It is obvious that each state in the U.S. might employ different requirements in the process of getting a CDL license. If you are interested in obtaining a Kansas CDL license to operate commercial  motor vehicles (CMVs) legally, let’s jump into the following article which has already outlined the steps you need to follow to get your CDL in Kansas. 

 

kansas cdl
A comprehensive guide for CDL drivers to get Kansas CDL

 

1. What are Kansas CDL Requirements?

 

Before we jump into the process of getting a Kansas commercial driver’s license, let’s review the state CDL requirements including a minimum age requirement and CDL physical requirements.  More specifically, in order to be certified in Kansas as a commercial truck driver, you need to meet all of the following necessary requirements adopted by Kansas state: 

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. In case you want to drive commercial vehicles across, transport passengers or haul hazardous materials, you must be over 21 years old. 
  • A valid Kansas driver’s license is compulsory. 
  • You must have a Kansas Commercial Learner’s Permit (CDL permit) at least 14 days before taking the CDL test. Nevertheless, a Commercial Learner’s Permit is not a requirement for CDL training.
  • You have to accomplish an Entry Level Driver Training Course
  • You also have to complete Truckers Against Trafficking training 
  • You must pass the required skills test. 
  • You are able to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
  • You must complete a physical examination and self-certify by filling out the CDL Medical Self-Certification Form and sending it to the Kansas Division of Vehicles Driver;s Licensing Office to prove that you can drive a CMV and meet the minimum requirements for a healthy driver.

 

2. How much does getting a CDL in Kansas cost?

 

  • Commercial learner’s permit: $13.
    Consists of: $5 permit fee, $8 photo fee.
  • Commercial driver license: $44 (including Photo fee: $8, Written exam fee: $3, Skills test fee: $15, License fee: $18) 
  • Endorsements: $10 each.
  • Written exam retest fee: $1.50.
  • Skills exam retest fee: $10.
  • Replacement CDL: $16.

 

3.  How to get your cdl in Kansas?

 

3.1. Obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit

 

In order to get your state-issued CDL, you must already possess your Commercial Learner’s Permit first. Let’s check a to-do list following to obtain your official permit in Kansas: 

  • Provide documents that demonstrate your age (at least 18 years old), identity, address, Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. It should be noted that you are required to bring at least one document with your picture on it or one that has your full-name and birthdate on it if there is a non-photo idea. 
  • Bring a valid Kansas Class D driver’s license.
  • Provide your current and valid DOT medical documents (less than 2 years old) 
  • Pass a vision test with at least 20/40 vision in each eye.
  • Conquer all CDL general written exams needed for your class of CDL.
  • Submit to a driving record check.
  • Pay the $13 commercial learner’s permit fee.

It is warned that over 60% of CDL applicants failed the written test at the first attempt. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you should take a CDL education course or CDL Practice Tests which are collected and compiled based on the Kansas CDL manual in order to pass the CDL written exams. 

 

3.2. Apply for a Kansas Commercial Driver’s License

 

cdl in kansas
Kansas Commercial Driver’s License

You might be eligible to take your CDL test after 14 days of obtaining your Commercial Learner’s Permit. To prepare for your test, it is highly suggested that you should practice driving a CMV on public roads with a licensed CDL holder.

The CDL Road Test which demonstrates your ability to operate a commercial vehicle in real-world driving scenarios such as turns, intersections, curves, city and rural driving, merging, etc. is split into 3 different parts:

  • Pre-trip inspection: You are required to demonstrate your inspection to the examiner by pointing out and naming the parts of the vehicle.
  • Off-street skills test: You are asked to complete the following maneuvers:

+ Forward and back through and offset alley

+ Parallel parking (conventional) 

+ Parallel parking (sight-side)

+ Alley dock

  • Road test: This part involves driving through numerous traffic and road conditions to assess your judgment control, and safe operation on the street, as well as your ability to start, stop, shift, turn competently, and obey all relevant rules of the road. 

To obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Kansas, you must: 

  • Bring a valid Kansas commercial learner’s permit or a valid commercial driver’s license from another state. 
  • Provide your Social Security Card
  • Bring a current Department of Transportation medical card
  • Supply a proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration verified before taking the test
  • Bring your current Kansas residency showing your name and current address, for instance, your utility bill, vehicle registration, etc. 
  • Pay a fee of $26 for the cost of the CDL and mandatory photo
  • Pay $10 for each CDL endorsement that you are going to obtain. 

