Arizona CDL Test Requirements and Endorsements

Different Types of CDLs

In order to operate specific vehicles in the State of Arizona, you may need to obtain an Arizona commercial driver's license. Endorsements will be needed for the following: double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. The various types of license available are:

• Class A License - If you plan on operating a vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, given that Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds, you will need to secure this type of license.
• Class B License - This is needed for single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being towed may not weigh over 10,000 pounds.
• Class C License - You will need to hold this license when operating a vehicle to transport more than 16 people, including the driver, as well as a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials. Vehicles that don't fit into an A or B class fall here.

You may be exempt from the commercial driver's licensing requirements if you're operating a recreational, military, or emergency vehicle. Farm vehicles may also be exempt if used to transport agricultural products or machinery to and from a farm, though may not be used for hire or contract carrier purposes. You must stay within 150 of the farm.

CDL Skills Test

You will take the CDL skills test, but only after successfully finishing the knowledge test. The skills you will be evaluated on are: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. These skills can only be tested in the type of vehicle for which you want to be licensed to drive.

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection - Do you know when a vehicle is safe to drive? This test will consist of you explaining what you're inspecting and why.
• Basic Vehicle Control - Can you properly control a vehicle? You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and to turn it within a defined area. You may work with the following items: traffic lanes, cones, or barriers.
• On-Road Test - You will need to be comfortable in various traffic situations, such as: left and right turns, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, and more.

Further Requirements

Every two years, you will be ordered to pass a physical examination. This examination will include having good hearing, 20/40 vision (with or without corrective lenses), and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. A driver must not be colorblind.

DMV Items

Don't waste a trip to the DMV; make sure you have the following items with you: proof of having held a driver's license, an Arizona driver's license, a completed medical examination certificate, social security card, and your physical examination form.

Fees to Pay

The current licensing and endorsement fees for the State of Arizona are:

• $25.00 for a Class A or B
• $12.50 for a Class C
• $10.00 for each endorsement

Fees may changes according to different counties. This resource may assist you: Arizona ID and Required Documents

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

For current CDL licensing and endorsement fees visit the Arizona MVR. The fees are:

• $25.00 for a Class A or B
• $12.50 for a Class C
• $10.00 for each endorsement you may require.

Driver's License Info on Arizona's Official DMV website

More Information

Arizona CDL Manual: Download Arizona CDL Driver's Handbook

For Federal Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm

For Medical Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm