Arkansas CDL Resources

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control

This page collects official CDL resources for Arkansas: the state licensing agency, CDL handbook, testing locations, and renewal information. All links go directly to official Arkansas government sources. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control.

Official resources to check first

Arkansas CDL information is managed by DFA (dfa.arkansas.gov). Verify current requirements with the Arkansas DFA.

CDL Licensing · Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control Arkansas CDL — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/driver-services/commercial-drivers-license-cdl/
State Driver Licensing Agency · Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control — Main Website https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/driver-services/

No direct CDL handbook link is listed for Arkansas yet. Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control website and look for a "CDL Manual," "Commercial Driver Handbook," or similar link.

CDL licensing through Arkansas DFA

Arkansas CDL licensing is handled by the Department of Finance and Administration Driver Services Division. Knowledge tests are taken at Arkansas DFA driver license offices. After passing required knowledge tests, applicants receive a Commercial Learner's Permit. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before the skills test. New Class A and Class B CDL applicants must complete ELDT at an FMCSA-listed provider before scheduling the skills test. Verify current testing locations, fees, and appointment availability at dfa.arkansas.gov.

Arkansas CDL and the trucking corridor

Arkansas sits along several major interstate freight corridors. Many Arkansas-domiciled CDL holders work in over-the-road trucking and are subject to full federal FMCSA compliance requirements — HOS, ELD, DQ file, and Clearinghouse. For CDL holders transporting agricultural products (poultry, grain, livestock are major Arkansas commodities), confirm whether any applicable agricultural exemptions apply before relying on them. Agricultural exemptions under 49 CFR 395.1(k) are narrowly defined. Verify CDL requirements at dfa.arkansas.gov.

Before you apply or renew

These steps apply regardless of state. Verify each requirement directly with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control 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 Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control.

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. Arkansas state requirements for submitting or updating medical certification vary — check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control 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 Arkansas-specific medical certificate submission procedures, start at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control 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 Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control 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 Arkansas government resources as a reference. We do not maintain state CDL rules, forms, or fees. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Driver Control 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.