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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) – Office of Driver Services
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
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: $50
Skills test fee administered by Arkansas State Police
Three-Part Exam
Consistent with the DFA CDL page linking to Arkansas State Police Driver Examination for testing
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
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
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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.
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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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
Arkansas has 41% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Arkansas is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Arkansas ranks #5 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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.
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Arkansas.
Start Your CDL Training in Arkansas
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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).
CDL Schools in Arkansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Arkansas verified against Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) – Office of Driver Services, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: