Arkansas is known as the “Holy Land of Trucking.” Why? Because it is the global headquarters of Walmart (Bentonville) and J.B. Hunt (Lowell), two of the largest fleet operators in the world.
Arkansas splits the process between agencies: Arkansas State Police (ASP) manages testing, while the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) issues the credential. The prior page mislabeled the trafficking-training law as Act 706 and applied it to every CDL applicant. ASP’s current page identifies Act 922 and ties the certificate to Class A issuance or renewal.
Arkansas CDL Quick Facts
| Item | Current Arkansas requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing agency | Arkansas State Police Driver Examination |
| Issuing agency | Arkansas DFA Driver Services |
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate operation; 21 for interstate commerce or HazMat |
| Knowledge testing | Available at ASP troop testing sites statewide |
| Knowledge retest wait | Official testing rules state one day after a failed section |
| Minimum CLP hold | 14 days before the skills test under federal CDL rules |
| Skills testing | Appointment required; applicant supplies a compliant, empty test vehicle and wheel chocks |
| Skills retest wait | Official testing rules state five days after a failed section |
| Class A training | Approved human-trafficking-prevention certificate required for issuance and renewal |
| CDL fee | $50 for a five-year CDL under Arkansas Act 753 |
| Official handbook | Arkansas State Police CDL Study Guide (March 2025) |
Choose Your Arkansas CDL Practice Module
| CDL module | Start here |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Open the General Knowledge diagnostic |
| Air Brakes | Open the Air Brakes diagnostic |
| Combination Vehicles | Open the Combination Vehicles diagnostic |
| Hazardous Materials | Open the HazMat diagnostic |
| Tank Vehicles | Open the Tanker diagnostic |
| Doubles and Triples | Open the Doubles and Triples diagnostic |
| Pre-Trip Inspection | Open the Pre-Trip diagnostic |
Arkansas CDL Application Steps
- Select the correct class and endorsements. A typical air-brake Class A applicant needs General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles.
- Prepare identity, lawful-status, residency, and driver-license documents. Use the current ASP “Before CDL Testing” checklist.
- Complete medical certification and self-certification when required. Resolve record problems before testing.
- Study the March 2025 ASP CDL Study Guide. Do not rely only on questions copied from another state.
- Take the knowledge tests at an ASP troop location. Schedule when possible to protect the exam date.
- Obtain the CLP through the state process. Verify the class, endorsements, restrictions, and expiration.
- Complete applicable ELDT and hold the CLP for at least 14 days. Training must be recorded by a registered provider when federal rules apply.
- Complete the Class A trafficking course if applicable. Save an accepted certificate for DFA issuance.
- Take the scheduled skills test. Bring a properly licensed accompanying driver, an empty compliant vehicle, current inspection evidence, and two wheel chocks.
- Finish issuance with DFA. Present the test documents and any required Class A certificate, then pay the current credential fee.
The Class A Human-Trafficking Course
Before a Class A CDL can be issued or renewed, ASP says the applicant must complete an accepted Human Trafficking Prevention Course.
- The law: The current ASP page identifies Act 922, effective July 31, 2017.
- How to take it: It is a free online video course provided by “Truckers Against Trafficking” (TAT).
- The Certificate: You must print out the completion certificate or save it on your phone. The Revenue Office will refuse to print your license without it.
2. Arkansas CDL Fees (2026)
Fees are paid to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), separate from the testing centers.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Five-year CDL | $50.00 | Current DFA law-change notice. |
| CLP/testing transaction | Confirm with ASP/DFA | Do not rely on the old page's unsupported $50 “test packet.” |
| Skills-test vehicle/provider | Varies | Confirm whether the testing route supplies a vehicle. |
| HazMat threat assessment | Separate federal fee | Confirm with the TSA enrollment provider. |
Arkansas Skills-Test Checklist
ASP publishes concrete vehicle requirements. Bring two wheel chocks, a legible DOT inspection sticker less than one year old for truck and trailer, working safety-critical lights, operable inspection items, an empty truck/trailer, and a CDL-qualified accompanying driver. The test follows the official inspection, basic-control, and road sequence; avoid memorizing unofficial “automatic fail” lists.
4. AR Practice Questions
Modern aerodynamic trucks often require a lower gear to descend than to climb. The Ozarks have steep, winding grades that catch drivers off guard. Using the engine brake is essential.
All placarded HazMat vehicles must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks. You must look and listen for a train before proceeding.
Conclusion
Use ASP’s current study guide and appointment instructions, complete ELDT when applicable, and bring the exact vehicle equipment ASP lists. Class A applicants must also carry an accepted Act 922 course certificate into the DFA issuance step.
Official Sources
- Arkansas State Police Driver Examination and March 2025 CDL Study Guide
- Arkansas DFA commercial driver license classifications
- Arkansas DFA CDL fee and five-year term change
- Arkansas CDL testing rules (PDF)
Confirm current test appointments, fees, accepted certificates, and issuance documents with ASP and DFA before paying or traveling.