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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZDOT MVD)
Official website →$75
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,500-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain CDL Instruction Permit (CLP)
Visit an MVD office with two forms of ID, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and proof of SSN. Pass CDL knowledge test(s) with 80% or higher. Pay the CLP fee.
CLP valid for 12 months
Fee: $25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule and take the CDL road skills test. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
State-administered road test fee
Fee: $25Receive Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and endorsement fees. Receive your 5-year CDL.
CDL valid for 5 years
Fee: $25 plus $10 per endorsementCommercial 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 ($25) + CDL ($25) + state skills test ($25)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Community colleges $3,500–$5,000; private schools $5,000–$7,000
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $25
State road test fee
Three-Part Exam
Arizona allows third-party CDL skills testing through certified examination programs
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through MVD or authorized third-party testing center
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 Arizona
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 (combination of $10 HME + $10 tanker) |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $0 |
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
$25
CDL Instruction Permit
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Arizona has 9% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Arizona has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
Arizona ranks #34 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$25
Class A or B; Class C is $12.50
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Arizona CDL is valid for 5 years. Beginning June 23, 2025, Medical Examiner Certificates are electronically submitted to FMCSA and forwarded to state licensing agencies — CDL drivers no longer need to submit physical copies.
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit an MVD office within 30 days of establishing Arizona residency. Bring valid out-of-state CDL, two forms of ID, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and proof of Social Security number. Surrender out-of-state license. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$25
Class A or B CDL transfer fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Arizona residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test if transferring H endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Arizona participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience can waive the CDL skills test.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) 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 Arizona.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Arizona range from $3,500 to $7,000. Community colleges $3,500–$5,000; private schools $5,000–$7,000
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Arizona.
Start Your CDL Training in Arizona
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Arizona
Arizona offers one of the lowest total government fee structures in the nation at $75 for CLP + CDL + skills test. The CLP validity of 12 months is notably longer than the typical 6-month period in most states, giving applicants more time to prepare for and pass the skills test.
CDL Schools in Arizona
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Arizona verified against Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZDOT MVD), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: