Arkansas · DFA

How to get your CDL permit in Arkansas

Arkansas splits the work: Arkansas State Police give the CDL tests, and DFA revenue offices issue your permit and license. Your CLP lasts up to one year.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DFA sources

Start the free Arkansas permit classroom Official Arkansas CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: Check with DFA
Permit valid for: Up to 1 year, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Be at least 18 and hold a valid driver license.
2Get a DOT medical exam and set your self-certification type through DFA MyDMV or at a revenue office.
3Schedule your written tests online with the Arkansas State Police.
4Pass the General Knowledge test plus any Air Brakes, Combination or endorsement tests at a State Police troop site.
5Get your CLP at a DFA revenue office. Always drive with a qualified CDL holder.
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, schedule your skills test at one of six State Police troop sites.

What to bring

Proof of legal presence, such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport
One proof of identity, such as your current driver license
Social Security card
Two proofs of Arkansas address, such as a utility bill or recent bank statement
For the skills test: your CLP, CDL-1 forms from a revenue office, wheel chocks and an empty trailer or tank

Medical card

You set your self-certification type online through DFA MyDMV or at a revenue office. DFA accepts medical certificates in person at a revenue office, by email or by mail.

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 Arkansas

Written tests are given at all Arkansas State Police troop sites.
Skills tests are only at Troops A (Little Rock), B (Newport), G (Hope), I (Harrison), J (Russellville) and L (Lowell).
Testing is scheduled online through the State Police.
Since October 1, 2025, Forward Offset Tracking is done as one continuous move without stopping.

Study for these tests in the Arkansas classroom

Good to know in Arkansas

Your CLP cannot be renewed. If it expires, you retake the written tests.
Before Arkansas issues or renews a Class A CDL, you must finish a human trafficking prevention course.
Your accompanying CDL holder must sit in the front seat or the first row behind you.

Confirm with DFA before you go

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

CLP, test and license fees — call DFA for current amounts before you go.
Which languages the written tests are offered in.
How long you wait to retest after failing.
The vision standard for a CDL.
Whether you need a REAL ID for a CDL.
How Arkansas handles non-domiciled applicants.

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 Arkansas gives. Free.

Open the Arkansas classroom

Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services. Rules and fees change, so always check with DFA before you apply.