Kansas CDL Requirements

How to get a CDL in Kansas through the Division of Vehicles, including fees, testing, and training options.

CDL Classes and Eligibility

The Kansas Division of Vehicles (part of the Department of Revenue) issues CDLs in three classes. Class A covers combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs towing over 10,000 lbs. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs. Class C covers hazmat or passenger vehicles. Applicants must be 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate. Kansas requires a valid Kansas driver license, Social Security card, proof of Kansas residency, and US citizenship/legal presence. ELDT requirements apply. Kansas has approximately 20 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers, with training available in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City area, and other cities.

Testing and Fees

The Kansas CDL costs $18 for a 4-year or $24 for a 6-year license. The CLP costs $10 and is valid for 180 days. Knowledge tests are $5 per attempt at driver license offices. Skills tests are $25 at state-administered sites or $150-$300 at third-party testers. Kansas maintains multiple skills testing locations throughout the state. Knowledge tests are available in English and Spanish. The state allows three skills test attempts before additional training is required. Kansas's low CDL fees make it very affordable to enter the industry. The Kansas City metro area has the most testing availability due to population concentration.

Training and Endorsements

Kansas offers affordable CDL training. Johnson County Community College (Overland Park), Wichita Area Technical College, and Hutchinson Community College offer CDL programs at $2,000-$4,000. Private schools charge $3,500-$7,000. The Kansas Department of Commerce offers workforce training funds through WIOA. Endorsements follow federal standards. The most in-demand in Kansas are T (Double/Triple, for I-70 corridor LTL operations), N (Tank, for oil/gas and chemical transport in south-central Kansas), and H (Hazmat). The aircraft manufacturing industry in Wichita creates niche demand for flatbed drivers experienced with oversized aviation components. YRC Worldwide (now Yellow, headquartered in Overland Park) was historically a major employer of T-endorsed drivers.

FAQs — Kansas CDL Requirements

The Kansas CDL is $18 (4-year) or $24 (6-year) — very affordable. CLP is $10. Knowledge tests are $5. Skills test is $25 at state sites or $150-$300 at third-party. CDL school costs $2,000-$4,000 at community colleges or $3,500-$7,000 at private schools.

Double/Triple (T) for I-70 LTL corridor operations, Tank (N) for oil/gas and chemical transport in south-central Kansas, and Hazmat (H). The aircraft industry in Wichita creates demand for flatbed drivers handling oversized aviation components. All endorsements are in demand given Kansas's freight diversity.

Johnson County Community College (Overland Park), Wichita Area Technical College, and Hutchinson Community College offer programs at $2,000-$4,000. Private schools run $3,500-$7,000. Kansas Commerce Department provides WIOA training funds for eligible applicants. Kansas City-area has the most training options.