What's the Passing Score on the Kansas CDL General Knowledge Test?
40 out of 50 — 80% — passes Kansas's CDL General Knowledge test. The threshold is federal; the waiting period built around it is Kansas's own.
One national number, one state-specific wait
49 CFR Part 383 sets the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and 80% nationwide, with Kansas's Division of Vehicles administering that standard rather than writing its own.
Passing the knowledge test gets you a CLP, but Kansas requires holding it at least 14 days before the skills test can even be scheduled — passing early doesn't shorten that wait.
Why a strong first attempt matters here specifically
With a mandatory 14-day gap ahead of you regardless of how the knowledge test goes, there's no advantage to rushing in underprepared just to "see where you stand."
A 12-month CLP window gives you room to schedule ELDT and the skills test comfortably, but only once the written test is behind you.
The material that actually costs points
Air brake PSI thresholds and hours-of-service caps are memorization, not intuition — get the exact number wrong and the question is wrong, no partial credit for being close.
Cargo securement's 50-mile-then-150-mile recheck sequence is a common one to reverse under pressure.
A missed practice question is only useful if you read the full explanation — the correct letter alone teaches nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kansas require a higher passing score than 80% for the CDL test?
No. 49 CFR Part 383 fixes the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and an 80% passing threshold nationwide — Kansas's Division of Vehicles administers that federal standard rather than setting its own.
Can I take the skills test right after passing the knowledge test?
No — Kansas requires holding the CLP for at least 14 days before the skills test can be scheduled, regardless of how quickly you passed the written test.
What score should I aim for on practice tests?
Aim for 90% or higher consistently before your appointment. That buffer above the 80% minimum accounts for first-attempt nerves.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Kansas cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-23