What you need to know before you start

Arizona issues a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicles Division. You cannot straightforward add a commercial endorsement to a regular driver's license — you must obtain a separate CDL that replaces your standard license. The process involves a written knowledge test, a skills test behind the wheel, and a medical examination. Most people complete the written test in one visit, but the skills test requires scheduling a separate appointment, often weeks later.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within Arizona, though federal law requires you to be 21 to drive across state lines. If you already hold a valid Arizona driver's license, you can use it as proof of identity during the CDL process, which speeds things up. If you do not have one, you will need to bring a passport, birth certificate, or other approved identification document.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona's CDL process requires a written test, a medical examination, and a behind-the-wheel skills test administered by a third-party examiner, not the state.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number to the Motor Vehicles Division office to begin the process.
  • The written test covers general knowledge and the specific endorsement class you are pursuing (Class A, B, or C), and you can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • Skills tests are scheduled through private testing companies, not the state, and appointments often have a wait of several weeks depending on demand.
  • A medical examination from an approved examiner is required before you can take the skills test, and the certificate is valid for two years.

Gather your documents before you visit the office

The Motor Vehicles Division will not process your CDL request without specific documents. Bring your current Arizona driver's license if you have one, or a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID if you do not. You also need proof that you live in Arizona — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Bring the original or a certified copy; a photograph is not enough.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Write it down or bring a Social Security card, because the office will verify it during your appointment. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Without these documents, the office will turn you away and you will have to reschedule.

Pass the written knowledge test at a Motor Vehicles office

Visit any Arizona Motor Vehicles Division office to take the written test. You can find office locations and hours on the Arizona Department of Transportation website. The test covers general commercial driving knowledge — braking, vehicle inspection, hazardous materials, and safe operation — plus questions specific to the class of vehicle you plan to drive. Class A covers tractor-trailers and large combination vehicles; Class B covers single large vehicles like dump trucks or buses; Class C covers smaller commercial vehicles used to transport passengers or hazardous materials.

The test is administered on a computer at the office. You have a set time limit (usually 60 minutes for the general knowledge section) and must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, though you may have to wait for the next available testing slot. Bring your documents, pay the testing fee (which varies but is typically under $50), and plan to spend 30 to 90 minutes at the office depending on how busy it is.

After you pass the written test, the office will give you a receipt and instructions for the next steps. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you schedule your skills test.

Get a medical examination from an approved examiner

Before you can take the skills test, you must complete a medical examination by a certified medical examiner on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. This is not your regular doctor's checkup. The examiner will test your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. They will also review your medical history for conditions that might disqualify you, such as certain heart conditions, seizure disorders, or untreated diabetes.

You can find approved examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling the Arizona Motor Vehicles Division. The examination typically costs between $75 and $150. Once you pass, the examiner will issue a Medical Certificate valid for two years. Bring this certificate when you schedule your skills test. If you fail the medical examination, you will not be able to proceed until you address the medical issue and get re-examined.

Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel skills test

The skills test is not administered by the state — Arizona contracts with private testing companies to conduct these exams. After you pass the written test and obtain your medical certificate, contact one of these third-party examiners to schedule an appointment. The Motor Vehicles Division office can provide you with a list of approved testing companies in your area. Appointments often have a wait of two to four weeks, depending on demand and the time of year.

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test (backing, turning, and parking in a closed course), and a road test. You must bring your own commercial vehicle or arrange to use one provided by a testing company or training school. The entire test takes about two hours. You must pass all three parts to receive your CDL. If you fail any section, you can retake the entire test, though you will need to pay the testing fee again and schedule another appointment.

Pick up your CDL at the Motor Vehicles office

After you pass the skills test, the third-party examiner will send your results to the Motor Vehicles Division. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you to come to the office to pick up your CDL. Bring your receipt from the written test, your medical certificate, and a valid form of identification. The office will issue your new CDL, which replaces your standard Arizona driver's license. Your CDL is valid for five years, after which you must renew it.

If you need to add additional endorsements (such as hazardous materials or passenger) after you receive your CDL, you can do so by taking additional written tests at the Motor Vehicles Division office. You do not need to retake the skills test for most endorsements, though some require additional testing.

Understand the costs and timeline

The total cost to obtain a CDL in Arizona includes the written test fee (typically $25 to $50), the medical examination ($75 to $150), and the skills test fee ($100 to $300), depending on the testing company. Some testing companies charge extra if you need to use their vehicle for the skills test. Budget between $200 and $500 total, though the exact amount varies by provider and location.

The timeline depends mainly on how quickly you can schedule the skills test. The written test and medical examination can usually be completed within one to two weeks if you move quickly. The skills test wait time is often the bottleneck — appointments may not be available for three to six weeks. From start to finish, most people complete the entire process in four to eight weeks, though it can be faster if testing companies in your area have shorter wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to attend a commercial driving school before I take the CDL test?

No, Arizona does not require formal training before you take the test. However, many people attend a school to prepare for the written and skills tests, especially if they have no commercial driving experience. A training program typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 and takes two to four weeks. Some schools provide a vehicle for the skills test, which saves you the cost of renting one.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test after paying the testing fee again and scheduling another appointment with the examiner. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. However, each attempt costs money and requires waiting for the next available appointment slot, so many people use the time between tests to get additional training.

Can I use my CDL to drive any commercial vehicle?

Your CDL class determines what you can drive. Class A allows you to drive tractor-trailers and large combination vehicles. Class B allows single large vehicles. Class C is for smaller commercial vehicles. You can only drive vehicles in your licensed class unless you obtain additional endorsements through written tests at the Motor Vehicles Division.

How long is my CDL valid in Arizona?

Your CDL is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You must renew it before it expires. Renewal requires passing a new written test and medical examination, though you do not need to retake the skills test unless your CDL was suspended or revoked.

What if I move out of Arizona after I get my CDL?

Your Arizona CDL remains valid in all other states. If you move to another state and want to obtain a CDL there, you will need to transfer your license through that state's motor vehicle department. Most states allow you to transfer without retaking the skills test if you have a valid CDL from another state.