Secure the required documents to prove your legal presence in the United States and that you are living in Arizona. What you need:

All CDL Applicants:

• Current CDL or state issued motor vehicle record (issued within 30 days)
• Proof of domicile – Applicants must provide two documents showing their name and Arizona physical address (no P.O. boxes). Acceptable forms include:
  • Utility bills (electric, water, gas, internet, etc.)
  • Bank or credit card statements
  • Mortgage statements or lease/rental agreements
  • Arizona vehicle registration
  • Insurance documents (auto, home, renters, health)
  • Pay stubs or employer letters
  • Government correspondence (state or federal letters, notices, tax documents)
  • School records (for minors or dependents)

  Notes:

  • Documents must be original or printed copies (no handwritten notes)
  • Must be recently dated, typically within the last 60–90 days
  • Both documents must show the same Arizona address
  • Names should match your identity documents

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Commercial Learner’s Permit Applicants: in addition to the items above.

• Arizona Driver’s License – An Out-of-State Driver License will not work, you will need to change it to Arizona
• Proof of one year driving experience

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NOTE: The state of Arizona requires that all documents are originals or certified copies, in English, certified by the issuing agency.

Before testing, you must get a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified medical examiner on the federal registry — this shows you’re physically fit to drive a commercial vehicle. You can find Certified Medical Examiners here.

Your certified medical examiner will submit you Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) electronically. Allow your examiner 24 hours to summit it. Exception If you are restricted to driving only within Arizona, you may bring the completed MEC and long form to MVD.

Prepare for the Commercial Learner’s Permit written exam by reviewing the Arizona Commercial Driver License Manual.

Knowledge testing for commercial learner’s permit or endorsement tests can be done at our office from 8:30 am-4 pm Monday-Thursday, and Fridays with limited availability. Appointments are required. Please call 602.850.6007 to schedule your exam. Please make sure you allocate enough time to complete your exam before the office closes.

Our office is located at:7500 W Madison Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Bring your documentation referenced in Step 1. The basic knowledge exam is 50 questions. Depending on the endorsements (Air Brakes, combination vehicles, Passenger Transport, Hazardous Materials, Tanks, Doubles/Triples, etc. ) there will be additional exam questions. To pass the knowledge test, you must score a minimum of 80 percent.

As of Feb. 7, 2022, ELDT training is required before you can take the CDL skills test. Training must be through an FMCSA-registered provider with classroom (“theory”), yard (“range”), and on-road components.

If you are in need of a CDL school, please find a list of ATA members who provide this service here. You must hold your commercial permit for at least 14 days prior to taking the Skills Test. Sections 11, 12, and 13 in your CDL manual explain what to expect during a skills test.

ELDT Applicability

You can take the skills test at: MVD CDL Offices: Authorized state locations for skills testing, which require you to bring your own commercial vehicle to take your commercial skills test. To make your skills test appointment, please call 602.255.0072.

Truck Driving Schools: If you are in need of a CDL school, please find a list of ATA members who provide this service here.

After passing this test, you’ll be issued your Commercial Driver’s License.