How To Get A CDL In Arizona: Details Guidelines for Arizona Drivers

Planning to start your driving career in Arizona? The first essential thing you must do is get a commercial driving license – CDL. But how to get a CDL in Arizona? Basically, obtaining an Arizona CDL requires some specific requirements and involves a step-by-step approach. In this post, we will walk you through all the requirements and break down the detailed steps in completing the CDL process. Keep reading to get you on the road as a commercial driver in Arizona!

What are the requirements for an Arizona CDL?

Before hitting the road, there are certain requirements you should fulfill to get your CDL in Arizona. Here is what you should expect to prepare:

• Age requirements: You should be at least 18 for an intrastate CDL to drive within Arizona, while the minimum age of 21 is required to drive interstate or transport hazardous materials.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Passport or birth certificate to prove your identification.
• Document showing U.S. citizenship or legal residency, together with two documents proving Arizona residency.
• Verify social security number for identity and compliance of the applicant.
• Medical requirements: You must undergo a DOT physical exam and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a medically qualified examiner licensed by the FMCSA. This will confirm your physical and mental fitness in commercial driving.
• Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
• Entry Level Driving Training program: Required for all first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and those seeking particular endorsements.
• Pass a skills test.
• Driving record: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will check your driving record for any offense such as DUI or reckless driving. A clean driving record adds value to your CDL application.

To learn more detailed requirements, you can check our post on Arizona CDL requirements.

How to get a CDL in Arizona

After understanding the basic Arizona CDL requirements, follow our step-by-step guide to getting your CDL:

Step 1. Apply to your local DMV

First, you should visit your nearest Arizona DMV and apply for your CDL. Bring all necessary documents, including proof of Arizona residency, identification, social security number, and medical certificate. Your documents should be in their original form or certified copies since the DMV does not accept photocopies. Ensure you meet the age requirement and medically qualify for it before applying.

Step 2. Choose your CDL class and vehicle

The next step is to decide what CDL class you are going to drive. Major classes of commercial driver licenses include three classes:

• Class A – Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 36,001 pounds or more, and the towing vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
• Class B – Single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Class C – Carrying-vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. 

Additionally, you must decide if you are a non-excepted or an excepted driver. Non-excepted drivers must undergo a medical exam to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate – MEC. This examination will cover vision, hearing, blood pressure, and some other physical tests to ensure you meet the physical requirements of your chosen vehicle. 

Step 3. Take the CDL written test

After making your decision and passing the required medical test, you must take one or more written tests depending on the type of CDL class and additional endorsements. These tests will cover vital knowledge for safe operation, divided into the following parts:

General knowledge test

This is the basic test of any commercial driver, covering basic topics such as road safety, vehicle control, hazardous awareness, and the basics of inspection. This test typically contains 50 questions and requires scoring an average of at least 80% to pass.

Endorsement tests (if applicable)

These tests are extra depending on what type of vehicle you want to operate or the type of cargo you want to carry. Here are examples of common additional endorsements and their required passing score:

Air brake test (if applicable)

This test assesses your knowledge about the air brake system, how it works, and how to find and fix troubles. If you do not pass the air brake test, you will be restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes. This test includes 25 multiple choice questions with requirements of 80% or more correct-answered questions to pass.

Combination vehicles test (if applicable)

If you plan to drive combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, this test is required to test your knowledge of safely operating these more complicated setups. It includes 20 multiple-choice questions, covering vital topics such as coupling and upcoupling, and the hazards of rollover. You are required to answer 80% more questions correctly to pass this test.

Take the Arizona CDL practice tests here!

You will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit, CLP, after completing the required written tests. The CLP is key to undertaking the final test of on-the-road skills. 

Note: You must obtain the CLP at least 14 days before taking the skills test. If the permit expires for over 30 days, you must retake the written test.

Step 4. Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Once issued a CLP, the next step is completing an ELDT program. This course provides basic training in safety regulations, operations of vehicles, and transportation of hazardous materials, ensuring that you comprehend the minimum federal standards for operating a commercial vehicle. You must complete this program by receiving a passing score for both components:

• Theory training classroom.
• Behind-the-wheel training.

Step 5. Pass your road skills test

Once you get your CLP and have sufficient experience, you will need to schedule and pass a road skills test. This must be given by a qualified examiner who can determine whether you can operate the commercial vehicle that you will be driving. You will be obligated to take the following skills tests.

