyond that vary by state.
📱 PermitPal in your browser has the full 356-question CDL bank plus Kansas's state unit — mock exams in all three real sections (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination) at the federal 80% standard. Free to start, $29.99 once. Also on the App Store and Google Play.