In Arkansas, a job as a commercial truck driver could be exactly what someone needs to start down a highly sought-after and rewarding professional path. But before hitting the road, you will have to obtain a Commercial Driver's License. Whether you want to drive across the country or handle specialty freight, the success key for you begins with an Arkansas CDL. Our comprehensive guide outlines step by step how to get CDL in Arkansas-from eligibility requirements to acing the tests and receiving your license. Ready to hit the road to a rewarding career? Here we go!
What are the requirements for CDL in Arkansas?
In accordance with Arkansas Department of Public Safety, before you begin the CDL application process, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years of age for driving intrastate; you must be 21 to drive interstate or transport hazardous materials.
- Medical Certification: You must have a valid medical examiner's certificate-also known as a DOT medical card-that proves you are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
- Identification: Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and valid Arkansas driver's license.
- Clean Driving Record: No serious traffic violations or suspensions.
- Vision test: Ensure vision 20/40 or better on each eye, no color blind.
- Passing knowledge tests to be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
- FMCSA program: Passing the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for CDL.
The full guide on what you need for CDL in Arkansas can be read in our post
here!
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Requirements for CDL in Arkansas[/caption]
How to get a CDL in Arkansas?
Obtaining your CDL involves several key steps, including:
Take the CDL written test
General knowledge test
First, there's the general knowledge test to make sure that you know the rules of the road for commercial driving.
This is the general exam you have to undertake when acquiring a CDL in Arkansas. It ranges from defensive driving and vehicle control to cargo transport and the regulations guiding and governing vehicles. The goal of this test is to ensure that you truly understand the fundamentals of driving a commercial vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
It includes 50 multiple-choice questions based on road signs, hazardous conditions, vehicle inspections, and state-specific requirements. This test is so crucial that you are not allowed to proceed to the skills portion of the CDL process without passing, which indicates you should study hard to be successful in it.
Add endorsement (if applicable)
The endorsement test is a set of added tests for those who intend to operate particular specialized types of commercial vehicles in Arkansas or to carry a certain kind of cargo. Each endorsement lets you expand your qualification in your CDL, enabling you to drive specific vehicles, such as school buses, tankers, or those carrying hazardous materials referred to as HAZMAT.
Each endorsement test covers rules and safety procedures that apply for that type of vehicle or cargo being dealt with. Adding endorsements to your CDL expands the horizons of your career and gives you more niche-like driving jobs.
| Endorsement test |
Total questions |
Passing score |
| Hazardous Materials |
30 |
24 |
| Passenger Transport |
20 |
16 |
| Doubles/Triples |
20 |
16 |
| School Bus |
20 |
16 |
| Tank Vehicle |
20 |
16 |
Air brakes test (if applicable)
The air brakes test is a part of an essential CDL for those vehicles that have air brakes. It deals with the testing of your knowledge in the air brake systems used in larger commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses. You will be asked questions in the written test that concern the basics of air brakes, including:
- Compressors
- Tanks
- Brake chambers
- Slack adjusters
- Safety valves
You will be expected to answer correctly 20 out of 25 multiple choice questions to successfully pass the test. Once finished, you will know how the check for air brakes is performed, checking that air pressure falls within the appropriate range, and performing a functionality test on the brake to show the brakes actuate as expected.
Combination vehicles test (if applicable)
This test is required for CDL drivers who want to have experience in operating different vehicles with a tractor-trailer or other combinations like doubles and triples. Operating a vehicle made up of a towing unit and one or more trailers requires special skills and knowledge. The written portion of the exam encompasses essential aspects, including the coupling and uncoupling process, weight distribution in a trailer, prevention of trailer swing and rollovers.
There will typically be 20 multiple choice questions involved and get 80% or more correctly to gain the passing. You will also be expected to drive safely: executing wide turns, avoiding jackknifing, and making allowances for the extended stopping distance after ace the knowledge.
Once you have passed the knowledge tests and received your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), you will have to take the skills test.
Take the Arkansas CDL practice test now!
Take the CDL skill test
The test must be given in a commercial vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle indicated on your CLP, in order to ensure that you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. This test consists of three parts:
Pre-trip inspection
Basically, it’s the first part of the CDL skills test–a keystone in the process of showing that you know how to make sure a commercial vehicle is safe to drive. You will be required to perform a proper inspection of the main components of your vehicle, including:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Lights
- Steering system
- Engine compartments
- Safety equipment
The examiner will ask you to explain or point to each component that you are looking at, and you must demonstrate knowledge of what to look for in terms of wear, damage, or malfunction. A good understanding of the process for a pre-trip inspection will ensure one can maintain the safety and reliability of the vehicle, which is an important competency for any professional driver.
Basic vehicle control
The vehicle control section of the skills testing measures your ability to safely control a commercial vehicle in controlled, low-speed conditions. In this section, you will be required to do some or all of the basic vehicle maneuvers listed below:
- Straight line backing
- Parallel parking
- Tight turns between cones or in an alley dock.
