A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Arizona to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Arizona CDL fees start at $25 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Arizona CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Required for hauling mining chemicals, fuel, and industrial HazMat throughout Arizona's industrial corridors and copper mining operations.
Required for bulk liquid/gas tank vehicles. Common for water haulers serving construction sites in the Phoenix metro and fuel tanker operators serving Arizona's mining and industrial sector.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Arizona requires background check for school bus operators.
Required for LCV double and triple trailer combinations. Arizona is a major LCV state — doubles up to 105 ft and triples up to 105 ft are authorized on designated routes. Class A CDL required. T endorsement is highly valuable for Arizona-based carriers.
Combination H and N endorsements for tank vehicles hauling HazMat. TSA background check required. Common for fuel tanker and chemical tanker operations in Arizona's industrial and mining sectors.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Arizona has a strong network of FMCSA-registered CDL schools, particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Find registered providers at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Arizona →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Arizona's desert climate and extreme summer heat (120°F+) present unique health concerns — heat exhaustion risk is elevated for drivers with cardiovascular conditions. MEC valid up to 24 months. Self-certify CDL category with ADOT MVD and submit MEC copy.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at an Arizona MVD office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Arizona residency. Pass the knowledge tests for your desired class and endorsements, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the CDL skills test. Arizona's CDL fee is just $25 — one of the lowest in the country. Full details at azdot.gov.
Arizona CDLs are valid for 5 years. Your DOT Medical Certificate must be renewed separately — most interstate drivers renew every 24 months. Renew your CDL at any Arizona MVD office. Arizona's 5-year validity means less frequent renewal trips compared to states with 4-year CDLs.
Yes. A T (Double/Triple Trailers) endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailer combinations, and a Class A CDL is also required. Arizona authorizes LCV doubles up to 105 feet and triples up to 105 feet on designated Interstate routes, with total gross weights up to 129,000 lbs on LCV routes. The T endorsement is very useful for Arizona-based carriers and regional operators.
Arizona's extreme heat (summer temperatures exceeding 120°F) causes brake fade on mountain grades, dramatically increases tire blowout risk, and strains engine cooling systems. Key danger spots include I-17's Black Canyon Hill north of Phoenix, the grades on US-60 near Globe, and steep descents on I-8 in the Gila Bend area. Proper brake cooling technique, tire inflation checks, and adequate water carry are essential. Monsoon season (July–September) adds flash flood and dust storm (haboob) hazards.
Arizona MVD administers CDL skills tests at designated locations statewide. Third-party testing sites are available in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff metro areas. Some CDL schools offer testing as part of their training programs. Visit azdot.gov for current testing locations and scheduling information.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Arizona on TruckRadar.
Arizona CDL fees are among the lowest in the nation at $25 for original and renewal — 5-year validity. Knowledge test fees approximately $15 per test. Skills test fees vary by provider; third-party testers typically charge $75–$150. Verify current amounts at azdot.gov before scheduling. Endorsement fees may be additional.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Arizona AZ Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026