300+ Free KS CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
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When checking lights and reflectors, the driver should verify that they are:
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Key Facts: KS CDL General Knowledge Exam
80%
Minimum CDL knowledge-test passing score
FMCSA
At least 30
Minimum items on each basic knowledge test
FMCSA
14 days
Kansas CLP holding period before skills test
KDOR
$13
Regular Kansas CDL permit total
KDOR fee chart
$41
New CDL issuance with testing for applicants over 21
KDOR fee chart
$2
Printed Kansas CDL handbook copy listed by KDOR
KDOR
Kansas CDL applicants take the General Knowledge test as the common base knowledge exam before moving through the CLP and skills-test process. KDOR directs applicants to complete required written exams, obtain a CDL permit, hold the permit at least 14 days, and complete ELDT when required. FMCSA requires basic CDL knowledge tests to cover the 20 general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and use an 80% passing standard. Kansas lists a $13 regular CDL permit and a $41 new CDL issuance total with testing for applicants over 21.
Sample KS CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your KS CDL General Knowledge exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which Kansas CDL knowledge test is taken by all commercial driver license applicants?
2After passing required Kansas CDL knowledge tests, how long must a CLP generally be held before the CDL skills test?
3What is the minimum passing score for CDL knowledge tests under FMCSA standards?
4Under FMCSA standards, each basic CDL knowledge test must contain at least how many items?
5Which agency administers Kansas CDL licensing and publishes the Kansas CDL manual?
6What should be checked first in the seven-step vehicle inspection method?
7During tire inspection, what minimum tread depth is required on front steering axle tires?
8What minimum tread depth is required on most non-steering axle tires?
9Which emergency equipment should a CMV carry?
10When checking lights and reflectors, the driver should verify that they are:
About the KS CDL General Knowledge Exam
The Kansas CDL General Knowledge test is the base knowledge exam for Kansas commercial driver license applicants. It is administered through the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles and is based on the Kansas Commercial Driver License Manual plus federal CDL minimum standards. The exam covers safe operation regulations, vehicle control systems, basic control, shifting, backing, visual search, communication, speed and space management, night and adverse-weather driving, hazards, emergencies, skid recovery, cargo control, vehicle inspections, fatigue and health, alcohol and drug effects, and Kansas CDL licensing requirements.
Assessment
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items; Kansas administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.
Time Limit
Set by KDOR testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources
Passing Score
80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests
Exam Fee
$41 new CDL issuance with testing for applicants over 21; $13 regular CDL permit; $10 each endorsement (Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles)
KS CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline
Kansas CDL Basics
Kansas CDL classes, required tests, CLP process, 14-day permit hold, ELDT, Truckers Against Trafficking training, office scheduling, and fee chart
Vehicle Inspection
Pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections; brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, leaks, mirrors, emergency equipment, and defect reporting
Basic Control, Shifting, and Backing
Starting, stopping, backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting procedures, speed control, and maneuvering large vehicles
Seeing, Communication, Speed, and Space
Visual search, mirror use, signaling, communicating presence, stopping distance, following distance, traffic gaps, and overhead clearance
Adverse Conditions and Emergencies
Night driving, fog, rain, heat, mountain grades, hazard perception, evasive steering, brake failure, blowouts, fires, skids, and fatigue
Cargo, Alcohol, Drugs, and Regulations
Cargo securement, weight distribution, driver responsibilities, fatigue, health, alcohol/drug effects, and Kansas/FMCSA CDL regulations
How to Pass the KS CDL General Knowledge Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests
- Assessment: FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items; Kansas administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.
- Time limit: Set by KDOR testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources
- Exam fee: $41 new CDL issuance with testing for applicants over 21; $13 regular CDL permit; $10 each endorsement
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
KS CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take the Kansas CDL General Knowledge test?
The Kansas CDL manual lists the General Knowledge test as the knowledge test taken by all CDL applicants. Depending on vehicle class and endorsements, applicants may also need tests such as Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples, or Hazardous Materials.
What score do I need to pass the Kansas CDL General Knowledge test?
FMCSA requires applicants to correctly answer at least 80 percent of questions on CDL knowledge tests. Kansas CDL testing must meet those federal minimum standards.
How many questions are on the Kansas CDL General Knowledge test?
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. KDOR administers Kansas CDL knowledge exams; the official public sources reviewed do not publish a separate Kansas-specific General Knowledge item count beyond the federal minimum standard.
How much does the Kansas CDL permit or license cost?
The Kansas fee chart lists a regular CDL permit at $13. For a new CDL issuance with testing, any class for an applicant over 21, Kansas lists $18 issuance, $15 test, and $8 photo, totaling $41. Endorsements are listed at $10 each.
What should I study for the Kansas CDL General Knowledge test?
Study the Kansas Commercial Driver License Manual general knowledge material, especially inspections, vehicle control, shifting, seeing, communication, speed and space, adverse conditions, emergencies, cargo, fatigue, alcohol/drugs, and Kansas CDL licensing steps.
Does Kansas require ELDT before the CDL skills test?
KDOR guidance states applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training to obtain a Kansas CDL, and scheduling guidance says the driving exam can be scheduled once the permit is received and ELDT is complete, at least 14 days from permit issuance for covered applicants.