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Kansas General Knowledge Test

You'll face questions about Kansas' infamous crosswinds on I-70 near Colby – prepare for them here.

140
Questions
80%
To Pass
60
Minutes

140 questions · 60 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Kansas CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Kansas General Knowledge Test

Kansas roads demand your full attention. You'll drive on long, straight stretches of I-70 where wind gusts can reach 50 mph. Winter brings ice on I-35 near Emporia, and summer means blinding dust on US-54 around Dodge City. Our test covers these real conditions so you're ready for anything.

Agriculture drives Kansas – you'll haul grain from elevators in Garden City, livestock from feedlots near Pratt, and oil field equipment from the Cherokee lowlands. Know the weight limits for those loads. Also understand how to handle sudden stops when a tractor pulls onto the highway.

We focus on the CDL manual's core topics but always tie them back to Kansas. You won't find generic questions here. Every scenario matches something you'll actually see on our roads. Pass once, drive with confidence.

Kansas sits at the center of the country's freight network. I-70 crosses the state from Kansas City to Denver, and I-35 connects Wichita to Oklahoma and Texas. The state is a major agricultural producer, and its highways carry grain, livestock, and equipment hauls year-round. Our general knowledge practice test mirrors the official Kansas DOR CDL written exam.

Kansas's flat, open terrain means long straight highways where fatigue and high winds are the primary hazards. Strong crosswinds across the Great Plains can push empty trailers, and winter ice storms can coat highways with little warning. The exam tests wind awareness, fatigue management, and winter driving.

Topics Covered

✓Pre-trip inspection – critical for Kansas' long hauls where breakdowns strand you miles from help
✓Air brakes – essential when hauling heavy grain loads down I-135's steep grades
✓Combination vehicles – master backing into tight grain elevator docks
✓Hazardous materials – needed if you transport propane to rural farms or oil to refineries
✓Speed management – different rules for Kansas' 75 mph interstate vs. 55 mph two-lane highways
✓Night driving – deer on US-83 and unlighted farm equipment demand extra caution

Study Tips

Read the Kansas CDL manual front to back – the test pulls questions straight from it. Pay extra attention to the air brake section because Kansas' flat terrain makes them vital for stopping heavy trucks. Don't skip the combination vehicle chapter either; you'll use fifth-wheel couplings on most rigs here.

Take our practice test repeatedly until you score 90% or higher. Focus on the questions you get wrong. Kansas DMV also offers a free online CDL knowledge test preview – use that alongside ours. Finally, know your endorsements: a tanker endorsement helps with livestock feed liquid haulers, and hazmat is common for oil field contractors.

Kansas Specific Information

  • You can take your CDL knowledge test at 12 Kansas DMV offices – locations include Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, Hays, Dodge City, Garden City, Pittsburg, Manhattan, Emporia, Liberal, and Junction City. Schedule your appointment online through the Kansas Department of Revenue's website. Walk-ins rarely work, so book ahead.

    The knowledge test costs $10 per attempt, payable by cash or card. Bring your current Kansas driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If you don't pass, you can retake it the same day after a one-hour wait. Your passing score stays valid for 12 months – use that time to complete the skills test.

  • The Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles (DOR) requires a knowledge test for all CDL classes; the general knowledge exam is the foundation for every commercial license.
  • I-70 across Kansas is a major cross-country corridor — long, straight stretches require fatigue management and rest planning.
  • Strong crosswinds across the Great Plains can push empty trailers; the exam tests wind-steer and rollover prevention.
  • Agricultural hauls of grain, wheat, and livestock are heavy on rural highways, especially during harvest season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL for a farm truck in Kansas?
Yes, if you haul agricultural products across state lines or your truck's GVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds. Kansas has specific farm exemptions, but you'll still need a CDL for certain operations.
How do I get a Kansas CDL if I'm from another state?
You'll need to transfer your CDL within 90 days. Provide proof of your current CDL, pass the vision test, and take the Kansas written knowledge test. No skills test required if your license is current.
What's the minimum age for a Kansas CDL?
You must be 18 for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate. Kansas also requires you to hold a valid Kansas driver's license for at least one year.
Can I take the CDL test in Spanish in Kansas?
Yes, the written test is available in Spanish at most locations. You'll need to request it when scheduling your appointment.
How long is the Kansas CDL knowledge test valid?
Your passing score lasts for 12 months. You must complete the skills test within that time or retake the knowledge test.
JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content