Arkansas CDL Handbook 2024

Under federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Arkansas established licensing requirements to ensure commercial drivers are safe and responsible. To be able to drive a commercial motor vehicle, you must pass the Arkansas CDL written and road test.

The Arkansas CDL manual is a great resource for anyone looking to prepare for their CDL tests. Published by the Office of Driver Services (ODS) in cooperation with the AAMVA, the Arkansas CDL manual contains important information on state requirements, CDL classifications, endorsements, and procedures on how to safely operate a commercial vehicle.  The manual contains the information that forms the basis for the questions you’ll face on the Arkansas CDL exams so it’s important that you study it thoroughly.

Will the AR CDL Manual Help You Pass the Test

As you prepare for the exam, it’s important to note that the CDL manual should be considered the first step in a two-step system. Once you’ve studied the manual, it essential you test your knowledge with a few practice tests. Practice tests have been designed to ensure that you have spent sufficient time studying the material in the manual.

To help you test your knowledge, we have included a series of free Arkansas CDL practice tests.  These practice tests are an essential part of your preparation for the Arkansas CDL exam and help ensure you are ready to succeed on test day!

Information Covered in the Manual

To explain the rules and regulations that govern commercial drivers — and to help prospective commercial drivers prepare for the CDL exam — Arkansas’ Office of Driver Services created the Arkansas CDL manual. In addition to helping you prepare for the CDL exam, it answers many of the questions you may have about licensing, registration, endorsements, and how to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

The Arkansas CDL manual includes 12 sections that each cover everything from the license application process to the various endorsements:

  • Introduction
  • Driving Safely
  • Transporting Cargo Safely
  • Transporting Passengers
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles and Triples
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection Test
  • Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test
  • On-Road Driving Test

Think You're Ready for the Arkansas CDL Test?

Find Out Before You Take the Exam.

Go to Arkansas
not your state?