Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 18-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams if first CDL. 3) Must pass physical as required by the Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration. 4) Must self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on driver license application form.
- Based on that self-certification, must provide the Office of Driver Services or the State Revenue Office with a current medical examiner's certificate and show any existing variance to obtain or keep CDL.
- Written and Driving Examinations required, Test
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams if first CDL. 3) Must pass physical as required by the Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration. 4) Must self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on driver license application form.
- Based on that self-certification, must provide the Office of Driver Services or the State Revenue Office with a current medical examiner's certificate and show any existing variance to obtain or keep CDL.
- Written and Driving Examinations required, Test fee: $50.00, Commercial driver's license fee (original or renewal): $42.00, Endorsement fee: $10.00
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 4
4) Must self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on driver license application form.
- 5
Written and Driving Examinations required, Test fee: $50.00, Commercial driver's license fee (original or renewal): $42.00, Endorsement fee: $10.00.
Exam and processing details
- written and road CDL exams if first CDL
Continuing education and program notes
- certify to a single type of commercial operation on driver license application form
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| s license fee (original or renewal) | $42.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration • Office of Driver Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,520 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams...; Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams...).
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: written and road CDL exams if first CDL.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams...; Must be at least 18 years of age, or must be at least 21 years of age to drive on the interstate. 2) Must pass written and road CDL exams...).
- 5. Budget filing costs (s license fee (original or renewal): $42.00).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration~Office of Driver Services and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $49,520, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Arkansas earn 14% below the national median of $57,440. Arkansas ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18-21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$49,520Hourly estimate
$23.8114% below national median
Difference: -$7,920
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $49,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| Missouri | $50,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $55,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Mississippi | $50,700 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $48,770 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $53,070 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $51,920 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration • Office of Driver Services
P.O. Box 1272, 1900 West 7th Street, Ragland Building, Room 2067, Little Rock, AR, 72203
Phone: 5013715581
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $84,140 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $50,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Arkansas is $49,520. Salaries range from $32,410 (10th percentile) to $84,200 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Arkansas earn 14% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $49,520.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 32,290 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration / Office of Driver Services. Review agency details at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.