November 7, 2025 | Truck Accidents
In Scottsdale, Arizona, commercial drivers must obtain the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A commercial driver can apply for one of three types of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
The type of commercial driver’s license a driver needs depends on the vehicle type and the operation purpose. Understanding the types of commercial driver’s licenses in Arizona is essential if you intend to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Arizona
If you want to apply for a CDL in Scottsdale or throughout Arizona, you will need to choose one of the following classes:
Arizona Class A Commercial Driver’s License
A Class A CDL allows the operation of combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs. It grants the broadest driving privileges, allowing the operation of all Class A and Class B vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and livestock carriers.
Arizona Class B Commercial Driver’s License
A Class B CDL is for single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less. This class typically covers large buses, box trucks, and dump trucks.
Arizona Class C Commercial Driver’s License
A Class C CDL applies to vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. Smaller vehicles that do not meet Class A or B weight thresholds but require placarding for hazardous materials or passenger transport fall into this class.
Arizona Requirements for Commercial Driver’s Licenses
To obtain an Arizona CDL, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 years old for interstate driving, passenger transport, or hazardous materials hauling;
- Possess a valid Arizona driver’s license or the ability to obtain one;
- Provide proof of Arizona residency and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency;
- Pass a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) written knowledge test related to the vehicle class and endorsements;
- Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) from FMCSA-approved providers for Class A and B licenses;
- Pass a skills test, including a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control, and road test for the specific vehicle class;
- Provide a Medical Examiner Certificate verifying physical fitness to drive commercial vehicles, which must be renewed every 24 months;
- Maintain a clean driving record with no recent DUI and English proficiency.
Arizona CDL endorsements may be required for special operations such as transporting hazardous materials (HazMat), driving school buses, or tank vehicles. If so, additional tests may be necessary to obtain the endorsements.
Commercial drivers must obey both Arizona state regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules applicable nationwide, ensuring uniform safety standards.
Strict Standards for Arizona CDLs Promote Safe Driving
Commercial drivers must meet strict safety regulations verified through testing and medical certification to help reduce crash risks. These requirements ensure that only qualified, capable drivers operate large trucks.
Commercial vehicles weigh 20 to 30 times more and are four to six times longer than passenger cars, making them harder to control and more dangerous in collisions. In over 70% of large truck crashes, the victims are occupants of other vehicles.
While CDL standards improve safety, they cannot eliminate all truck accidents.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Scottsdale, AZ
A commercial truck accident can cause life-altering impairments for victims. Knowing what to do after a truck accident can help you protect your rights and best interests. Steps to take include:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request police, fire, and ambulance services.
- Truck accident scenes are often extremely dangerous. Try to move to a safe location to wait for emergency services.
- Do not accept blame for the cause of the crash or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries. Even if you can walk away from a truck accident, it does not mean you did not sustain injuries.
- Document your losses and injuries with medical records, invoices, receipts, and pay records. Truck accident claims include significant economic and non-economic damages.
Truck accident cases are complicated. The cases often involve multiple parties, large trucking companies, and aggressive insurance providers.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Lawyer
Each CDL class—A, B, and C—comes with specific vehicle and operational requirements, ensuring drivers have the proper training and qualifications for their responsibilities. Arizona’s licensing standards and federal safety regulations work together to reduce accident risks and promote safer roads.
However, when truck accidents occur, victims often face serious consequences. If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, contact KRLG Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer.
For more information, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.
Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754