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Arkansas CDL Requirements

Getting an Arkansas CDL means meeting two layers of requirements at the same time: federal regulations from the FMCSA (medical certification, ELDT training, and the 14-day CLP holding period) plus Arkansas-specific requirements administered by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) for testing and the DFA Office of Driver Services for licensing. Class A applicants also have to complete a one-time Arkansas Act 922 Human Trafficking Prevention course. This page covers what you need to qualify, what to bring, and what can disqualify you.

Quick Answer

  • Age: 18+ for intrastate Arkansas CDL; 21+ for interstate or HazMat.
  • Residency: Arkansas resident with a valid Arkansas driver's license.
  • Medical: Current DOT medical certification from a National Registry-listed examiner.
  • Training: Federal ELDT at an FMCSA Training Provider Registry-listed school.
  • Testing: Knowledge tests and skills tests both at Arkansas State Police.
  • Class A only: one-time Act 922 Human Trafficking Prevention course before issuance.
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Basic Eligibility

The federal age rules are the most common gotcha for younger applicants — you can drive a commercial vehicle within Arkansas at 18, but you can't drive across state lines or haul hazardous materials until you're 21. The step-by-step process walks the full sequence.

Requirement Standard
Minimum age (intrastate) 18 to operate a CMV within Arkansas only
Minimum age (interstate / HazMat) 21 to operate across state lines or haul hazardous materials
Residency Arkansas resident; valid Arkansas Class D driver's license
Legal presence Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
Driving record No active CDL disqualification or unresolved issue that prevents issuance (see Disqualifications below)
Medical certification Current DOT medical certification from an FMCSA National Registry-listed examiner

Documents You'll Need

Have these ready before your first appointment with the Arkansas State Police testing site or the DFA Office of Driver Services. Missing documents are the most common reason for delayed CDL processing.

Proof of Identity and Legal Presence

A valid Arkansas Class D driver's license, plus proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (typically a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or permanent resident card).

Proof of Arkansas Residency

Documentation showing your Arkansas address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document accepted by DFA).

Current DOT Medical Certification

Federal medical-certification rules apply to CDL drivers. Your DOT medical examiner may submit medical-certificate information electronically through the FMCSA National Registry, and students should confirm current submission requirements with their school or the Arkansas licensing office. Use a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

CDL-1 Form (Test Packet)

Obtain the CDL-1 form or current test packet required by DFA before your first knowledge test at Arkansas State Police. Bring it to your testing appointment.

CLP (Required for Skills Test)

Once you pass the knowledge tests, DFA issues your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). You must have the CLP in hand and have held it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test.

Act 922 Certificate (Class A Applicants Only)

Class A applicants must have evidence of Act 922 Human Trafficking Prevention course completion on file with DFA before the Class A CDL can be issued. The free Truckers Against Trafficking online certification automatically sends documentation to DFA when you complete it.

Required Tests

The Arkansas State Police administers both the CDL knowledge tests and the CDL skills tests. Knowledge tests are available at all ASP troop testing sites; skills tests are administered at specific ASP troop testing locations only.

CDL Knowledge Tests

Pass the required CDL knowledge tests for your license class and endorsements. The general knowledge test is required for any CDL class. Additional tests apply if you're seeking endorsements (HazMat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus). Tests are administered in person at Arkansas State Police troop testing sites.

Vision Test

You may also need to satisfy federal CDL vision standards, including any vision screening required during the CDL process.

CDL Skills Test (3 Sections)

The Arkansas CDL skills exam has three components, each scored independently:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection — you walk the examiner through identifying components and confirming the vehicle is safe to operate.
  • Basic vehicle control skills — off-road maneuvers including straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
  • On-road driving — live-traffic driving with the examiner observing.

Skills-test scheduling questions can be directed to the Arkansas State Police at cdl.helpdesk@asp.arkansas.gov.

Required Training (ELDT)

Federal regulations require Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at a school listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. ELDT applies to first-time CDL applicants, drivers upgrading their CDL class, and applicants adding HazMat, school bus, or passenger endorsements.

