How to get a CDL in Arkansas
CDL facts for Arkansas, checked on October 31, 2026. Fees change: confirm with the state before you pay.
Fees and rules
- Issued by
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Driver Services issues CDLs/CLPs; Arkansas State Police gives the tests
- Knowledge test fee
- $50 CDL testing fee (CDL-1 test packet bought at a DFA revenue office)
- CLP is valid for
- Up to 1 year; knowledge tests must be retaken after expiration
- Minimum age (within the state)
- 18
- Where the skills test is given
- State only: Arkansas State Police troop sites (Little Rock, Newport, Hope, Harrison, Russellville, Lowell), by appointment
- Medical card
- Self-certify driving type at every license transaction; non-excepted drivers submit a medical card to DFA; CDL downgraded 60 days after the card expires
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Required for those subject to it; use a provider from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
Official sources
“The CLP is valid for up to 1 year.” www.dfa.arkansas.gov
“The CLP holder must be 18 years of age or older.” www.dfa.arkansas.gov
“The CLP holder is not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after initial issuance of the CLP.” www.dfa.arkansas.gov
“CDL Skill tests are ONLY administered at the following troop locations:” dps.arkansas.gov
“Must have an appointment for Skills Testing.” dps.arkansas.gov
“please check the TPR website for a training provider near you” dps.arkansas.gov
“recertify their driving type with every license transaction” www.dfa.arkansas.gov