Arizona CDL Costs: A Detailed Breakdown For New Drivers

Obtaining an Arizona CDL is a milestone toward new opportunities in the dynamic trucking industry, but everything comes with a price tag! Getting a CDL in Arizona costs between $4,000 to $8,500, covering several fees. From the medical examination to tuition for training to test fees, the costs can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! We break it all down for you. Whether you are budgeting for base fees or factoring in additional expenses, we will break down for you with on how much does it cost to get a CDL in Arizona to help you plan effectively for your journey! Keep reading for more!

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Arizona?

The cost of getting an Arizona CDL ranges from $4,000 to $8,500, covering various elements such as medical examination, permit, training, and testing fees. Overall, here is a summary of all costs you can expect when pursuing an Arizona CDL:

This range varies depending on your chosen license types and training schools. To help you budget effectively, here is a detailed breakdown of costs you can expect:

Medical examination fees

If you apply for non-excepted CDL, you are required to provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate – MEC to confirm your physical and health status for driving a commercial vehicle. You must take a DOT medical exam with the cost anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the clinic and your medical history. The certificate is valid for up to 24 months, so remember to apply for CDL within the validity period to avoid wasting money and time to retake the physical test.

Commercial Learner’s Permit fees

The Commercial Learner’s Permit – CLP is a must before taking the skills test. To obtain this permit, you have to pass the CDL written tests with fees varying according to the permit type. Here are Arizona’s fees required for CLP:

• $25 for Class A or B permits.
• $12.50 for a Class C permit.

Remember to schedule your CDL skills test within the 6-month validity of CLP.

CDL training program costs

The largest expense to become a CDL holder is the training program. The cost of CDL training in Arizona generally ranges between $3,000 and $7,500, which depends on several aspects, such as:

• Program length: Those classes that can be completed faster can come with higher prices.
• School reputation: An accredited school will cost a higher.
• Additional expenses during the training period.

*Tips to reduce upfront training costs: Many trucking companies in Arizona have paid for CDL training programs. With these types of programs, the cost of training is covered, with the expectation of a contractual agreement to work for the company after completion.

For information on top companies offering these programs, you can check our post on Paid CDL training in Arizona.

CDL skills test fees

In Arizona, you have to pay skills test fees before taking the test. The skills test fees depend on the type of CDL Class:

• $25 for Class A or B skills test.
• $12.50 for Class C skills test.
• Typical $10 for each endorsement skills test.

Physical CDL license fees

Once you have passed all required testing, you will need to pay for your CDL card to officially become a commercial driver. In Arizona, CDL card fees are as follows:

• $25 for a Class A or B license.
• $12.50 for a Class C license.

Additional expenses

Several additional fees can come up during the course of pursuing your Arizona CDL. These include but are not limited to:

• Transportation Security Administration – TSA background check for hazmat endorsement: Approximately $90 including fingerprinting
• Study materials: $50-$100 can be added up to cover the cost of the CDL manual, practice tests, and online resources.
• Physical CDL license renewal or replacement fees: 
  • $15 for Class A or B CDL renewal.
  • $10 for Class C CDL renewal.
  • $12 for license replacement due to being lost or damaged.
• Endorsements: $10 for adding each endorsement such as tanker, passenger, or hazmat to your license.
• Vehicle rental for testing: If you do not have a commercial vehicle for a road test, you need to rent one with an average cost of around $150-$300.
• Out-of-state transfers: If you want to transfer out-of-state CDL to Arizona CDL, you have to pay additional fees as follows:
  • $25 for Class A or B CDL.
  • $12.50 for Class C CDL.

FAQs

1. How much does CDL school Arizona cost?

Most of the CDL training schools in Arizona charge tuition ranging from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the length of the program, the prestige of the school, and other amenities the program may offer. However, you can receive zero-cost training through paid CDL training programs by some trucking companies.

2. How much does the Arizona CDL permit cost?

The fees for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in Arizona are as follows based on permit type:

• Class A or B CDL permit: $25.
• Class C CDL permit: $12.50.
• A duplicate permit, if it was lost or destroyed, is $12.

Final thoughts

An Arizona CDL is a worthwhile investment for your future trucking career. The cost of getting a CDL in Arizona can range anywhere from $4,000 to $8,500, depending on various factors. Proper planning and budgeting can ensure this journey is smoother, with no surprises on expenses. Take some time to look over schools, employers, and other financial aid options to make the best decision for your goals. If you have any questions regarding Arizona CDL costs, do not hesitate to comment or contact us! Good luck on your commercial trucking journey.