Arkansas CDL Study Guide
Arkansas issues Commercial Driver Licenses through the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Services. CDL knowledge and skills tests are administered by the Arkansas State Police, a division of the Department of Public Safety. Drivers must pass written tests, hold a Commercial Learner Permit for at least 14 days, complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass a road skills exam.
Key Arkansas numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Arkansas General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a written knowledge test, you must wait before retaking it - check with the Office of Driver Services on current waiting periods. The Commercial Learner Permit is valid for one year; if it expires, you must retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues CDLs in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Services issues the license. The Arkansas State Police administers the knowledge and skills tests.
How much does an Arkansas CDL cost?
The testing fee is $50 and the CDL license fee is $42 after you pass. HAZMAT and other endorsements have additional costs.
How long is the Arkansas Commercial Learner Permit valid?
The CLP is valid for up to one year. If it expires before you pass the skills test, you must retake the knowledge tests.
Do I have to take ELDT in Arkansas?
Yes. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training is required for first-time CDL applicants, upgrades, and for adding the HAZMAT, Passenger, or School Bus endorsements.
What is the passing score on the Arkansas General Knowledge test?
You must answer at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly, which is 80%.
Does Arkansas require a DOT medical card?
Yes, for drivers who self-certify as Non-Excepted Interstate. The certificate must come from a Certified Medical Examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
Free practice
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Sources: Arkansas CDL Manual (March 2025 PDF) Arkansas DPS - Driver Examination program Arkansas DFA - Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Arkansas DFA - CLP Commercial Learneru0027s Permit