Free Arizona CDL practice test online
Take a free Arizona CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Arizona is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Arizona CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division is Arizona’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Arizona licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Arizona non-commercial knowledge test runs 30 questions and needs 24 correct, with permits issued from age 15 years, 6 months.
Arizona permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Arizona CDL practice questions
Try these Arizona sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. An empty cargo van is usually:
- Higher than when loaded
- BThe same height either way
- CShorter from bumper to bumper
- DLower than when loaded
Answer: Higher than when loaded. Cargo weight compresses the suspension. An empty van sits higher and may not clear a bridge you cleared when loaded.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Driving safely — space above
2. On a tractor-trailer, the trailer brake hand valve can help:
- ACharge the tractor tanks faster
- BDisconnect the fifth wheel
- CReplace the parking brake when leaving the vehicle
- Prevent rollback when starting by holding the trailer briefly
Answer: Prevent rollback when starting by holding the trailer briefly. Use it as a starting aid when appropriate, but never as the parking brake for a parked combination.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Combination vehicles — starting / hand valve
3. School bus railroad-crossing duties require the driver to follow:
- AWhatever the driver behind decides to do
- BSuggestions from students
- The CDL manual together with state law and employer procedures
- DOnly spoken GPS prompts
Answer: The CDL manual together with state law and employer procedures. Many jurisdictions require stops even at passive crossings, so know the exact rules where you operate.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — railroad crossings
4. The flat outside mirrors on a school bus are primarily used to monitor:
- AThe front danger zone
- BThe area under the front bumper
- Traffic and the sides and rear of the bus
- DThe interior aisle
Answer: Traffic and the sides and rear of the bus. Flat mirrors give an accurate view of traffic alongside and behind. Convex and crossover mirrors cover the close-in blind areas.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — mirror use
5. Students who live on the left side of the road and must cross should wait about how far in front of the bus?
- A2 to 3 feet
- 10 to 12 feet in front of the bus
- CBeside the rear wheels
- DBehind the bus
Answer: 10 to 12 feet in front of the bus. Waiting well ahead of the bumper keeps them in view while you check traffic before signaling them to cross.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — students who must cross
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Arizona just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
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Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.