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Arizona CDL Practice Test

10 Arizona-specific questions + General Knowledge · Updated July 12, 2026

The Arizona CDL General Knowledge test runs 50 questions at the federal 80% standard (miss up to 10). Arizona administers the CDL knowledge test in English only (as most states now do). This practice set leads with 10 questions specific to Arizona — the state licensing rules (CLP validity, fees, intrastate age) that generic CDL prep skips — then fills with General Knowledge from the federally standardized material.

50Gen. Knowledge Q
25Air Brakes Q
20Combination Q
80%To pass each

Arizona's real CDL exam sections. Also take the Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles practice tests.

Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.

1. In Arizona, what is the minimum age to apply for an intrastate-only CDL that is valid only within the state?

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Correct answer: 18

Arizona sets the minimum age for a full commercial driver license at 21. If you are at least 18, you may apply for an intrastate CDL that is valid only in Arizona; you must be 21 to drive commercially across state lines (interstate).

2. An Arizona commercial learner permit (CLP) is valid for how long?

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Correct answer: A maximum of 12 months

The Arizona commercial learner permit is valid for a 12-month period. You must hold it at least 14 days before you are eligible to take the CDL skills test.

3. What is the Arizona fee for a Class A or Class B commercial learner permit with no endorsements?

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Correct answer: $25.00

A Class A or Class B permit with no endorsements costs $25.00. A Class C permit is $12.50 and must carry a Passenger endorsement. Fees are paid before you take any test.

4. If you fail a CDL knowledge test in Arizona, how soon may you retake it?

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Correct answer: You must wait until the next business day

Applicants must wait until the next business day to retake any failed knowledge test. Under federal rule, the state must give you a different version of the test on the retake.

5. What score must you achieve on each Arizona CDL knowledge test to pass?

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Correct answer: At least 80 percent correct on each test

You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly on each knowledge test to pass. This 80% standard is federal and applies to every CDL knowledge section nationwide.

6. In Arizona, a driver under the age of 21 who holds a CDL is prohibited from:

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Correct answer: Transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials

Drivers under 21 hold an intrastate-only Arizona CDL and are prohibited from transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials. Interstate operation and hazmat require age 21.

7. How often must an Arizona CDL or CLP holder renew the Medical Examiner Certificate on file with MVD?

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Correct answer: Every 24 months, or sooner if the examiner or a regulation requires it

Arizona requires all CDL and CLP drivers to keep a current Medical Examiner Certificate on file with MVD, renewed every 24 months or sooner as the examiner or a regulation requires. Letting it lapse leads to suspension or revocation of the CDL.

8. If your Arizona CDL stays suspended or revoked for 12 months or more, what happens when you reinstate?

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Correct answer: You must retake all CDL written, vision, and skills tests

A CDL holder whose license remains suspended or revoked for 12 months or more must retake all CDL written, vision, and demonstration-skill tests, resubmit the medical examination form, and pay all applicable fees.

9. To obtain an Arizona license with no vision restriction, you must have uncorrected vision of at least:

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Correct answer: 20/40 or better in each eye

You need uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in each eye for an unrestricted license. If you cannot meet that without glasses or contacts, you receive a "B" restriction, meaning you must always wear them when driving.

10. On the Arizona CDL application, self-certifying as "Non-excepted Intrastate" (NA) means:

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Correct answer: A restriction limits you to operating a commercial vehicle within Arizona only

A Non-excepted Intrastate (NA) driver meets the federal CDL medical requirements but is restricted to operating a commercial vehicle within the State of Arizona only. Non-excepted Interstate (NI) allows nationwide operation.

11. After starting the engine, within about how long should air pressure build from 50 to 90 psi?

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Correct answer: Within 3 minutes

Air pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi within about 3 minutes, then continue building to the governor cut-out (usually around 120–140 psi). Know your vehicle’s requirements.

12. When you start the engine, how should the ABS indicator light behave on a properly working system?

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Correct answer: It should come on and then turn off

The dash ABS light should come on and then turn off. If it stays on, the ABS is not working properly. On a trailer, a yellow light staying on at the left rear signals an ABS fault.

13. After starting the engine, how quickly should oil pressure reach the normal range?

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Correct answer: Within seconds of starting the engine

Oil pressure should come up to the normal range within seconds after the engine is started. Watch the gauges and warning lights — oil, coolant, and charging warnings should go out right away.

14. What should you check the mirrors and windshield for?

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Correct answer: Cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly

Inspect mirrors and the windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or anything else obstructing a clear view. Clean and adjust them as necessary before driving.

15. Why should you take the ignition key with you during the walk-around inspection?

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Correct answer: So no one can move the vehicle while you inspect it

Turning off the engine and taking the key with you during the walk-around ensures no one starts or moves the vehicle while you are inspecting around and under it.

16. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks during a pre-trip inspection?

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Correct answer: Pump the pedal three times, then apply firm pressure for five seconds — it should not move

With hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure and hold for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a leak or other problem — get it fixed before driving.

17. How do you test whether the parking brake holds?

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Correct answer: With the parking brake set and vehicle in a low gear, gently pull forward against it

Fasten your safety belt, set the parking brake, put the vehicle in a low gear, and gently pull forward against the brake. If it does not hold the vehicle, it is faulty and must be fixed.

18. When testing the service brake stopping action, what might "pulling" to one side indicate?

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Correct answer: Brake trouble

Move about five miles per hour and push the brake pedal firmly. Pulling to one side, unusual pedal feel, or delayed stopping action can all mean brake trouble that must be corrected.

19. When hauling cargo, you must inspect that it is secure within the first 50 miles and then:

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Correct answer: Every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first

Drivers of trucks and truck tractors must inspect cargo securement within the first 50 miles of a trip, then re-check it every 150 miles or every 3 hours (whichever comes first).

20. What is the purpose of the after-trip inspection and report?

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Correct answer: To report anything affecting safety or that could lead to a breakdown, so it gets fixed

You may have to make a written report each day on the vehicle’s condition. Report anything affecting safety or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown so the carrier can repair it.

📱 PermitPal in your browser has the full 356-question CDL bank plus Arizona's state unit — mock exams in all three real sections (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination) at the federal 80% standard. Free to start, $29.99 once. Also on the App Store and Google Play.