Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Kansas Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
1. When driving:
Operators driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You must continually adjust your speed to a rate that is safe for road and traffic conditions.
2. If exiting a bus during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must:
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
3. If you need to travel down a hill, you should switch into a lower gear:
Always downshift before beginning to drive downhill. Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at a high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to a loss of ability to engine brake. Drive at a speed that will allow you to control your vehicle without overusing your brakes. When determining a safe speed to drive, you should take into account the steepness of the grade, the length of the grade, the weight of your vehicle, road conditions, and weather conditions.
4. If you are turning left and there are two available left turn lanes, which lane should you choose?
A large vehicle may need to swing right to make a left turn. If an intersection has two left turn lanes, the driver should choose the righthand land to begin their turn.
5. The front of an enclosed trailer should:
When inspecting an enclosed trailer as a part of the vehicle inspection test, check the front area of the trailer for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or holes.
6. If asked to sight-side back your vehicle into an alley, you should first:
If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.
7. If a driver begins to feel fatigued while driving, they should:
If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, the only safe response is to safely leave the road and get some sleep. Using artificial stimulants can be dangerous because they may cause extreme fatigue when they begin to wear off.
Ranked by best match
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Kansas:
1. Obtain a Kansas Commercial Driver's License Manual from your local DMV office or download it from the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
2. Meet the basic requirements for CDL licensure in Kansas, which include being at least 18 years of age for intrastate driving and 21 years of age for interstate driving, having a valid non-commercial driver's license, and passing a medical examination.
3. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the CDL knowledge tests for the Class B license and any endorsements you may need, such as for hazardous materials or passenger transport. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency.
4. Practice driving with your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
5. Schedule and pass the CDL skills test, which consists of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving test.
6. Pay the required fees and obtain your Class B CDL license from the DMV office.
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of commercial driving, such as school buses or tanker trucks. It is also important to maintain your CDL by meeting all state and federal requirements for medical certification, training, and testing.
Here are some examples of the types of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license:
- Straight trucks: Box trucks, dump trucks, delivery trucks, and other single-unit vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- School buses: Buses used to transport students to and from school or other educational activities.
- Passenger buses: Buses used for commercial purposes, such as charter buses or city transit buses, that can carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
- Large tow trucks: Tow trucks used to transport heavy vehicles such as tractors or buses.
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of commercial driving, such as for hazardous materials or passenger transport. It is important to know the specific requirements and restrictions associated with your Class B CDL license and any endorsements you hold.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years of age for intrastate driving and 21 years of age for interstate driving.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid non-commercial driver's license.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and provide proof of medical certification to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
4. Knowledge tests: You must pass the CDL knowledge tests for the Class B license and any endorsements you may need, such as for hazardous materials or passenger transport.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing the CDL knowledge tests and providing proof of identity and residency.
6. Skills test: You must pass the CDL skills test, which consists of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving test.
7. Fees: You must pay the required fees to obtain your Class B CDL license.
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of commercial driving, such as school buses or tanker trucks. It is also important to maintain your CDL by meeting all state and federal requirements for medical certification, training, and testing.
It's important to note that even if you meet the age requirement, you will still need to meet other requirements, such as passing the CDL knowledge and skills tests, obtaining a commercial learner's permit (CLP), and providing proof of medical certification. Additionally, some employers may have their own age requirements for certain driving positions.
1. Passenger endorsement: If you plan to operate a Class B vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), you will need to obtain a Passenger Endorsement (P) in addition to your Class B license.
2. Hazardous materials endorsement: If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) in addition to your Class B license.
Other endorsements that you may need for certain types of commercial driving include:
- Air brakes endorsement: Required if the vehicle you plan to operate has air brakes.
- Combination vehicles endorsement: Required if you plan to operate combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Tanker endorsement: Required if you plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
- School bus endorsement: Required if you plan to operate a school bus.
It's important to note that each endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test and, in some cases, additional skills testing. Additionally, there may be additional requirements for obtaining certain endorsements, such as background checks for the hazardous materials endorsement.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. The examiner will evaluate your ability to identify and report any defects or safety issues.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. The examiner will evaluate your ability to use the vehicle's controls and maneuver it safely.
3. Road test: You will be required to drive the vehicle on public roads while demonstrating your ability to follow traffic laws, communicate with other drivers, and make safe decisions in various driving situations.
During each part of the skills test, the examiner will be evaluating your ability to operate the vehicle safely and efficiently while following all applicable laws and regulations. It's important to note that the skills test is conducted in an actual commercial motor vehicle (CMV), so you must have access to a properly equipped vehicle for testing purposes.
In addition to passing the skills test, you must also pass the CDL knowledge test and meet other requirements, such as obtaining a commercial learner's permit (CLP), providing proof of medical certification, and meeting age and residency requirements.
1. No passenger endorsement: If you do not have a Passenger Endorsement (P), you are not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
2. No hazardous materials endorsement: If you do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H), you are not allowed to transport hazardous materials.
3. No combination vehicles: If you do not have a Combination Vehicles Endorsement (X), you are not allowed to operate combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.
4. Air brake restriction: If you took the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.
5. Automatic transmission restriction: If you took the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
It's important to note that some restrictions and limitations may be lifted if you later obtain the necessary endorsements or pass additional skills tests. Additionally, some employers may have their own restrictions or requirements for their drivers, so it's important to check with your employer before operating any commercial vehicle.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to receive assistance from someone who can translate the test for you. This person must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a CDL holder themselves. They must also sign an affidavit stating that they will accurately translate the questions and answers on the test.
It's important to note that even if you receive assistance from a translator, you will still need to demonstrate a basic understanding of English in order to obtain a Class B CDL. This includes being able to communicate with law enforcement officers, read highway signs and signals, and complete various paperwork required for commercial driving.
To request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you will need to contact the KDOR's Driver Solutions Bureau. You will be required to provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. This documentation may include medical records, a letter from your healthcare provider, or other evidence that supports your request.
The KDOR will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your individual needs. Accommodations may include alternative testing formats (such as Braille or large print), additional testing time, or other modifications that will help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the test.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the test date. If you have any questions about requesting accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you can contact the KDOR's Driver Solutions Bureau for assistance.
It's important to prepare thoroughly for the Class B CDL written test to avoid failing multiple times and incurring additional testing fees. You can study the Kansas CDL Manual, which covers the information you need to know to pass the test. You can also take practice tests online or through a CDL training program to help you identify areas where you may need additional study.
If you fail the Class B CDL written test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it. If you fail a fourth time, you will need to wait at least 60 days before retaking it. If you fail a fifth time, you will need to wait at least 180 days before retaking it.
It's important to note that passing the Class B CDL written test is just one step in obtaining a CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. It's important to work with a qualified CDL training program or instructor who can help prepare you for both the written and skills tests.