Arizona CDL Requirements: Steps for First-Time Class A Applicants

To get a first-time Arizona Class A CDL, you need to establish eligibility, obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), complete applicable Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and pass the skills test. This guide follows the process for a typical first-time tractor-trailer applicant.

1. Check eligibility and gather documents

Arizona requires applicants to be at least 18. Drivers ages 18–20 are limited to qualifying intrastate operation and cannot transport hazardous materials. Interstate commercial driving normally requires age 21. Freight can be interstate commerce even when your own trip stays within Arizona.

Arizona must be your home state for a standard Arizona CDL. Convert an out-of-state driver license before starting the application. MVD also requires at least one year of driving history. Applicants with recent out-of-state licenses may need an official state-issued motor vehicle record, less than 30 days old, showing that history.

Prepare proof of identity and eligible status, two proofs of Arizona residence, and your Social Security number. Use Arizona's current CDL documentation checklist to identify acceptable evidence. The MVD application page explains the licensing and driving-history requirements.

Lawful presence or permission to work does not by itself establish eligibility for every type of CDL. Non-domiciled credentials have separate federal rules that changed in 2026. If that route applies to you, confirm current eligibility and Arizona's processing requirements with MVD before paying for training. See FMCSA's non-domiciled CDL guidance.

Driving records and disqualifications

There is no universal CDL rule that a DUI becomes acceptable after three years. Eligibility depends on the offense, conviction history, current license status and applicable state and federal requirements.

Under 49 CFR 383.51, a first qualifying major-offense conviction, such as DUI or leaving an accident scene, generally carries a one-year commercial disqualification; specified placarded-hazmat circumstances increase it to three years. A second qualifying conviction from a separate incident can lead to lifetime disqualification. The rule permits limited state reinstatement after ten years for some lifetime disqualifications; it is not automatic. Using a vehicle for a felony involving manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance carries lifetime disqualification without that ten-year option.

Ask MVD about your specific record. An employer's hiring standards are separate from legal licensing eligibility.

2. Complete medical certification

Use a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry. The examiner determines whether you meet the applicable physical qualification standards; a generic list of diagnoses cannot determine your result.

Most Arizona medical results move electronically from the examiner through FMCSA to MVD. Arizona instructs K-restricted intrastate drivers to submit paper medical documents for state review. Follow the instructions for your credential and check your status in AZ MVD Now. See our medical-card guide for the current electronic-record and paper-document distinctions.

3. Obtain the appropriate CLP

A typical Class A tractor-trailer applicant seeking full-air-brake qualification studies General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes. Other equipment and endorsements can require additional tests. Use our Arizona CDL study guide to organize preparation around the official manual.

Arizona requires at least 80% on the applicable knowledge tests. MVD says applicants take the knowledge tests during the same visit and must wait until the next business day to retake a failed test. It lists a maximum CLP validity of 12 months. See MVD's permit instructions.

4. Complete ELDT and the permit holding period

First-time Class A applicants generally need theory and behind-the-wheel ELDT through an appropriately listed Training Provider Registry provider. Federal ELDT has no minimum theory or driving-hour requirement: the theory assessment requires at least 80%, and driving completion depends on demonstrated proficiency. A school's scheduled hours are its program structure, not a universal federal minimum. See FMCSA's training requirements.

You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before the skills test and complete applicable ELDT first. Prior credentials and qualifying exemptions can change ELDT applicability; review FMCSA’s ELDT applicability guidance if you are upgrading or returning to driving.

5. Pass the skills test

The examination covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control and road driving. Arizona uses traditional and modernized testing systems at different locations. Confirm your provider's system and vehicle before practicing; use the appropriate Sections 11/12 or 11M/12M, plus Section 13, of the Arizona CDL Manual.

Your test equipment can produce restrictions. Testing in an automatic adds E — No Manual Transmission; brake equipment and tractor-trailer configuration can also affect your credential. Manual testing avoids E, but does not eliminate every possible restriction. Review Arizona's restriction definitions before choosing equipment.

Budget for state and provider charges separately

Arizona currently lists these standard charges for a new Class A or B applicant without endorsements:

Those three charges total $75. They are not an all-inclusive cost for training, medical examinations, vehicle rental or private third-party testing. Endorsements and other transactions can add charges. Check MVD's fee list and request a written provider quote showing included services and retest terms.

Your completion date depends on permit timing, proficiency, medical and document processing, and test availability. Plan around those steps before committing to a start date for driving work.