Arkansas CDL practice tests
Arkansas splits its testing footprint unevenly: the knowledge test is available at every State Police troop site statewide, but the skills test is concentrated at just six troop locations, so applicants outside those areas either travel further or rely on a certified third party examiner instead.
The written exams themselves are federal. Arkansas decides the permit rules, the fees and who runs the skills test, but the knowledge you are tested on comes from 49 CFR Part 383 and is the same in every state, which is why the 145 questions here work wherever you apply.
What changes in this state
Commercial learner permit
An Arkansas commercial learner's permit carries no fee, must be held at least 14 days before the skills test, and is issued for six months with one renewal allowed, for up to one year total.
Arkansas State Police, checked 2026-08-28
Fees
A commercial driver license costs $50 and is now valid for five years, up from a $40 four-year fee before Act 753 took effect on January 1, 2022.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, checked 2026-08-28
Where you test
The CDL knowledge test is offered at every Arkansas State Police troop testing site, while the skills test is given at only six troop locations or by a certified third party examiner.
Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Arkansas State Police, checked 2026-08-28
Every knowledge area
General Knowledge
Required of every applicant: inspection, control, space and speed management, hazard perception, emergencies and hours of service.
Air Brakes
Fail this and an L restriction bars you from any vehicle with air brakes, which is most of them.
Combination Vehicles
Coupling, the fifth wheel, off tracking and trailer swing. Needed for Class A.
Hazardous Materials
Placards, shipping papers, segregation and the security threat assessment.
Tank Vehicles
Liquid surge, baffles, outage and why a tanker rolls over so readily.
Doubles and Triples
Rearward amplification, converter dollies and coupling a second or third trailer.
Passenger Transport
Bus inspection, standee lines, passenger supervision and railroad crossings.
School Bus
Danger zones, loading and unloading, student crossing and evacuation.