How to Get a CDL Permit in Arizona
One thing sets Arizona's CDL process apart: the knowledge test and the skills test don't happen at the same kind of office — the knowledge test can be taken at any MVD office, while the skills test is administered specifically at a CDL office.
Line up your documents first
Arizona requires a valid noncommercial Arizona driver's license and documentation proving your eligibility before a CLP application can be processed.
A DOT medical examination and self-certification that you're medically qualified to drive commercially are also required.
Pass the knowledge test at an MVD office
At any Arizona MVD office, pass the general knowledge test, plus combination-vehicle and air-brake tests if applicable to the class and vehicle you're training on.
Federal rule requires completing entry-level driver training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before the skills test, for a first CDL, an endorsement upgrade, or a vehicle-class upgrade.
Use the 12-month CLP window
Federal rule still requires holding the CLP for at least 14 days before scheduling the skills test. Arizona's CLP is valid for a full 12 months, giving you a longer runway than the 180-day window some other states use.
Complete your behind-the-wheel ELDT training during this window, since the skills test can't be scheduled until that training is documented.
The skills test and beyond
Book your skills test at a CDL office specifically, not a general MVD office — a pre-trip inspection, then an on-road driving evaluation for the CDL class you applied for.
Passing gets you your Class A, B, or C license, with any endorsements reflecting the additional tests you passed along the way. The combined MVD fees across the whole process run roughly $100-$110.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an Arizona CLP valid for?
12 months, longer than the 180-day validity common in many other states.
Do I take the knowledge test and skills test at the same office?
No — the knowledge test can be taken at any MVD office, but the skills/road test is administered specifically at a CDL office.
How much does the whole Arizona CDL process cost?
Roughly $100-$110 in combined MVD fees across the permit, knowledge tests, and final issuance. Confirm current fees on the official Arizona MVD website, since they can change.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Arizona cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-20