CDL Endorsements in Arizona
A CDL opens the door. Endorsements open more of them.
Southwest Truck Driver Training offers endorsement training for three of the most in-demand skills in commercial trucking: HazMat, Passenger, and School Bus. Each one expands what a driver can legally operate — and what employers are willing to pay.
Endorsement training is available at both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses. Both campuses are state-certified CDL testing sites, so students test on-site where they are trained.
CDL Endorsements at a Glance
The table below shows the three endorsements offered at Southwest Truck Driver Training, what each one covers, and who it is most relevant for.
| Endorsement | What It Covers | Who It’s For | Campus |
| HazMat Endorsement | Transporting hazardous materials — chemicals, gases, flammables | Drivers hauling regulated cargo for carriers, utilities, or chemical companies | Phoenix & Tucson |
| Passenger (P) Endorsement | Driving vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers | Bus drivers, transit operators, shuttle and charter services | Phoenix & Tucson |
| School Bus (S) Endorsement | Operating a school bus designed to carry school-age passengers | School districts, transportation contractors, private school drivers | Phoenix & Tucson |
HazMat Endorsement Training
The HazMat endorsement is required for any driver who transports hazardous materials — chemicals, gases, flammables, and other regulated cargo. It is one of the most sought-after endorsements in commercial trucking because many high-paying routes and freight categories require it.
What the HazMat Endorsement Covers
Southwest’s HazMat endorsement training follows the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for hazardous materials. The curriculum covers:
- How hazardous materials are classified and labeled
- Federal regulations for loading, transporting, and unloading hazardous materials
- Placarding requirements and cargo documentation
- Emergency response procedures
- Communication standards and driver responsibilities
HazMat Endorsement Requirements
Earning a HazMat endorsement involves steps beyond standard CDL licensing. The requirements are set by both the federal government and the state of Arizona.
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | Must be 21 or older — federal law prohibits drivers under 21 from transporting hazardous materials |
| License | Must hold a valid CDL (Class A or B) |
| Background Check | TSA security threat assessment — required for all HazMat applicants |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass the HazMat knowledge exam at an Arizona MVD office |
| Renewal | Every five years; includes a new background check and knowledge test |
Note: The TSA background check is submitted through the Arizona MVD. Processing times vary. Students should plan for this step early in the process.
Who Should Add a HazMat Endorsement?
The HazMat endorsement is a strong choice for drivers looking to work in freight, fuel transport, chemical distribution, or utility operations. Many national carriers list it as a preferred credential. Some positions require it.
Southwest’s career services team can help graduates identify which positions in their area call for a HazMat endorsement and connect them with carriers who are actively hiring.
Passenger (P) Endorsement Training
The Passenger endorsement authorizes a driver to operate a commercial vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This includes transit buses, charter buses, shuttle vehicles, and other commercial passenger transport.
What the Passenger Endorsement Covers
Southwest’s Passenger endorsement training is built around what drivers need to know to move people safely. The curriculum covers:
- Passenger safety rules and driver responsibilities
- Loading and unloading procedures, including at stops and railroad crossings
- Emergency exit procedures and evacuation protocols
- Handling disruptive passengers
- Prohibited practices and regulatory requirements
Passenger Endorsement Requirements in Arizona
To add a Passenger endorsement to an existing CDL in Arizona, a driver must:
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | Must be 21 or older |
| License | Must hold a valid CDL (Class A or B) |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass the Passenger knowledge test at an Arizona MVD office |
| Renewal | Every five years, whenever you renew your CDL |
| Fees | Pay state endorsement fees |
Note: First-time CDL applicants adding a Passenger endorsement must also complete ELDT endorsement training through a registered provider. Southwest Truck Driver Training is a registered FMCSA provider.
Who Should Add a Passenger Endorsement?
The Passenger endorsement is a good fit for drivers who want to work in public transit, charter and tour services, airport shuttles, or employer transportation programs. In Arizona, municipalities, universities, and private operators regularly hire drivers with this credential.
School Bus (S) Endorsement Training
The School Bus endorsement is required to operate a school bus carrying school-age passengers. It is a separate credential from the Passenger endorsement and comes with its own set of training and testing requirements. However, in the state of Arizona, both the Passenger and the School Bus endorsement are required to drive a school bus.
What the School Bus Endorsement Covers
School bus drivers work in a highly regulated environment. The training at Southwest covers the rules and skills that apply specifically to transporting students. Topics include:
- Loading and unloading students safely, including railroad crossing procedures
- Student management and emergency evacuation
- School bus-specific inspection requirements
- Special stop laws and signaling procedures
- State and federal regulations unique to school bus operations
School Bus Endorsement Requirements in Arizona
Adding a School Bus endorsement in Arizona requires:
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | Must be 21 or older |
| License | Must hold a valid CDL (Class A, B, or C) |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting through Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass the School Bus knowledge and skills test |
| Renewal | Must be renewed yearly per the Arizona DPS |
Note: The fingerprint clearance card is required by Arizona law for anyone working with school-age children. Students should begin this process early — it takes time to process.
Who Should Add a School Bus Endorsement?
This endorsement is the right choice for drivers seeking work with school districts, student transportation contractors, or private schools. It is one of the more structured driving careers available — consistent hours, defined routes, and meaningful work.
Adding an Endorsement to an Existing CDL
Drivers who already hold a CDL can add any of these endorsements through Southwest Truck Driver Training’s endorsement programs. No need to re-enroll in a full CDL program.
The process is straightforward:
Southwest Truck Driver Training is a registered FMCSA Training Provider. All endorsement programs meet federal ELDT requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Endorsements
Do I need a CDL before I can add an endorsement?
Yes. Endorsements are added to an existing CDL. Students who are pursuing a CDL for the first time can enroll in a combined program that covers the CDL and endorsement training together.
Can I take my endorsement knowledge test at Southwest Truck Driver Training?
The HazMat, Passenger, and School Bus knowledge tests are administered by the Arizona MVD, not at the school. The endorsement knowledge tests require an MVD visit or a visit to a qualified third-party testing site.
How long does endorsement training take?
Endorsement training is shorter than a full CDL program. Timelines vary based on the endorsement and a student’s existing experience.
How much does a CDL endorsement cost in Arizona?
State fees for endorsements in Arizona are set by the MVD. As of the most recent update:
- The Passenger endorsement costs $10 (or $5 when added to an existing CDL)
Students should confirm current fees directly with the Arizona MVD, as these are subject to change.
Is the HazMat background check hard to pass?
The TSA security threat assessment is a standard background check. Most applicants pass without issue. Drivers with certain criminal convictions may be disqualified. The TSA has a published list of disqualifying offenses.
Does Southwest help graduates find jobs that require endorsements?
Yes. Southwest Truck Driver Training’s career services assistance is available to all graduates, including those who complete endorsement programs.
Southwest Truck Driver Training has been preparing Arizona drivers for commercial trucking careers since 1999. Endorsement programs are available at both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses.