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Get your Arkansas CDL — government fees ($142), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) – Office of Driver Services
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
64% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$142
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider
Required before applying for first CDL, upgrading class, or adding HAZMAT/school bus/passenger endorsements
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate from a provider on the National Registry
Purchase CDL-1 Form (Test Packet)
Visit a DFA Revenue Office and purchase the CDL-1 test packet form
CDL testing fee
Fee: $50Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Take vision test and pass all written exams for your CDL class and endorsements. Receive your Commercial Learner's Permit.
Included in CDL testing fee; score of 80% or higher required
Complete Human Trafficking Prevention Course (Class A only)
Complete the Truckers Against Trafficking course at truckersagainsttrafficking.org
Required for Class A CDL issuance and renewal per Act 922
Practice with CLP and Take Skills Test
Hold CLP for at least 14 days, then schedule and pass the three-part skills test at an Arkansas State Police facility or approved third-party location
Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test
Fee: $50Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee at a DFA Revenue Office and receive your Arkansas CDL
5-year license
Fee: $42Commercial 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/testing ($50) + CDL ($42) + state skills test ($50)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $50
Skills test fee administered by Arkansas State Police
Three-Part Exam
Skills tests conducted at Arkansas State Police facilities or approved third-party testing locations
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
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 Arkansas
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
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
$50
CDL testing fee covers CLP knowledge tests
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$42
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Arkansas CDLs are valid for 5 years. Class A CDL holders must complete a Human Trafficking Prevention Course for issuance or renewal.
Visit a DFA Revenue Office within 30 days of establishing Arkansas residency. Bring your current out-of-state CDL, proof of identity, and required documents. Written and skills tests may be waived for valid CDL transfers. HAZMAT endorsement transfers require retaking the written exam and fingerprinting.
Transfer Fee
$42
CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Arkansas residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT transfers require written exam and fingerprinting
Arkansas participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with at least 2 years of equivalent CMV operation experience may have the skills test waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with equivalent vehicle operation experience within the past 12 months
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 Arkansas.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Arkansas range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Arkansas
Arkansas requires Class A CDL holders to complete a Human Trafficking Prevention Course through Truckers Against Trafficking for both initial issuance and renewal. CDL testing and licensing are split between two agencies (State Police for testing, DFA for licensing).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#34 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$39,790
25th percentile
Median
$49,520
-14% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$68,010
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
32,290 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Arkansas.