In this paper, we consider an independent type cognitive radio system where secondary users can utilize empty channels that are not currently used by primary users having the license to these channels. In the previous works, secondary users search channels sequently or randomly to detect activities of primary user on channels. These channel searching methods however are not suitable to the characteristics of the wireless environment. Therefore, we propose a channel searching method based on the channel list for the purpose of reducing the channel searching time and improving the throughput of secondary users. In the proposed method, we firstly determine weighting value of each channel based on the history of channel activities of primary users and add the weighing value to current channel state buffer. And then, we search an empty channel from channel with smallest value to one with the biggest value. Finally, we compare the performances of the proposed method with those of the sequential channel searching and the random channel searching methods in terms of average channel searching time and average number of transmissions of secondary user.