What ELDT Includes

  • Theory portion — classroom topics covering vehicle systems, regulations, hours of service, and basic operating concepts. Some students complete the ELDT theory portion online through an online ELDT theory provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
  • Behind-the-wheel portion — range training (off-road maneuvers) plus public-road training. This portion happens in person at the CDL school.

Without required ELDT completion on record, you may not be eligible to take the CDL skills exam. Verify the school is FMCSA Training Provider Registry-listed before you enroll.

Act 922: Human Trafficking Prevention (Class A Only)

Arkansas Act 922 took effect July 31, 2017. The law requires anyone obtaining or renewing an Arkansas Class A CDL to complete a Human Trafficking Prevention course. The training is one-time — once completed, it does not need to be repeated for each renewal. Class B applicants are not subject to Act 922.

Three Ways to Satisfy Act 922

  • Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) online certification — free, 26-minute video plus a 15-question quiz. When you complete the TAT certification, evidence of completion is sent to DFA.
  • Course administered by Arkansas State Police — an in-person training session.
  • Course administered by an ASP-endorsed third party — a training session run by an organization that has been approved by Arkansas State Police.

Class A applicants can complete Act 922 anytime during the CDL process. Most students take the free TAT online course early to avoid issuance delays at DFA.

What Can Disqualify You

Federal regulations and Arkansas state policy define which offenses prevent CDL issuance or trigger CDL suspension. The list below is high-level and not legal advice. If you have specific concerns about your driving or criminal record, confirm with the DFA Office of Driver Services or qualified counsel.

Common CDL Disqualifying Offenses (High-Level)

  • DUI/DWI convictions while operating a commercial motor vehicle (and, in many cases, while operating any vehicle).
  • Refusing a federal alcohol or controlled-substance test.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
  • Using a CMV in the commission of certain felonies.
  • Federal disqualification of medical certification (failing the DOT physical or losing medical fitness).
  • Multiple serious traffic violations within specified time windows (excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely).

This list is general and not exhaustive. Disqualification durations vary by offense and by state policy. If you have legal or medical concerns about your eligibility, confirm with the DFA Office of Driver Services or a qualified attorney.

Transferring an Out-of-State CDL

If you're moving to Arkansas with a valid CDL from another state, you must transfer your CDL to Arkansas within 30 days of establishing Arkansas residency. The transfer process is handled through DFA.

Active-duty and recently separated military personnel with qualifying CMV experience may be eligible for the federal military skills-test waiver program. Confirm eligibility and required documentation with the DFA Office of Driver Services.

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Common Questions

Arkansas CDL Requirements — FAQ

It depends on the offense, the timing, and whether the DUI was while operating a commercial vehicle or a personal vehicle. Federal regulations and Arkansas state policy define disqualification durations that vary by case. This is not legal advice. Confirm your specific eligibility with the DFA Office of Driver Services or a qualified attorney before assuming you cannot apply.
Yes. To obtain an Arkansas CDL you need to be an Arkansas resident with a valid Arkansas Class D driver's license. If you're moving from another state, you must transfer your CDL to Arkansas within 30 days of establishing Arkansas residency. The transfer process is handled through the DFA Office of Driver Services.
Act 922 is an Arkansas law (effective July 31, 2017) that requires Class A CDL applicants to complete a Human Trafficking Prevention course. The training is one-time. There are three completion paths: the free Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) online certification (a 26-minute video plus a 15-question quiz), a course administered by Arkansas State Police, or a course administered by an ASP-endorsed third party. When you complete the TAT certification, evidence of completion is sent automatically to DFA. Class B applicants are not subject to Act 922.
Federal medical-certification rules apply to CDL drivers. Your DOT medical examiner may submit medical-certificate information electronically through the FMCSA National Registry, which can transmit information to your state licensing agency. Because submission rules can change, confirm current requirements with your school or the Arkansas licensing office. Use a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
CDL knowledge testing is administered by Arkansas State Police. Test language availability and accommodations vary by location and over time. Confirm directly with your nearest ASP troop testing site whether non-English testing is offered and what documentation may be required. Federal CDL standards do require communication ability sufficient for safe vehicle operation and roadside enforcement interactions.
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