Arkansas CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

If you live in Arkansas and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have an Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL).

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:

To operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following classifications, you must have an Arkansas CDL Endorsement.

Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Minimum age of 18.

Class B - Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more and any vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Minimum age of 18.

Class C - Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 or any such vehicles towing a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds comprising: (1) vehicles designed to transport 16 passengers or more, including driver; (2) vehicles used in the transport of hazardous materials which are placarded. Minimum age of 18.

About the CDL Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.

Test Name Take If...
Passenger Transport ...you want to drive a bus
Air Brakes ...your vehicle has air brakes
Combination Vehicles ...you want to drive combination vehicles
Hazardous Materials ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding
Tankers ...you want to haul liquids in bulk
Doubles/Triples ...you want to pull double or triple trailers

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.

  1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
  2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
  3. On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

What Should I Bring To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?

Bring your current driver license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

Fees are as follows:

Commercial drivers license (original or renewal) - $42.00

Commercial drivers license test fee - $35.00

Restricted commercial drivers license test fee (restricted to church or school buses only) - $20.00

Where Can I Get More Information?

To download the Arkansas CDL Manual: http://www.asp.state.ar.us/dle/dle.html

For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/cdl.htm

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.43.htm

Arkansas Office of Driver Services: http://www.arkansas.gov/dfa/driverservices/index.html

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department: http://www.ahtd.state.ar.us/

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CDL Resources

CDL Guide
State DMVs
Truck Driver Schools
 How to get a CDL
Ohio CDL
Texas CDL
More AR Driver Resources: Arkansas Driver's License, Arkansas Motorcyle License, Arkansas Learners Permit

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