Pre-trip inspection test

This test consists of a checking process on your vehicle. You will indicate and describe the position of such components as brakes, tires, and mirrors and acknowledge what their function is and how each relates to driving safety. This ensures that you are committed to and capable of detecting and pinpointing any possible problem and making a general check of all the safety equipment before taking to the highway.

Basic vehicle control test

You will drive the commercial vehicle in a confined space, performing some activities such as driving straight back, tight curves, and parking between marked spaces. This section evaluates your ability to handle the control of the vehicle in a small area such as a loading zone.

Road driving test

The final test takes you onto public roads with an examiner. You will be tested on how well you can merge, make turns, follow traffic rules, and keep safe distances, Real-road situations throughout the test verify readiness for diverse traffic conditions and adherence to the driving laws.

Once these portions are passed, you will be qualified to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively.

Step 6. Get your Arizona CDL

The final step is submitting your test results to the DMV and paying the required fees to get your Arizona CDL. Moreover, you are required to provide additional documentation or certification if applying for certain endorsements such as passengers or hazardous material. Once everything has been processed, you will be issued your CDL, which allows you to legally drive a commercial vehicle in Arizona.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get a CDL in AZ?

The answer varies, but most people go through the whole process within 3 – 6 weeks depending on how long your training, is and how well you prepare.

To learn more about the time to get a CDL, you can check our post on How long it takes to get a CDL.

2. What is the best way to get a CDL in Arizona?

Follow our step-by-step guide above to have a clear and simple path to get a CDL. Besides, it is a good idea you enroll in a professional driving school to complete training and fulfill state requirements at once.

3. Can a felon get a CDL in Arizona?

Yes, a felon can get a CDL in Arizona but with certain restrictions. According to the Arizona CDL manual,  if the first felony offense involves the use of a commercial motor (CMV), you will be disqualified from CDL for at least one year. However, if the felony involves controlled substances, you will lose your CDL for life.

4. Can I get a CDL with 2 DUI in Arizona?

Unfortunately, no! The first DUI can result in a minimum of one year of disqualification. If you commit a second DUI offense in either a commercial or personal vehicle, there is a chance of lifetime disqualification for attaining a CDL.

5. How hard is it to get your CDL in Arizona?

Getting a CDL in Arizona is easier for the well-prepared person who has experience with commercial vehicles. It includes studying to pass a written knowledge test, and consistent practicing for the road skills test. While not exceedingly difficult, it does require accurate and thorough materials and sources to help secure your success, especially if you are new to commercial driving. Therefore, CDL Prep provides several free materials and practice tests with the ultimate aim of helping you be well-prepared for your CDL tests. Give it a try!

6. What are the Arizona CDL disqualifications?

Specific offenses vary, but according to the Arizona Legislature, some of the main disqualifications from receiving or continuing with a CDL in Arizona include:

• One-year disqualification: Commit the following convictions for the first time: DUI, refusing a blood alcohol test, hit-and-run, using a vehicle in felony, reckless driving, following too close, etc.
• Three-year disqualification: Commit any of the above violations while transporting hazardous material.
• Lifetime disqualification: Commit two or more one-year violations or any felony involving controlled substances.

7. Do you need to go to school in Arizona to get your CDL?

While not legally required to attend a school, it is recommended to take a professional driving school to make your process easier. Many employers also have a preference for hiring drivers who have attended certified driving schools.

8. How much does a CDL cost in Arizona?

The fee to get a CDL in Arizona depends on the license class you want to obtain and any endorsement required. Here are common fees to get a CDL, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:

• A Class A or B CDL will have a fee of $25.
• A Class C CDL will have a fee of $12.50.
• Extra costs of endorsements such as hazardous materials, and tanker trucks will add a fee of $10 each. Passenger or school bus endorsement costs $5 each.
• Renewal fees of $15 for Class A or B and $10 for Class C.
• Required test fees of $25 for Class A and Class B vehicles, and $12.5 for Class C vehicles.

Final thoughts

Now you know how to get a CDL in Arizona. Getting a CDL can be pretty smooth, provided you approach it correctly. From fulfilling the basic requirements to passing the tests, you will be assured of getting your license. Get started right away and take the first step toward a commercial driving career in Arizona.