Arkansas CDL Practice Test 2025

CDLs in Arkansas are issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Revenue Division. There is no Arkansas DMV. DFA Revenue Division offices are located in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and other cities throughout the state. You must visit a DFA office to take CDL knowledge tests, submit your FMCSA medical certificate, and schedule a CDL skills test with an approved third-party examiner or at a DFA testing location.

All Arkansas CDL applicants must pass the General Knowledge test. Additional tests required depend on the vehicle class and endorsements: Combination Vehicles (Class A), Air Brakes (if the vehicle has air brakes), Passenger Transport, Hazardous Materials (with TSA security threat assessment), Tank Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, and School Bus. Each test requires an 80% passing score. Arkansas CDL applicants should also be familiar with the DFA Revenue Division's specific application requirements beyond the standard FMCSA tests.

The FMCSA BAC limit of 0.04% applies to CDL drivers operating any CMV in Arkansas — half the standard 0.08% limit for personal vehicles. Additionally, Arkansas prohibits CDL drivers from consuming alcohol within 4 hours before operating a CMV. A CDL driver who refuses a chemical test or tests at or above 0.04% is placed out of service and faces CDL disqualification proceedings. Note that Arkansas uses 'DWI' terminology rather than 'DUI.'

Arkansas's large grain and poultry industries create specific CDL operational considerations. Arkansas has a seasonal overweight permit system allowing grain and livestock haulers to exceed standard weight limits on designated routes during designated seasons. CDL drivers hauling agricultural commodities in Arkansas should obtain and carry the appropriate Arkansas State Highway Commission permits. Northwest Arkansas (Tyson Foods headquarters is in Springdale) has heavy poultry industry truck traffic, and the Arkansas Delta has significant grain elevator and cotton gin truck traffic.

Arkansas severe weather hazards for CDL drivers include flash flooding on river crossings (Arkansas, White, Red Rivers and their tributaries), severe thunderstorms and tornado activity particularly in spring, and ice events on the I-40 corridor and Ozark mountain routes in winter. CDL drivers should monitor NOAA weather radio and Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) road condition alerts. During flooding, follow all barricade and closure instructions — driving around barricades is a misdemeanor violation in Arkansas. During tornado warnings, do not shelter under overpasses — evacuate the CMV and seek a low-lying ditch away from trees.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Arkansas DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Arkansas DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Arkansas CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Arkansas, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.