Arizona · MVD

How to get your CDL permit in Arizona

In Arizona you take your CDL written tests at an MVD office and pay $25 for a Class A or B permit. Arizona's CDL fees are some of the lowest around.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official MVD sources

Start the free Arizona permit classroom Official Arizona CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $25 (Class A or B)
Permit valid for: Up to 12 months
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a driver license. If yours is from another state, it must be over a year old, or bring a driving record showing a year of history.
2Get a DOT medical exam from a certified examiner, who sends the results to MVD electronically.
3Fill out the CDL application and self-certify your type of driving.
4Visit an MVD office between 7:30am and 3:00pm with your ID and two proofs of address.
5Pass the General Knowledge test plus any Air Brakes, Combination or endorsement tests, then pay for your permit.
6Finish federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a school on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test.
7After 14 days with your permit, an MVD CDL tester will contact you to set up your skills test.

What to bring

One primary ID showing identity and legal presence, such as a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, green card or naturalization certificate
Your Social Security number
Two proofs of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement (shelter paperwork is not accepted)
Your current driver license (plus a driving record if it is under a year old from another state)

Medical card

You self-certify your type of driving on the CDL application. Your medical examiner sends your certificate to MVD electronically; allow about 24 hours for interstate drivers or about 10 days for intrastate drivers.

Fees

Class A or B permitNo endorsements.	$25
Class C permitMust include the Passenger endorsement.	$12.50
Skills test	$25 Class A or B · $12.50 Class C
CDL	$25 Class A or B · $12.50 Class C
EndorsementsSchool Bus has no fee.	$10 each
Duplicate permit	$2

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with MVD before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests if you want them (for example Passenger, School Bus, Tank)

Testing in Arizona

Written tests are given at MVD offices from 7:30am to 3:00pm.
You need 80% on each written test.
If you fail, you can retest the next business day.
Vision: 20/40 or better in each eye without glasses for no restriction; needing glasses or contacts adds a restriction.

Study for these tests in the Arizona classroom

Good to know in Arizona

Under 21 you can drive only inside Arizona and cannot haul placarded hazmat.
A Class C permit must carry the Passenger endorsement and cannot include Hazmat.
Keep your medical certificate current with MVD; it generally needs renewing every 24 months.

Non-domiciled applicants

Arizona's document list accepts H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visa holders with an unexpired foreign passport and I-94, matching the federal rule in effect since March 16, 2026.

Confirm with MVD before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether the CLP can be renewed — ask MVD.
Which languages the written tests are offered in.
Whether a retest fee applies.
Whether you need a Travel ID for a CDL or CLP.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Arizona gives. Free.

Open the Arizona classroom

Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division. Rules and fees change, so always check with MVD before you apply.