You are going to start your career in commercial driving in your state – Kansas, yet you do not know how to get CDL in Kansas? Fortunately, you are now in the right place. Although getting a Commercial Driver License in Kansas is not an extremely difficult task, it involves quite a lot of complicated steps and requirements; from gathering necessary documents, arranging for medical check to carefully preparing for the CDL test.
Do not worry! That’s the reason why we are here to help. Scrolling down and everything you need to know is right ahead.
What are the requirements for a CDL license in Kansas?
To ensure that drivers are comprehensively qualified for commercial driving, the Kansas Department of Revenue has issued multiple requirements that any driver dreaming of embarking in a driving career must meet, from age standard to necessary documents. Now let’s explore what you need specifically to acquire before getting a Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas.
There are several requirements you must be assure listed below:
Age standard
To be eligible for the Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas, you must be at least 18 years old. However, if want to drive outside Kansas or to transport hazardous material on your vehicle, 21 years old is the minimum age
Proof of U.S citizen
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas, you must first prove that you are currently a lawful U.S citizen. To do so, you can provide one of these documents
- Certified birth certificate filed with an office of vital statistics or equivalent agency from your birth state, a U.S territory or the district of Columbia
Note: Hospital, City, and Bureau of Census birth registrations can not be accepted
- An unexpired U.S Passport or passport card
- Certificate of Naturalisation
- Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S Consular Report of Birth Abroad
It is recommended that you should bring the document containing your full legal name to avoid more documents required.
Proof of Kansas residency
In addition to citizen’s verification, you are also asked to show your Kansas’s residency certificate. Specifically, you must submit documents that include your current name and address in Kansas. Below are document accepted, choose two available ones to prove your residency
- Kansas DL or ID renewal postcard
- Current Kansas vehicle registration or title
- Utility bill or equivalent no more than two months old
- Financial institution such as a bank statement, deed or mortgage
- Rent or lease agreement
- Kansas Voter Registration Card
- Current auto, life or homeowner’s insurance bill with applicant’s name and address
- Current educational transcript/school grade card
- Current professional license by a U.S agency
- Current W-2 or 1099
- Mail from a federal, state, county or city agency
- Department of Corrections Certificate of Identification
Social Security number
You also need a document that contains your full name and your Social Security number. These are options for you
- Social Security Card with your current full name
- Current W-2 or 1099
- Current pay stub with Social Security number
Medical Certification
As a part of CDL, medical certification of the applicant is also required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. This certification is required to ensure that you have passed the medical check where your health and physical fitness are assured by an official institution.
How to get CDL in Kansas?
There are several steps involved in getting a CDL in Kansas, now let’s check it out!
Take the CDL written knowledge test
Similar to other states in the US, Kansas also requires you to acquire a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you can take the official Commercial Driver’s License test.
To get the Commercial Learner’s Permit, you must pass a written knowledge test in which your knowledge in vehicle operation, safety regulations, and other relevant topics will be tested. Specifically, knowledge test will include:
General Knowledge test
The General Knowledge test includes 50 questions about general understanding of types of vehicles as well as knowledge in navigating them. To pass the General Knowledge test you must answer at least 40 questions correctly.
Worry not to pass this test? We are here to help!
Air Brakes test (if applicable)
This test will test your knowledge in operating vehicles that use the air brakes. Specifically, you should perform your understanding of several topics:
- Components of the air brake system
- How the system works
- Pre-trip inspection procedures
- Emergency and parking brakes
- Identifying warning signals
There are a total of 20 questions in the test, and you must get 20 questions correct to pass.
Ace the Kansas Air Brakes test now!
Combination Vehicles test (if applicable)
This part of the written knowledge test consists of 20 questions in which your understanding in operating combination vehicles will be examined. 16 out of 20 questions are needed to pass this test.
Seems to be easy? Test your ability on the Kansas CDL Combination Vehicle test today!
Once you pass the written knowledge test, you will receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit which allows you to take the Skills/Road test. However, you should keep in mind that the CLP must be held at least 14 days before you can take the last step – the Skills/Road test.
Take the CDL skill tests
You are coming to the final step to get Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas – CDL test which is by far the most decisive part. The Skills/Road test consists of three parts:
Pre-trip inspection
In this section, you will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle to demonstrate your understanding of its critical safety features. You will need to identify key parts of the truck, including the engines, lights, brakes, tires, and other essential elements.
