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Get your Kansas CDL — government fees ($48), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$48
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider
Required before taking CDL skills or knowledge tests
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate. Effective 6/2/2025, Kansas requires electronic submission from the National Registry.
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a driver's license office with required documents. Pass vision screening and written exams (general knowledge, air brakes, combination).
First knowledge test attempt costs $3; retests are $1.50
Fee: $13Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP valid for 6 months; renewable once for another 6 months
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule skills exam by calling or emailing your preferred testing office. Pass pre-trip inspection, basic operating skills, and driving skills tests.
Exams typically take up to 1.5 hours; by appointment only
Fee: $15Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL fee and receive your Kansas CDL at a full-service driver's license office
4-year license for applicants age 21 and over
Fee: $20Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($13) + CDL ($20) + state skills test ($15)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $15
$10 for retests
Three-Part Exam
CDL skills exams are by appointment only at designated testing offices
Third-party fee: $50–$150 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
CDL skills exams by appointment only. Call or email preferred testing office to schedule.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Kansas
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$13
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$26
4-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Kansas CDLs are valid for 4 years. Must renew in person at a full-service driver's license office. Vision exam and written knowledge test required at each renewal.
Regulatory Board
Visit a full-service Kansas driver's license office with your valid out-of-state CDL and required documents. Pass a vision exam. A $1 penalty fee applies if not transferred within 150 days of establishing Kansas residency.
Transfer Fee
$20
$1 late penalty if not transferred within 150 days
Timeline
Within 150 days of establishing Kansas residency (penalty after 150 days)
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision exam required; written and skills tests generally waived for valid CDL transfers
Kansas offers a Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Program for qualified active duty and recently separated military personnel with equivalent CMV driving experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Kansas.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Kansas range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Kansas
Kansas is one of the few states requiring a written knowledge test at every renewal, not just initial issuance. Kansas has among the lowest total government fees for CDL at approximately $48. Kansas has a generous 150-day transfer window (vs. typical 30 days).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#28 of 51
Cost
#3 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$47,000
25th percentile
Median
$56,940
-1% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$65,760
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
23,250 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Commercial Driver's License
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Commercial Driver's License
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Commercial Driver's License
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Kansas.