Arizona Commercial Driver's License Requirements & Training
While it’s great that you want to jump right into getting your Arizona CDL, there are a few things that you should know first. You must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The USDOT also regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All Arizona CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class you are testing for. An Arizona CDL is only a few steps away, but make sure you don’t get stuck at the starting gate. Look over the various CDL requirements to get started on the road to your Arizona trucking career.
Find CDL Trucking Schools in Arizona
Many will choose a CDL trucking school in Arizona before starting their trucking career. But, where do you start? First, you need to find the ideal trucking school – and that’s where we come in. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn the proper way to inspect your vehicle prior to hitting the road. It’s time to embark on a new career – but first, make sure you’re getting a proper education.
CDL Training Costs in Arizona
Many potential Arizona truckers get discouraged over the price of trucking school in Arizona. However, there are a few things that you can do to offset the cost of the tuition. The average tuition cost of trucking schools in Arizona is about $2,000. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you want to explore your federal student aid options, in which the government subsidizes some of the loan cost. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. In some cases, some trucking companies will even pay for your schooling so you can join their team as soon as possible. Whichever financial plan you decide to choose, make sure that you give your full and undivided attention while getting your education.
CDL Prep in Arizona
Once you’ve completed your truck school, there are still a few things that you can do to ensure that you’re as prepared as can be for your Arizona CDL license. If you want to get a feel of what the test will be like, feel free to take our practice test as many times as you need to so you can see how you stack up. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle that you take the test in. You’ll want to drive something familiar so you feel as comfortable as possible when taking your test. Our site offers a variety of resources that will ensure that you are as prepared as you can be for your upcoming test.
Arizona CDL Endorsement & Waivers
Your employer may require a certain extra qualification, called endorsements, to ensure that you are trained for the type of vehicle you have been hired to drive. In Arizona, extra testing is required for the following trucking endorsements:
- School Bus
- Passenger
- Hazardous Materials
- Dump Truck
CDL Tests in Arizona
The CDL exam will be broken up into two different parts. A knowledge test will assess your ability to learn the rules of the road as well as other essential CDL information. The second portion of the test will put you on the road so you can show off your skills when it comes to traveling on the road. Once you pass both of these sections you will receive your Arizona CDL.
CDL Knowledge Tests in Arizona
The knowledge portion of the Arizona CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion, you must get at least and 80% on the exam. If you want to get a feel of how the exam will be formatted and what kind of questions to expect, our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming Arizona CDL exam.
CDL Skills Test in Arizona
The Arizona CDL skills test will then test your ability to drive on the road as well as how to maintain your rig and safety. You will be asked to maneuver the vehicle and display proper technique when driving your rig. Make sure that you use a vehicle that you are comfortable with and that qualifies for the CDL requirements that you desire.
Job Outlook in Arizona
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs in the United States are projected to see a 5% increase by 2024. Just below the expected growth rate of 7% for all occupations, it’s yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump on these Arizona trucking jobs as fast as you can.
Arizona Truck Driver Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver in Arizona makes about $42,310 per year. This is just below the national average of $43,590.The investment you put into your Arizona CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.