2024 Arizona CDL Requirements Guide

In Arizona, the CDL requirements include getting a CDL instruction permit, and the minimum age is 18. Learn more here.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
To apply for an Arizona commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old to cross state lines) and have a valid Class D License for a minimum of one year. 
In
Arizona
, a commercial driver’s license is legally required for all truckers, bus operators, and other commercial motor vehicle drivers. To apply for an Arizona CDL, you must complete a number of different steps and meet several requirements. The requirements include passing a knowledge test or two. obtaining a medical examiner certificate, and presenting a valid Social Security Number, among other documents. 
Here to review the CDL requirements in Arizona is
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What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Arizona? 

Truck drivers applying for a CDL in Arizona will find a rather complicated process. The basic requirements to obtain an Arizona CDL include:
  • Be at least 18 years old (21 years old to drive across state lines)
  • Show proof of residency and
    identity
  • Have a valid Social Security Number
  • Have a Class D license that’s been valid for a minimum of one year
  • Undergo a background check—if you have an offense on your record, it could prevent you from qualifying for a CDL. 
The specific steps you will have to take depend on the type of CDL class you are applying for. 

Arizona CDL classes

In Arizona, there are three types of classes: Class A, Class B,and Class C. Let’s take a look at each:
  • Class A: Required to operate any combination vehicle (truck and trailer) if the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is 26,001 or more pounds when the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer plus the GVWR of the power unit (the truck) is 10,001 pounds or more.
  • Class B: Required to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. A trailer may be towed if the GVWR of the trailer is 10,000 pounds or fewer.
  • Class C: Required to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or fewer if the vehicle is required to be placarded to transport hazardous materials or if the vehicle transports a minimum of 16 passengers (including the driver). All applicants must have a passenger (P) or hazardous materials endorsement (HME) to be approved for a Class C CDL.

Endorsements

An endorsement in Arizona provides the license holder with additional driving privileges and negates the need to apply for multiple licenses. 
The two most common endorsements in Arizona are:
  • Hazardous Material Endorsement
  • Bus and School Bus Driver Endorsement
Each requires you to pass a test, fill out an application and, in the case of bus and school bus drivers, get a permit for the vehicle you will be driving.

Minimum age requirement

To operate the commercial vehicle within state lines, you must be at least 18 years old. To cross state lines, however, you must be 21 or older. 

Medical requirements

The medical requirements for a CDL in Arizona stipulate that all CDL drivers must keep a current
medical examiner’s certificate
on file. This must be renewed every 24 months. The medical examiner could request that a driver’s medical requirements be updated sooner.
The medical examiner will confirm if you need to wear corrective lenses or a hearing aid while driving. Often, they will perform a physical examination to confirm your health.

New ELDT requirements

As of February 2022, Arizona required all new CDL applicants and those looking to upgrade their CDL to undergo training from an organization on the national registry of
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) providers
This includes training in three areas: Theory, range, and road. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles will validate whether an applicate has completed their training. 
This requirement impacts drivers attempting to:
  • Obtain their first Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • Upgrade a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
  • Obtain their first school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement.
These new requirements are not retroactive and do not apply to drivers with a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement obtainedbefore February 7, 2022.
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How to apply for a CDL in Arizona

To obtain a CDL in Arizona, you must submit the following documents after obtaining your commercial learner’s permit:
  • Completed Medical Examiner Certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Valid operator license
  • Proof of your presence in the United States. You need at least two documents from
    this list
    , and one must have a clear photo of you. If you do not have an ID or documents with a photo, you will have to present three documents from that list. 
Remember, everything must be original or copies from the issuing agency.
You will then have to prove that you have one year of driving experience in a vehicle that is not a motorcycle. Furthermore, you must pass all knowledge tests, including a skills test is included. The last step is usually to pay the fee:
  • 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)
  • Duplicate permit: $2
  • Tank endorsement: $10
  • Hazardous Material Endorsement: $10
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $7
  • School bus endorsement: No fee
  • Passenger endorsement: $10
  • Doubles/triples trailers endorsement: $10
Eligible military personnel or veterans can have their CDL skills tests waived if they meet these conditions:
  • Are either on active duty or separated in the last year under honorable circumstances
  • Have operated a commercial motor vehicle (or some equivalent) for at least two years before being discharged.
The CDL knowledge tests will gauge an applicant’s knowledge of topics like:
  • General operation
  • Passenger transport
  • Air brakes
  • Combination vehicles
  • Hazardous materials
  • Tanker vehicles
  • School buses
Depending on what class of license and endorsement you’re applying for, you might have to take more than one knowledge test.
To give you a better idea of what a knowledge test might look like, the General test has 50 questions, and a passing score is 80%. This means you need to answer 40 questions correctly. 
Once you’ve passed your skills test, you are well on your way to obtaining your Arizona CDL!

How long is a CDL valid in Arizona? 

As of September 2021, Arizona began issuing eight-year commercial driver licenses. It is up to the driver to renew their CDL before it expires. In most cases, a CDL can be renewed online.
Pro tip: It's always best to brush up on your knowledge of
Arizona's minimum car insurance laws
before purchasing or renewing a policy.

How to save on car insurance in Arizona

Getting your Arizona CDL can be expensive, and driving a truck comes with high costs. You can help offset these expenses by lowering your personal car insurance costs.
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