What you need to know before you start

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Arizona is issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and allows you to operate vehicles over a certain weight or carrying specific cargo. You cannot get a CDL until you hold a valid Arizona driver's license first — that is the legal starting point. The process involves a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination, and the timeline from start to approval typically runs four to eight weeks depending on how quickly you schedule your tests.

Arizona has three CDL classes — Class A, Class B, and Class C — based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and what you are hauling. Most people pursuing a CDL are aiming for Class A (tractor-trailers and doubles) or Class B (single large trucks). You will also need to declare which endorsements you want — these are add-ons for hazmat, passenger transport, or tanker cargo — and each one requires its own written test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Arizona driver's license before you can test for a CDL; ADOT will not issue one without it.
  • The process requires passing a medical examination (DOT physical), a written knowledge test for your class and any endorsements, and a behind-the-wheel skills test.
  • You can take the written tests at any ADOT office, but the skills test must be scheduled separately and often has a wait of two to four weeks.
  • Arizona recognizes CDLs from other states, but you must still pass Arizona's written and skills tests to transfer your license here.
  • Endorsements like hazmat or passenger (P) require additional written tests and, in some cases, a background check or fingerprinting.

The medical examination and what it covers

Before you take any CDL test, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical performed by a certified medical examiner. ADOT does not perform this exam — you schedule it with a private doctor or clinic that is listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. It costs between $100 and $200 depending on the provider.

The medical examiner will give you a form called the Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if you pass. You bring this certificate to your CDL test appointment. If you fail — for example, because your blood pressure is too high or your vision does not meet the standard — you cannot test until you address the issue and get re-examined. Some conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or certain heart conditions, may disqualify you permanently from holding a CDL.

Written knowledge tests and endorsement exams

You take the written CDL test at any ADOT office. The test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and the rules specific to your class. A Class A test is longer and more detailed than a Class B test. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

If you want endorsements — such as H (hazmat), P (passenger), T (double/triple trailers), or N (tank vehicles) — you take a separate written test for each one at the same ADOT office. Hazmat endorsement requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and fingerprinting, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Passenger endorsement requires you to pass a written test but no additional background check. You can add endorsements at the same time you test for your CDL or later.

The behind-the-wheel skills test

After you pass the written test, you schedule a skills test with an ADOT examiner. This test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (where you walk around the truck and point out safety features), a basic control skills test (backing, turning, and parking in a controlled area), and an on-road driving test (typically 30 to 45 minutes on public roads). You must bring the vehicle you will be tested in, and it must be the same class as the CDL you are testing for.

Wait times for the skills test vary by location. In Phoenix and Tucson, the wait is often two to four weeks. In smaller cities, it may be shorter. You schedule the test through ADOT's online system or by calling your local office. You must pass all three parts to pass the skills test overall. If you fail one part, you can retake the entire test, but you will need to schedule a new appointment and wait again.

how the process works and what documents you need

Start by gathering your documents: your current Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), your Social Security number, and your Medical Examiner's Certificate. You do not fill out a separate CDL process form — instead, you go to an ADOT office and request a CDL upgrade to your existing license.

At the ADOT office, you will pay the CDL fee (currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though fees can change). You will also pay for each written test you take ($10 to $15 per test). The skills test fee is separate and paid when you schedule it (typically $50 to $100). After you pass both the written and skills tests, ADOT issues your CDL, usually within one to two weeks.

Transferring a CDL from another state

If you hold a valid CDL from another state, you can transfer it to Arizona, but you cannot straightforward exchange it. You must pass Arizona's written test for your class and endorsements, and you must pass Arizona's skills test. You will also need a new DOT physical performed by an Arizona-certified examiner. The transfer process takes the same amount of time as getting a CDL from scratch — four to eight weeks — because you are taking the same tests.

Bring your out-of-state CDL, your proof of Arizona residency, and your Medical Examiner's Certificate to an ADOT office. You will pay the same fees as a new applicant. One advantage: if you already hold a CDL in another state, you may be able to waive the written test for your class (but not for endorsements) in some cases — ask at your local ADOT office, as this varies.

Renewing or updating your CDL

Arizona CDLs are valid for five or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you explore. When your CDL is about to expire, you renew it at an ADOT office. You will need a current Medical Examiner's Certificate — this must be dated within 14 months of your renewal appointment. If your medical certificate has expired, you must get a new DOT physical before you can renew.

If you want to add an endorsement after you already have your CDL, you take the written test for that endorsement at an ADOT office and pay the test fee. You do not need to retake the skills test unless you are changing your class. If you lose your CDL or it is damaged, you can request a replacement at any ADOT office for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to truck driving school before I test for a CDL?

No, it is not required by law. You can study on your own and test directly with ADOT. However, most people attend a commercial driver training program (usually four to six weeks) because it teaches you the skills you need to pass the behind-the-wheel test and prepares you for the job. Some training programs also help you schedule your ADOT tests.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot. You do not have to retake the written test. If you fail the skills test three times, some states require you to retake the written test before you can test again — check with your local ADOT office about Arizona's specific rule.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violations on my record?

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you from a CDL, but it may affect your ability to get hired by a trucking company. ADOT will issue the license if you meet the medical and test requirements. However, certain serious traffic violations (like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license) can result in CDL denial — ask ADOT about your specific record.

How much does a CDL cost in total?

The license fee is $25 to $50, written tests are $10 to $15 each, the skills test is $50 to $100, and the DOT physical is $100 to $200. If you attend a training program, that can range from $3,000 to $7,000. Total out-of-pocket for testing alone is roughly $200 to $400, not including training.

Can I drive a commercial vehicle while I am waiting for my CDL?

No. You cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL. If you are hired by a company before your CDL is issued, you can start other duties, but you cannot drive until you have the license in hand.