Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens the door to a career in the transportation industry. Securing this license in Arizona requires navigating a structured application process that aligns with state regulations from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and federal standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These steps detail the specific requirements for an Arizona CDL, ensuring applicants meet all necessary qualifications to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.
Meeting the Initial CDL Eligibility Requirements
The journey begins with meeting foundational criteria established by federal and state law, including age and residency. Arizona requires applicants to be at least 21 years old to obtain an interstate CDL, which permits driving a commercial vehicle across state lines. Drivers who are at least 18 years old may apply for an intrastate CDL, restricting commercial driving solely within Arizona state borders. All applicants must possess a current, non-commercial Arizona driver’s license and demonstrate proof of at least one year of driving experience in a vehicle other than a motorcycle.
A mandatory component for all commercial drivers is the medical certification. Drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The examiner submits the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) electronically. The driver must then self-certify their driving status with the Arizona MVD as either non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate. Maintaining a current MEC on file with the MVD, typically renewed every 24 months, is required to prevent the CDL from being suspended or revoked.
Essential Documentation for Your Arizona CDL Application
Before any testing begins, applicants must gather and present specific documents to the Arizona MVD to apply for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The MVD requires proof of authorized presence in the United States. This can be satisfied with an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. Passport, or a Permanent Resident Card. All documents must be originals or certified copies, in English, certified by the issuing agency.
Applicants must also establish Arizona residency by providing two documents that prove domicile. Acceptable proofs of address include utility bills, rental agreements, or mail from a government agency, all containing the applicant’s name and physical residential address. A valid Social Security number must also be provided on the application for verification. This documentation secures the CLP, which allows the applicant to practice driving a CMV with a qualified CDL holder present.
Choosing the Right CDL Class and Endorsements
The CDL classification determines the types of commercial vehicles a driver is legally authorized to operate, based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). A Class A CDL is required for any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds. This class is necessary for driving tractor-trailers and truck-trailer combinations.
A Class B CDL authorizes the driver to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, or a vehicle towing another vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds. This classification includes large passenger buses, straight trucks, and dump trucks. A Class C CDL is for vehicles not meeting Class A or B criteria, but which are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or those carrying hazardous materials.
Endorsements are additional certifications that expand the types of vehicles or cargo a driver can handle, each requiring a separate knowledge and sometimes a skills test.
Common Endorsements
P for Passenger vehicles
H for Hazardous Materials
N for Tanker vehicles
S for School Bus
T for Doubles/Triples
Obtaining the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement also necessitates a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
The Federally Mandated Entry-Level Driver Training
First-time CDL applicants must complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), a federal mandate required before taking the CDL skills test. The ELDT rule applies to individuals seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, those upgrading a Class B to a Class A, or those obtaining P, S, or H endorsements for the first time. This training must be provided by an entity officially listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
The ELDT curriculum is divided into two components: theory instruction and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. The theory portion includes topics such as basic operation, safe operating procedures, and non-driving activities like hours of service. The driver-trainee must score at least 80% on the final assessment. The BTW training involves the actual operation of a CMV on a range and on public roads, where the training provider determines the driver’s proficiency. Once the driver successfully completes both components, the provider electronically submits the certification information to the TPR, which the Arizona MVD verifies before scheduling the skills test.
Passing the Arizona CDL Knowledge and Skills Tests
After securing the Commercial Learner’s Permit, the next phase involves successfully passing the required knowledge and skills assessments administered by the Arizona MVD. The process begins with the knowledge tests, including a general knowledge exam required for all CDL applicants, plus any specific tests for desired endorsements, such as Air Brakes or Combination Vehicles. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 80 percent to pass the knowledge exam. If they fail, they must wait until the next business day to retake the test.
Once the knowledge tests are passed and the ELDT is complete, the applicant can schedule the comprehensive skills test, often administered by authorized third-party testers (ATPs) in Arizona. This assessment is composed of three parts that must all be passed in the correct class of vehicle:
Skills Test Components
The Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The Basic Vehicle Control Skills
The On-Road Driving Test
The Pre-Trip Inspection requires the applicant to demonstrate a thorough check of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. The Basic Vehicle Control Skills test evaluates maneuvers like backing and parking. The On-Road Driving Test assesses the applicant’s ability to safely operate the CMV in various traffic situations.
Understanding CDL Fees, Validity, and Maintenance
The final step involves paying the necessary fees and understanding the ongoing requirements for maintaining the commercial driving privilege. The Arizona MVD charges a fee for the initial Commercial Learner’s Permit, and separate fees apply for the new CDL upon successful completion of all tests. For example, the initial license fee for a Class A or B CDL is $25, with an additional $10 for each endorsement, such as Hazmat or Passenger. Required road/skills tests at the MVD also carry fees: $25 for a Class A or B vehicle and $12.50 for a Class C vehicle.
An Arizona CDL is typically valid for eight years, though the expiration date may be shorter if tied to the expiration of a driver’s authorized presence documents. The most significant maintenance requirement is ongoing compliance with the medical certification. The Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) must be renewed every 24 months or sooner, as determined by the examiner. Failure to keep a current MEC on file with the MVD will result in the commercial driving privilege being suspended, requiring the driver to submit a valid certificate and pay a reinstatement fee to restore the CDL.