Be sure to explain what you are inspecting and why, as examiners assess both your knowledge and thoroughness.
Basic vehicle control
Next, you will need to show proficiency with basic vehicle controls in a closed area. This includes skills like backing up, parking, and making precise turns. Practice these movements carefully, as this part of the test is designed to evaluate your ability to operate the vehicle in various situations without endangering others or damaging property.
On-road driving
The final part is the road test, where you’ll drive on public roads to prove you can handle real-life driving scenarios. You’ll encounter various conditions, including intersections, curves, and lane changes, where you’ll demonstrate defensive driving, adherence to traffic laws, and awareness of other road users.
Once you pass this test, you will be issued a Commercial Driver’s License which legally recognizes you as a commercial driver in Kansas.
Receive the actual license
Passing the knowledge test and skills test means that you are now able to get your official Commercial Driver’s License. Right after finishing the skills test, you will be informed by the testing center of the result of your performance and whether you have passed or not. Still, there are several things you need to get it done
- Submit required documents
- Pay the license fee
- Receive the temporary CDL
- Issued an actual CDL within 7-10 business days
Ready? Now it is time to ace your driving career in Kansas!
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Kansas?
The cost to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas is about 54$ including: $13 for the Commercial Learner’s Permit and $41 for the CDL test.
In addition, there are some fees involved:
- Endorsements: $10 each.
- Written exam retest fee: $1.50.
- Skills exam retest fee: $10.
- Replacement CDL: $16.
2. How do I get my CDL in KS?
To get your CDL in Kansas, follow these steps:
- Prepare the necessary documents, including proof of Kansas residency and a valid driver’s license.
- Pass a DOT physical exam.
- Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and pass the knowledge test.
- Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-certified provider.
After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, pass the CDL skills/road test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a driving test.
3. How long does it take to get your CDL in Kansas?
Depending on several factors, the time you can get a CDL in Kansas varies, typically about 3-4 weeks. This includes the required 160 hours of classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and practical experience. However, part-time programs or delays in passing the knowledge or skills tests may extend the time needed to obtain the CDL.
4. What requires a CDL in Kansas?
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required in Kansas for drivers who operate vehicles that:
- Weigh 26,001 pounds or more (gross vehicle weight rating).
- Transport hazardous materials requiring placarding.
- Carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, such as buses or large passenger vans. CDL classifications include Class A (for combination vehicles), Class B (for single vehicles), and Class C (for transporting hazardous materials or large passenger loads).
5. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Kansas?
According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, you can not drive a commercial vehicle if you are disqualified. There are several circumstances that might disqualify you:
- Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and Commision of a felony
- Violation of Out-of-service orders
- Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations
- Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualifications’
- Traffic violations in your personal vehicle
6. Can a felon get a CDL in Kansas?
Yes, felons can typically obtain a CDL in Kansas, depending on the nature of the felony. Certain convictions, particularly those related to vehicle operation, transportation of hazardous materials, or drug trafficking, may disqualify someone from getting a CDL. Each case is evaluated individually, and factors like the time since the conviction, the type of offense, and rehabilitation efforts may influence eligibility. It’s recommended to consult with local authorities or the Kansas Department of Revenue for specific guidelines.
7. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Kansas?
There is still a chance that you can get a CDL with a DUI in Kansas; however, there might be some restrictions to your license. A first-time DUI conviction may result in a temporary suspension of your CDL privileges, typically for one year. However, after completing the suspension and fulfilling any court requirements (such as alcohol education programs), you may reapply for your CDL. Keep in mind that even with a single DUI, obtaining employment in the trucking industry can be more challenging, as many employers prefer drivers with clean records.
8. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUIs in Kansas?
Yes, you can still get a CDL with 2 DUIs in Kansas. However, severe punishments will be implemented. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, the 2th occurrence of DUI conviction typically leads to
- 1 year suspension
- 1 or 2 year interlock depending on the severity of the violation
- $400 Reinstatement fee.
Final thoughts
Although getting a Commercial Driver’s License in Kansas involves many steps which may discourage you from pursuing it, you can certainly get through it step by step following our instruction above. Ready to prepare necessary certification, your physical health to pass the very first rounds, and then ace the CDL test by regularly practicing the Kansas CDL practice test. Hope this blog post is helpful; otherwise, you can leave questions below for further discussion.
