Arizona CDL Resources

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division

This page collects official CDL resources for Arizona: the state licensing agency, CDL handbook, testing locations, and renewal information. All links go directly to official Arizona government sources. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division.

Official resources to check first

Arizona CDL requirements are managed by ADOT MVD (azdot.gov). Verify current requirements at the ADOT website.

CDL Licensing · Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division Arizona CDL — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/commercial-driver-license-cdl
State Driver Licensing Agency · Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division — Main Website https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles

No direct CDL handbook link is listed for Arizona yet. Visit the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division website and look for a "CDL Manual," "Commercial Driver Handbook," or similar link.

CDL licensing through Arizona MVD

Arizona CDL applicants apply through the Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation. Knowledge tests are taken at authorized MVD offices or third-party providers. After passing required tests, a Commercial Learner's Permit is issued. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before the CDL skills test. New Class A and Class B applicants must complete ELDT. Arizona allows authorized third-party CDL testers for skills testing in addition to MVD locations.

Arizona CDL for owner-operators

Arizona is a popular domicile state for owner-operators and small carriers due to its business climate and logistics activity at the Ports of Entry along the Mexico border. Arizona CDL holders operating as owner-operators must ensure they hold appropriate authority (or are leased to a carrier) and maintain all federal compliance requirements including FMCSA registration, ELD use (if applicable), and Clearinghouse enrollment. Verify current CDL fees and procedures at azdot.gov.

Before you apply or renew

These steps apply regardless of state. Verify each requirement directly with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division before beginning the application process.

  • Verify your CDL class (A, B, or C) matches the vehicles you intend to operate.
  • Check whether you need endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples) and confirm state testing requirements for each.
  • Confirm you hold a valid DOT medical certificate (MCSA-5876) and that it is current before applying or renewing.
  • If you are a new CDL applicant, confirm whether ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) applies to your situation — see the ELDT overview.
  • Gather required documents — identity, residency, and any existing license — before visiting a testing location.
  • Confirm current fees and testing appointment availability directly with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division.

Medical certificate

CDL holders operating in interstate commerce must carry a current DOT medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. Arizona state requirements for submitting or updating medical certification vary — check the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division website for the current procedure.

Medical Examiner Search · Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) FMCSA National Registry — Find a Certified Medical Examiner https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/

For Arizona-specific medical certificate submission procedures, start at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division website .

ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training

Federal ELDT requirements apply to new Class A and Class B CDL applicants and to certain endorsements. Training must be completed at a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division does not administer ELDT — training is completed at a registered provider before you schedule the skills test.

Federal references

Important: CDL List collects links to official Arizona government resources as a reference. We do not maintain state CDL rules, forms, or fees. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Motor Vehicle Division before taking any action.

Last reviewed: May 29, 2026. Links go to official state agency websites. Verify that your browser shows the official state government domain before submitting any forms or payments.