What you need to know before you start
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Arizona lets you drive trucks, buses, and other large vehicles for pay. You cannot get one without first holding a regular Arizona driver's license. The process takes several weeks and involves a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam. Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles CDL issuance, and you must pass their tests before you can legally operate a commercial vehicle.
The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and whether you pass on your first attempt. Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks, though some take longer if they need additional training or retake a test.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Arizona driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you cannot hold both a regular license and a CDL at the same time.
- Arizona requires a medical exam from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified examiner before you can take the CDL tests.
- You will take a written test covering general knowledge, air brakes, and your specific vehicle class, then a separate skills test with a vehicle inspection, backing maneuvers, and road driving.
- The written test costs money, the skills test costs money, and the CDL license itself costs money — total fees vary but typically run several hundred dollars.
- Arizona recognizes CDLs from other states, but you must transfer yours to Arizona within 30 days of establishing residency.
Arizona driver's license requirement and the medical exam
You must have a valid Arizona driver's license in your possession before ADOT will let you take any CDL test. If you hold a license from another state, you can use it temporarily while you get an Arizona license, but you cannot test for a CDL until your Arizona license is active. If your current license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot proceed.
Next, you need a medical exam from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on the FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling ADOT. The exam costs money (typically $75 to $150, though prices vary), and you will receive a Medical Certificate that is valid for two years. You must have this certificate before you take your written test.
The written test and what it covers
Arizona's CDL written test is administered by ADOT at their offices and some third-party testing locations. You will take at least two tests: a General Knowledge test and a test specific to your vehicle class (Class A, B, or C). If you plan to haul hazardous materials, you will also take a Hazmat endorsement test. If your vehicle has air brakes, you must pass an Air Brakes test.
Each test is multiple choice, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. The General Knowledge test covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, and safe driving practices. Class-specific tests focus on the unique demands of that vehicle type — for example, a Class A test (tractor-trailer) covers coupling and uncoupling, while a Class B test (single large vehicle) covers different backing scenarios. You can take the tests in any order, but most people start with General Knowledge.
You can study using the Arizona CDL Manual, which ADOT provides free online. Many people also use third-party study guides and practice tests. There is no required waiting period between tests, so you can take multiple tests on the same day if you want to.
The skills test: vehicle inspection, backing, and road driving
Once you pass all written tests, you schedule a skills test with ADOT. This test has three parts, all conducted in the same session with an ADOT examiner and your own commercial vehicle (or a rental).
The vehicle inspection portion requires you to walk around and point out safety-critical parts — lights, tires, brakes, coupling devices, mirrors — and explain what you are checking for. You do not have to fix anything; you just have to identify the parts and know what makes them safe or unsafe.
The backing maneuvers section tests your ability to control a large vehicle in tight spaces. You will perform a straight-line backup, an offset backup (around an obstacle), and a 90-degree alley dock. These are done in a closed course, not on public roads.
The road test
You must pass all three parts to pass the skills test. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire skills test, though you will pay the fee again.
CDL classes and endorsements in Arizona
Arizona has three CDL classes based on vehicle weight and configuration. Class A covers vehicles over 26,001 pounds where the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds — typically tractor-trailers. Class B covers vehicles over 26,001 pounds where the towed unit is under 10,000 pounds — typically large buses or dump trucks. Class C covers smaller vehicles but requires an endorsement (Passenger or Hazmat) to operate them commercially.
Endorsements are add-ons that let you haul specific cargo or carry specific passengers. The most common are Passenger (P), Hazmat (H), and Tank (T). You take a separate written test for each endorsement you want. Some endorsements also require a background check — Hazmat endorsement requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which takes additional time and costs extra.
Fees and timeline for Arizona CDL licensing
Arizona charges separate fees for the written test, the skills test, and the CDL license itself. As of recent years, the written test costs money per test, the skills test costs money, and the CDL license costs money for the card itself. Endorsements add additional test fees. Exact amounts change periodically, so check ADOT's website for current pricing before you schedule.
The medical exam is not an ADOT fee — you pay the certified examiner directly, and costs vary by provider. Budget $75 to $150 for that exam.
Total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars when you add the medical exam, all tests, and the license fee. Many people also pay for CDL training school, which can cost $3,000 to $7,000 or more, though it is not required by law — it is optional preparation.
Timeline-wise, you can schedule your medical exam and written tests within days if you are ready. The skills test often has a longer wait — some ADOT offices have backlogs of several weeks. Once you pass everything, the CDL card is issued on the spot or mailed within days.
Transferring an out-of-state CDL to Arizona
If you already hold a CDL from another state and move to Arizona, you must transfer it to an Arizona CDL within 30 days of establishing residency. You cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle in Arizona on an out-of-state CDL after that 30-day window closes.
To transfer, bring your out-of-state CDL, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), your medical certificate, and payment for the license fee to an ADOT office. You do not have to retake the written or skills tests — the transfer is administrative only. The new Arizona CDL is issued on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violation on my record?
A single DUI or traffic violation does not automatically disqualify you, but serious violations, multiple DUIs, or a suspended license will. ADOT reviews your driving record as part of the CDL process. If you have concerns, contact ADOT directly before you pay for tests.
Do I have to go to CDL school, or can I just study on my own and test?
You do not have to attend a CDL school by law. You can study the Arizona CDL Manual on your own, take the written tests, and schedule the skills test. However, many people find that hands-on training with a school instructor makes the skills test easier to pass on the first attempt.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You can retake the skills test as many times as you need. Each retake costs the full skills test fee. You do not have to retake the written tests unless they expire (usually within a set window). Some people pass on the second or third attempt.
Can I hold a regular driver's license and a CDL at the same time in Arizona?
No. When you get a CDL, your regular driver's license is replaced by the CDL. The CDL allows you to drive both commercial and non-commercial vehicles, so you do not need both.
How long is an Arizona CDL valid?
An Arizona CDL is valid for five years from the date of issuance, the same as a regular driver's license. Your medical certificate must remain valid throughout — if it expires, your CDL becomes invalid until you renew the medical certificate.