A CDL, or commercial driver’s license, is required for anybody interested in working as a commercial motor vehicle driver in Arkansas. Students may get a commercial driver’s license after completing their required training. In addition to operating heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, freight trucks, and delivery vehicles, there are many more avenues for work.
CDL Requirements in Arkansas
- Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state; 21 years old to drive interstate / transport hazardous material / transport passengers
- Have a valid Arkansas driver’s license
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Have a clean driving record
- Not have a driver’s license from more than one state
- Meet medical requirements of FMCSA
- Pass DOT drug-screening test
- Pass physical exam
- Submit to a background check
- Speak and read English
Steps to Obtain a CDL in Arkansas
| Steps to Get a CDL | |
 | 1. Pass the knowledge / written test |
 | 2. Get Commercial License Permit (CLP) - you will be issued a CLP when you pass the written test. |
 | 3. Complete the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
 | 4. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection + on-road driving |
 | 5. Get your CDL - you will be issued a CDL when you successfully meet above requirements. |
Complete any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the federal government.
How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Arkansas
A CDL school may open up a whole new world of opportunities for aspiring truck drivers. However, when choosing a truck driving school in Arkansas, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. Determine what each institution has to offer and how it distinguishes out from the others before making a final decision.
The trucking school must be a qualified trainer that is registered with the FMCSA. The CDL school must offer at the minimum the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) as mandated by FMCSA.
Types of Truck Driving Schools
Truck driving courses fall into two categories: private and paid. Businesses that are looking to acquire new employees often provide paid training programs. These programs will pay you while you learn, and after you successfully finish, you are offered a job.
Private trucking schools charge tuition. You are required to pay the tuition upfront, however, given the shortage of truckers in the industry most reputable schools will work with you if you don’t have the financial means.
Cost of CDL Training
The cost of truck driving tuition ranges from $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on the program, how many hours of training, type of truck you are training on, and reputation of school.
Truck driver training at colleges or technical schools tend to be more affordable compared to those offered at trucking schools.
Example of CDL Tuition
- Class A program: $1,840
- Length: 5 weeks of classroom time + 10 weeks of internship with a trucking company
- Location: Harrison, AR
University of Arkansas Forth Smith
- Class A program: $2,700
- Length: 4 weeks
- Location: Forth Smith, AR
Before deciding to enroll in a truck driving school, it’s a good idea to check out alternative sources for financial aid. There are driving schools that accommodate students and their financial capability to pay for tuition.
Monetary Help
There are numerous CDL grants and scholarships you can take advantage of if you want to get your CDL.
There are grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options available via the Arkansas Department of Higher Education Arkansas that may be used to pay for a truck driving school. If you’re a member of the military or the armed services, you’re likely to be eligible for a wide range of federal and state scholarships and awards.
High-Quality Trainers
Experience is critical when it comes to learning to drive a truck and making a livelihood on the road. There are tremendous benefits in receiving training from a veteran truck driver who has logged hours on the road. An experienced instructor can impart knowledge, advice and tips gained from direct practical road experience.
An instructor’s personal attributes have a significant impact on his or her success. As a teacher, seeing their students develop into proficient truck drivers should provide them joy.
It might be wise to talk to some of the current students, past graduates, as well as the instructors. You can gain valuable knowledge from truck driving student testimonials, as well as speaking directly with the instructors where you can understand their teaching approach, as well as their level of knowledge and experience.
Conclusion
No matter if you are just starting out in your career or returning to the industry for the second time, being a truck driver has a number of advantages. There is a good chance that you are looking for the finest truck driving school that will provide you with the hands-on experience and classroom instruction you need to be a successful truck driver.
In order to pursue a career as a professional truck driver, you must choose the most appropriate CDL training program. In comparison to the expense of attending any other kind of educational institution, a truck driving school is equivalent in price. Make sure you enroll in a trucking school that can assist you in passing your CDL test on the first attempt if you want to pass on the first try.
List of Trucking Schools in Arkansas
TruckersTraining.com provide information, tools and resources to potential truck drivers in the U.S. We hope that you can use the content on the site to help you decide if want to drive trucks for a living.