It had better arrange to test on the same Class vehicle that you are applying for unless there might be restrictions on your license.

You can get your CDL skills test waived if you have some 12-month experience driving a commercial military motor vehicle or Armed Forces equivalent. Let’s fill out this application to waive the skills exam. However, you still need to take the written tests and pay fees.

 

4. What are Kansas CDL Endorsements?

 

CDL endorsements are crucial for those who operate particular types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). You need to also apply for the appropriate CDL endorsement you are seeking once applying for your CDL. Here are the different endorsements you can take:

  • H Endorsement 

With a H endorsement, a CDL holder is allowed to drive a vehicle carrying HAZMAT. You must first pass a written knowledge test to demonstrate your readiness to transport hazardous materials before you can acquire a HAZMAT endorsement.

  • N Endorsement 

A driver who has a N CDL endorsement can operate a tanker vehicle (vehicles that haul resources in the form of liquid and gasses). A driver must pass a written knowledge test in order to receive the tanker CDL endorsement N.

  • P Endorsement 

You must first obtain a P endorsement if you want to drive a car or bus that has 16 or more seats, not counting you, the driver. Only individuals who have aced both a written and a driving test are eligible for the passenger P endorsement. Separate paperwork and a federal background check are required for school bus drivers (as school bus drivers require two different endorsements).

  • S Endorsement 

The S endorsement is the second license a school bus driver is required to have. As previously mentioned, you must first pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test, and a background check in order to acquire a S endorsement.

  • T Endorsement 

You are able to operate either a double or triple trailer with the T endorsement. You must pass a written knowledge test in order to receive a T endorsement.

  • X Endorsement 

You can drive a vehicle that is hauling HAZMAT inside a tank if you have the X endorsement. You must pass a written knowledge test in order to receive this combo endorsement.

  • What are Kansas CDL Restrictions?

The Kansas CDL restrictions marked on your CDL will limit the vehicles types and loads, you can operate like CDL endorsements 

B: Corrective lenses

D: Prosthetic aid

L: No Air Brakes

M:  No CDL Class A Bus

N:  No CDL Class A or Class B Bus

J08: Seasonal CDL

J10:  Non-Resident CDL

J20:  Temporary Resident

 

5. Kansas CDL Testing Locations

 

The CDL Road/ Skills Test is offered at the following Kansas CDL testing locations

 

No. Title Address Description
1 Allen Driver License Office Courthouse, 1 N.

Washington Street, Iola, KS 66749

 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday)
2 Atchison Driver License Office Courthouse, 423 N. 5th Street, Atchison, KS 66002 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 8 – 10:15 a.m. to 1 – 2:45 p.m., Wednesday & Friday)
3 Barton Driver License Office Courthouse, 1400 Main Street, Suite 207, Great Bend, KS 67530 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday & Friday)
4 Bourbon Driver License Office Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-6319 (CDL written tests: 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Tuesday & Friday)
5 Butler Andover Driver License Office 640 N. Andover Road, Andover, KS 67002 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday & Friday)
6 Cherokee Driver License Office Community Bldg, 1101 E. Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS 66713 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1:15 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday & Friday)
7 Cloud Driver License Office 811 Washington Street, Suite B, Concordia, KS 66901 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
8 Coffey Driver License Office Courthouse, 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, KS 66839 Phone: 620-364-5532 (CDL written tests: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1:15 to 2:45 p.m., Tuesday)
9 Cowley Driver License Office 22215 D Street, Winfield, KS 67156 Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday & Friday)
10 Pittsburg Driver License 202 E. Centennial Drive, suite C11A, Pittsburg Phone: 785-296-6834

(CDL written tests: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday & Friday)

 

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas CDL?

 

6.1. How much does it cost to get a class A CDL in Kansas? 

 

In Kansas, obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) costs $13.00. The CDL application fee is $41.00.

 

6.2. Is an Entry Level Driver Training Program required to get a CDL in Kansas?

 

Yes, you must finish an Entry Level Driver Training Program if you received your Kansas CDL permit after 2/7/2022.

 

6.3. Where can I take CDL Practice Tests?

 

CDL Test Pro provides users with numerous Kansas CDL  practice questions about safe commercial driving practices based on the real CDL written exam and information from the Kansas Commercial Driver License Manual. Furthermore, detailed explanations which help you have a closer look at the concepts that you’ll need to understand to pass your written exam on the first attempt will be displayed right after you have finished your tests. Good luck with your practice test, and drive safely!