Kansas CDL General Knowledge Test (KS) 5

5 out of 5 (39 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
As you prepare for your CDL exam in Kansas, our fifth practice test is a pivotal tool for your success. Designed to mirror the real written permit test experience, this Kansas CDL general knowledge practice test consists of 50 carefully crafted DMV questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 of them. But don't worry, this isn't just any set of questions. Each one is a valuable opportunity to refine your understanding and application of the official Kansas CDL driver's manual - the same source used for the actual CDL written test in 2026. If it's in the manual, it might be on your test; if it's not, you won't find it here! Our Kansas CDL practice test does more than just assess your knowledge. It immerses you in real-life driving scenarios that you're likely to encounter on the road. This practical approach ensures that you're not only ready for the 2026 Kansas DMV general knowledge test but also for the real-world challenges of commercial driving. The scenarios range from navigating traffic to handling hazardous conditions, offering a comprehensive preparation experience. Furthermore, the structure and content of our practice questions are closely aligned with those you'll encounter on the actual Kansas DMV permit test. This alignment ensures that every minute you spend practicing is an investment in your testing confidence and competence. With each question, you'll get a feel for the format and the types of questions you'll face, reducing surprises and boosting your readiness. Remember, each time you take this Kansas CDL general knowledge test, the same set of questions will appear. This consistency allows you to measure your progress and focus on areas where you need more review. It's not just about passing the DMV practice test; it's about building a foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve you well as a professional driver in Kansas and beyond!
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Sample Kansas CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

Your rear drive wheels begin spinning during acceleration on a very slippery road. How should you correct the skid?

  1. A Apply more power to force the tires to grip
  2. B Brake hard while continuing to accelerate
  3. C Ease off the accelerator and depress the clutch so the wheels can roll freely
  4. D Turn sharply away from the direction of the skid

Correct answer: C – Ease off the accelerator and depress the clutch so the wheels can roll freely

Acceleration skids commonly occur on ice or snow when excessive power causes the drive wheels to lose traction. Ease off the accelerator to stop the wheel spin. If the surface is very slippery, depress the clutch so the engine does not prevent the wheels from rolling freely and regaining traction.

Source: Kansas Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.19.1, “Drive-wheel Skids”

Question 2

A funeral procession with the right-of-way is moving through a Kansas intersection. What should the driver of a regular commercial vehicle do?

  1. A Enter whenever the traffic signal turns green
  2. B Cross between procession vehicles if a gap appears large enough
  3. C Proceed first if the commercial vehicle is difficult to stop
  4. D Wait until the procession has cleared the intersection

Correct answer: D – Wait until the procession has cleared the intersection

Kansas law generally gives a funeral procession the right-of-way at intersections, allowing procession vehicles to follow the lead vehicle through. Other drivers should wait rather than enter between procession vehicles. The procession must yield to an approaching authorized emergency vehicle, obey a police officer’s directions, and exercise due care; a vehicle more than 300 feet behind the preceding procession vehicle loses that right-of-way.

Source: K.S.A. 8-1350(b) – Same; Right-of-way at Intersections; Funeral Escort Rights and Duties; Exceptions

Question 3

A 40-foot commercial vehicle is traveling at 50 mph. What following interval should its driver maintain under good conditions?

  1. A At least 3 seconds
  2. B At least 4 seconds
  3. C At least 7 seconds
  4. D At least 5 seconds

Correct answer: D – At least 5 seconds

For a 40-foot commercial vehicle in Kansas, the CDL spacing rule begins with four seconds—one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length. Because the speed is above 40 mph, add another second. The recommended following interval is therefore at least five seconds under good conditions, with additional space needed on slippery roads.

Source: Kansas Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.7.1, “Space Ahead”

Question 4

Which action is part of the stab-braking method?

  1. A Applying only enough pressure to prevent the wheels from locking
  2. B Applying the brakes fully, releasing when the wheels lock, and reapplying after they roll
  3. C Holding light, steady pressure until the vehicle stops
  4. D Pumping the brakes lightly without making a full application

Correct answer: B – Applying the brakes fully, releasing when the wheels lock, and reapplying after they roll

With stab braking, apply the brakes fully and release them when the wheels lock. Wait until the wheels begin rolling, then apply the brakes fully again. Reapplying before the wheels roll can prevent the vehicle from straightening. This differs from controlled braking, which uses maximum pressure without intentionally locking the wheels.

Source: Kansas Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.17.2, “How to Stop Quickly and Safely”

Question 5

An empty truck normally has better braking traction than a loaded truck.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

Empty trucks generally have less traction and may require more stopping distance than expected. Heavy-vehicle brakes, tires, springs, and shock absorbers are designed to work best when the vehicle is loaded. With less weight on the tires, the wheels can lock more readily, increasing the possibility of a skid.

Source: Kansas Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.6.1, “Speed and Stopping Distance”

Question 6

Some over-the-counter cold medicines can make a commercial driver drowsy.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: A – True

Cold medicines and other over-the-counter drugs may cause drowsiness or otherwise reduce safe driving ability. Read warning labels and follow medical instructions before driving. Federal rules prohibit using a substance to a degree that makes a driver incapable of safe operation; the medical-practitioner exception applies only when the practitioner advises that the substance will not impair safe driving.

Source: Kansas Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.22.2, “Other Drugs”, 49 CFR § 392.4(a)(4), (c) – Drugs and Other Substances