Arizona CDL Requirements: Do You Qualify?
Earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Arizona starts with knowing whether you meet the requirements. Before applying to a program, prospective students should understand the baseline eligibility rules set by federal law and the state of Arizona.
We’ll walk you through what it takes to qualify for a Class A or Class B CDL in Arizona.
Requirements Summary
- Age Requirements
- Valid Driver’s License and Driving Experience
- Driving Record Standards
- DOT Physical and Medical Requirements
- Proof of Identity and Legal Presence
- Arizona-Specific Requirements
- Federal ELDT Requirement
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Age Requirements
Federal law sets minimum age requirements for CDL holders. The requirements differ based on where the driver plans to operate.
| 18–20 Years Old | 21 and Older | |
| License Type | Intrastate CDL | Interstate CDL |
| Where You Can Drive | Within Arizona only | Across state lines |
| OTR / Long-Haul Eligible | No | Yes |
| HazMat Eligible | No | Yes |
Drivers between 18 and 20 may earn a CDL in Arizona, but their license will carry an interstate restriction — called a K restriction — that limits them to driving within Arizona only. That restriction lifts automatically when the driver turns 21. This opens drivers up to Over-the-road (OTR) positions as well as earning their HazMat endorsement.
2. Valid Driver’s License and Driving Experience
All CDL applicants in Arizona must hold a current, valid Arizona operator’s license. A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) cannot be issued to anyone without a valid non-commercial license already on file.
Arizona also requires proof of at least one year of driving experience in a non-motorcycle vehicle. This can be demonstrated through the applicant’s driving record.
3. Driving Record Standards
CDL applicants are held to stricter driving record standards than regular license holders. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets disqualification rules that apply in every state, including Arizona.
Major Disqualifying Offenses
| Offense | Consequence |
| DUI/DWI (first offense) | 1-year minimum disqualification |
| DUI/DWI (second offense) | Lifetime disqualification |
| Leaving the scene of an accident involving a Commercial Vehicle | 1-year minimum disqualification |
| Using a Commercial Vehicle in the commission of a felony | 1-year minimum disqualification |
| Refusing drug or alcohol testing | 1-year minimum disqualification |
| Driving while CDL is suspended, revoked, or disqualified | Additional disqualification period |
Alcohol Standards for CDL Holders
CDL holders are subject to a lower legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit than standard drivers. The limit for CDL holders operating a commercial motor vehicle is 0.04%, compared to 0.08% for non-commercial vehicles.
Off-duty DUI convictions — even in a personal vehicle — can still result in CDL disqualification under federal rules.
4. DOT Physical and Medical Requirements
Every CDL applicant must pass a physical examination performed by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. This is a federal requirement and applies to Class A and Class B licenses.
The exam evaluates overall health and confirms the applicant can safely operate a commercial vehicle. Areas reviewed include:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Blood pressure
- Cardiovascular health
- Neurological function
- General physical condition
Applicants who pass receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), which must be submitted to the Arizona MVD by the medical examiner. This is part of the CDL application process. The certificate is typically valid for up to two years.
Conditions That May Affect Eligibility
Certain medical conditions — including some heart conditions, seizure disorders, and vision or hearing deficiencies below federal thresholds — can affect CDL eligibility. Some conditions are manageable with proper documentation.
Applicants with a medical condition should consult a DOT-certified examiner before starting a CDL program.
What to Expect at a DOT Physical →
5. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence
Arizona CDL applicants must provide documents that verify identity, citizenship or legal presence, and Arizona residency. These documents are presented in person at an Arizona MVD office when applying for a commercial learner’s permit.
| ✓ | Proof of Identity: U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card |
| ✓ | Social Security Card: Original, unlamented card required |
| ✓ | Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency: Must demonstrate lawful presence in the United States |
| ✓ | Proof of Arizona Residency: Two documents showing a current Arizona address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.) |
| ✓ | Valid Arizona Driver’s License: Current, non-expired operator’s license |
| ✓ | Medical Examiner’s Certificate: Completed DOT physical from an FMCSA-registered examiner |
Applicants should verify current document requirements with the Arizona MVD before visiting an office, as accepted forms of identification are subject to change.
6. Arizona-Specific Requirements
In addition to federal requirements, Arizona has its own rules that CDL applicants must meet.
- Applicants must hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
- The CLP is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance
- All CDL skills tests in Arizona are administered in English only
- At least one year of driving experience in a non-motorcycle vehicle is required
7. Federal ELDT Requirement
As of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a school listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before taking the CDL skills test. This is a federal mandate with no exceptions.
ELDT applies to:
- First-time Class A CDL applicants
- First-time Class B CDL applicants
- Drivers upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL
- Drivers adding a Passenger, School Bus, or HazMat endorsement for the first time
Southwest Truck Driver Training is a Registered ELDT Provider
Both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses are listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Students who complete a CDL program at Southwest meet the federal ELDT requirement and are eligible to take the CDL skills test.
Class A CDL Training at Southwest Truck Driver Training →
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona CDL Requirements
Are CDL requirements the same in every state?
Federal requirements like age, medical standards, training, and the things that disqualify you apply nationally. States can add their own rules on top of those.
Can I start CDL training before I have all my documents ready?
Yes. Training can begin before the MVD application is submitted. However, the commercial learner’s permit must be obtained before a student can get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, and that requires all documents be submitted.
Can I get a CDL if I wear glasses or hearing aids?
Yes, in most cases. The DOT physical requires at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses, and the ability to hear a whispered voice at five feet with or without a hearing aid.
Can I get a CDL if I have a medical condition like diabetes or epilepsy?
It depends on the condition and how it’s managed. Some conditions require a federal exemption or waiver before the CDL can be issued. Others disqualify the applicant outright. Applicants with a diagnosed medical condition should consult a DOT-certified medical examiner or our admissions staff before starting a program.
Does a felony on my record automatically disqualify me from getting a CDL?
A felony does not automatically prevent someone from earning a CDL — but it can make it harder to get hired after graduation. Some carriers will not hire drivers with certain convictions on their record. Southwest Truck Driver Training reviews each situation individually before enrollment. If a prospective student’s record is likely to be a barrier to finding a driving job, the admissions team will be upfront about that before the student invests their time and money.
Does a prior out-of-state violation affect my Arizona CDL eligibility?
Yes. CDL records are tracked federally through the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), so violations from any state follow the applicant.
Can I get a CDL if I currently hold one from another state?
Yes. But a driver can only hold one CDL at a time. Arizona residents who hold an out-of-state CDL must transfer it to Arizona. This process is handled through the Arizona MVD.
Ready to Find Out if You Qualify?
Southwest Truck Driver Training has been putting Arizona drivers on the road since 1999. The admissions team at both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses can answer questions about eligibility and walk prospective students through the next steps. Let us show you around the school and introduce you to our team.