Arizona CDL Requirements | DMV Locations Fees | Forms | FAQs | FREE CDL INFO

Arizona CDL Instruction Permit

If you are a first-time CDL applicant, you must obtain an Arizona CDL instruction permit to operate a vehicle requiring a CDL on the highway. The Arizona CDL instruction permit is valid for six months. The minimum age for an Arizona CDL is 21. If you are at least 18, you may apply for an intrastate Arizona CDL that is valid only in Arizona. Drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials.

To obtain an Arizona CDL instruction permit, you must follow these instructions provided on this page.

First, have the following documents on hand before you pay any fees or take any tests:

• Properly completed Medical Examiner Certificate or ADOT card (available at any CDL office). You must have a current physical examination. This examination may be performed by a licensed doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse or doctor of chiropractic.
• Social Security card
• Valid operator license
• Acceptable forms of identification
• Arizona law and FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 383.71 require that you submit proof that your presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. See CDL Documentation Requirements for a listing of acceptable proof of authorized presence.
• You need at least two documents listed - one must have a clear photo of you
• Or three documents listed with no photo
• One must be listed under the Primary column
• All must be originals or copies, in English, certified by the issuing agency
• Additional documents needed for a name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree). You must first change your name with the Social Security Administration.
• Arizona CDL documentation requirements may change without notice.

Then, prove one year of driving experience in a vehicle other than a motorcycle. For drivers with an Arizona license, this information is already available on our database. For out-of-state applicants, your out-of-state license must have been issued more than one year ago or you must provide a motor vehicle record (MVR) issued by another state that is less than 30 days old and shows proof of at least one year of driving history. No third-party MVRs will be accepted.

Finally, successfully complete all applicable knowledge testing. Use the Arizona Commercial Driver License Manual as a study reference. The manual is available online or at any Arizona CDL office. For Arizona CDL offices outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, an appointment is required to take the knowledge tests. You must pay for the class of license prior to taking the test. The fees are:

• Class A or B permit, no endorsements: $25
• Class C permit*: $12.50 (must have a P endorsement; HME not allowed on Class C permits)
• Doubles/triples trailers endorsement: $10
• Tank endorsement: $10
• HME: $10
• Motorcycle endorsement: $ 7
• School bus** endorsement: No fee
• Passenger endorsement: $10

*NOTE: A Class C Arizona CDL must include a Passenger or HazMat endorsement, although, only those applying for a Class C with a Passenger endorsement will be issued a permit. Class C permits can not be issued with a HazMat endorsement.

**NOTE: To add a passenger and/or school bus endorsement, you must obtain an Arizona CDL instruction permit with the passenger and/or school bus endorsement for the class of bus you intend to drive. Then, you must take Arizona CDL pre-trip, basic controls and road/skills tests in the appropriate class of bus/school bus.

Arizona CDL (Commercial Driver's License) Fees

• New or Transfer from Another State
• Class A or B: $25
• Class C (must include a P endorsement or HME): $12.50
• Duplicate $12
• Renewal
• Class A or B: $15
• Class C: $10
• HME: $10 (knowledge test required)
• Required Road/Skills Tests
• Class A or B vehicle: $25
• Class C vehicle: $12.50
• Passenger or school bus endorsement: $5 (when adding to an existing Arizona CDL)
• Please add $10 for each endorsement you require (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples or passenger). Motorcycle endorsement is $7.

Arizona CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the Arizona Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE Arizona CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.

• Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
• Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
• Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles..
• Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
• School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
• Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.

• FREE ARIZONA CDL HANDBOOK - AZ CDL MANUAL

• Arizona CDL - Information
• Arizona CDL - Overview
• Arizona CDL - Office Locations
• Arizona CDL - Instruction Permit
• Arizona CDL - Application
• Arizona CDL - HazMat Background Check FAQs
• Arizona CDL - Transfer Your CDL
• Arizona CDL - Renew Your CDL
• Arizona CDL - Documentation Requirements
• Arizona CDL - Medical Certification
• Arizona CDL - Medical Examiner Certificate
• Arizona CDL - Medical Status Verification
• Arizona CDL - Third Party Examiners - Trucks and Buses
• Arizona CDL - Professional Driving Schools - Truck
• Arizona CDL - Professional Driving Schools - Bus
• Arizona CDL - Military Skills Test Waiver
• Arizona CDL - Military Skills Test Waiver Application Form
• Arizona Motor Carrier Services