Driver training rules in Arizona

✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Arizona for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Not required under 18. Options: 30 hours supervised practice + road test, or driver ed course (road test waived). Approved provider curricula are 30 hours classroom, 10 hours behind the wheel.source 1 · source 2
Supervised practice (teens)	Under 18: 30 hours, at least 10 at night (or 20 hours, 6 at night, after a traffic survival/defensive driving course). Hold permit 6 months or until 18.source 1
New adult drivers	None stated. Class D operator license requires age 18; no course listed (manual R09/26).source 3
Who licenses driving schools	ADOT Motor Vehicle Division authorizes third party driver license training providers (car schools) and their instructors.source 4 · source 5
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	ADOT lists federal ELDT from a certified provider; hold CLP 14 days before skills test. No added state hours listed.source 6
CDL schools: state license	Yes. A professional driver training school (trains for the CDL and charges tuition) needs an ADOT license (A.R.S. 32-2351, 32-2371).source 7 · source 8
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No state hour minimum found. Schools must teach an ADOT-approved uniform curriculum (A.A.C. R17-5-313).source 9
CDL schools: instructor rules	No separate instructor license, but rule requires each instructor to hold an Arizona CDL with matching endorsements, a clean record, and be reported to ADOT (R17-5-303).source 9
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt if the employer trains only its own employees without charge (A.R.S. 32-2353).source 10
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No. The ADOT curriculum rule applies to licensed schools; a free employees-only program is exempt from the chapter.source 10
Carriers: instructor rules	No. R17-5-303 instructor rules apply to licensed schools; a free employees-only carrier program is exempt. Federal 380.605 applies.source 10 · source 9
New school bus drivers	DPS school bus certificate: 14 hours minimum new-driver classroom plus at least 20 hours behind-the-wheel training (2018 guide, 2020 form).source 11 · source 12
School bus refresher	Refresher classroom of 6 1/2 hours every 2 years (2018 DPS guide); statute requires at least a biennial refresher.source 11 · source 13

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Arizona, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driving jobs in Arizona

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

1. https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/teen-drivers/permit-and-license-requirements
2. https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/40-6405.pdf
3. https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/99-0117.pdf
4. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/05101-02.htm
5. https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/40-6402.pdf
6. https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/getting-your-commercial-driver-license
7. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02351.htm
8. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02371.htm
9. https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/Title_17/17-05.pdf
10. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/02353.htm
11. https://www.azdps.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/quick_reference_requirement_guide.pdf
12. https://www.azdps.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/BTW_Training.pdf
13. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/03228.htm

See all states