These exercises test your ability to control the movements of the vehicle, your distance judgment, and ability to pass without hitting obstacles around various challenges. Your precision, steering, and all-around awareness during this portion reflect how confidently and safely you can handle the vehicle under stress.
On-road driving
This is the final and most complete part of the CDL skills test, where you actually get to drive a commercial vehicle in real traffic. During this test, an examiner will be observing your following of traffic laws, proper signaling, safe merging, and staying in control on the highways, at intersections, and on city streets. You will be required to handle different driving situations such as
- Lane changes
- Turns,
- Stop-and-go
- The appropriate response to various signs and signals
Passing the on-road driving test means that you can safely drive a commercial vehicle and efficiently in any driving environment; therefore, you are ready to handle the daily challenges of being a professional driver.
Receive the actual license
Following the written knowledge and skills testing, your actual CDL will be your final step. Once you have passed all the tests in Arkansas, you will visit the DMV to complete any remaining paperwork and pay any associated fees. Your official Commercial Driver's License will be processed, giving you the legality to operate the class of vehicle you have tested for.
FAQs
1. Do you have to go to school to get a CDL in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not require any CDL training from an accredited school, but attending one will go a long way in improving one's chances of passing both knowledge and skills tests. Moreover, most employers will only hire drivers that have had some formal training.
2. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Arkansas?
CDL fees related to the knowledge test, skills test, and the license itself are required in Arkansas. In general, you might pay around $50-$100 for such fees, excluding some costs of the training programs. For the details, please read here.
3. How hard is it to get a CDL in Arkansas?
How difficult it would be getting a CDL depends on how much one has prepared for it. If one has studied hard enough for the written test and practiced enough for the skills test, most applicants can make it through with ease. The process can also be made easier by going to a CDL school.
4. How to get a CDL permit in Arkansas?
To apply for a CDL learner's permit, you must show proper identification and pass the written knowledge test. The permit will allow you to practice your driving skills with a licensed CDL holder in preparation for the required skills test.
5. How to get a class A CDL in Arkansas?
A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Pre-requirements to obtaining a Class A CDL include passing the necessary knowledge and skills test, and your vehicle should meet the minimum weight requirements.
6. How to get a class B CDL in Arkansas?
Class B CDL permits you to drive a single vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or higher, or to tow a vehicle under 10,000 pounds. Again, much like Class A, you will have to pass the appropriate tests and inspections for this class of CDL.
7. How long does it take to get a CDL in Arkansas?
The process to get CDL in Arkansas will take several weeks to a few months, depending upon how fast you complete your training and pass the tests, and schedule your skills exam. Formal training programs could last from 3 to 6 weeks.
8. How much to get a CDL learner's permit in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, an average cost you can pay for a CDL learner permit is in the range of $50 to $100, which is dependent on the license and endorsements you seek.
9. What are the CDL disqualifications in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, a driver may be disqualified for several violations. The disqualifying offenses can range from serious driving offenses such as DUI/DWI, reckless driving, and excessive speeding, to using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony. Disqualification periods range from 60 days to life, depending on offense severity and whether it is their first, second, or further offense.
10. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Arkansas?
No, with two DUI convictions, while possessing a CDL or driving a commercial motor vehicle, you face lifetime disqualification from ever getting or maintaining a CDL in Arkansas. You may get reinstated after ten years under certain conditions and upon attending a rehabilitation program, but that is not guaranteed.
11. Can I get a CDL with a DUI in Arkansas?
Yes, you can, but with certain restrictions. Generally, a first DUI committed in a commercial vehicle means your CDL will be suspended for one year. If you are carrying hazardous materials, the suspension goes up to three years. You can reapply for your CDL after serving the period of your suspension, but many employers do not hire people who have had a DUI.
12. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Arkansas?
Similar to the DUI laws, having two convictions of DWI will immediately disqualify your CDL for life in the state of Arkansas. In some instances, reinstatement could be possible after 10 years; but it is at the discretion of specific requirements. These include rehabilitation and proof of responsible behavior since the offenses.
13. Can you get a CDL with a felony in Arkansas?
Yes, you can get a CDL with a felony in Arkansas. However, this solely depends on the nature of the felony. Some felonies, especially those that involve a commercial vehicle in the commission of a crime, violence, or drug trafficking, may not make you eligible to get a CDL.
Conclusion
Acquiring an Arkansas CDL opens up a great entry to a wonderful career in the commercial driving industry. Knowing how to get CDL in Arkansas, from requirements to the written and skills tests, means you will set yourself up for success well into the future. Also, with every step one undergoes, each milestone brings you closer to a vocation filled with opportunities, stability, and growth. Start your journey of CDL today-getting ready to hit the road to success!
