What to Expect on the Arkansas CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide
- Emily Parker
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Arkansas is a key step toward launching a career in trucking. The final hurdle is the Arkansas CDL skills test, a three-part exam conducted by Arkansas State Police (ASP) or an approved third-party examiner. This test evaluates your ability to inspect, control, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under real-world conditions and Arkansas-specific testing standards.
To help you succeed, CDL eXpert offers the CDL Skills Exam course, a clear and practical resource led by veteran examiner Al Hanley. It walks you through everything the examiner expects, giving you the confidence and knowledge to pass on your first try.
Follow this link and enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
This guide covers the structure of the Arkansas CDL skills test, state-specific rules, and how our course can help you prepare with precision.
What’s on the Arkansas CDL Skills Test?
The skills test in Arkansas is divided into three parts:
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
Basic vehicle control (backing maneuvers)
On-road driving
Each section is evaluated separately and must be passed to move on to the next.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
This portion of the test checks your ability to inspect the vehicle and explain what you're looking for. You'll need to point out and describe each component and assess whether it’s safe for operation.
What to Expect
Inspection of critical components such as:
Engine and fluid levels
Brakes and suspension
Tires and wheels
Lighting and reflectors
Trailer connections (if applicable)
If testing in a vehicle with air brakes, you must correctly perform the full air brake check, including the leak test, warning system, and emergency brake test.
Examiners expect the use of proper terms like:
"Not cracked, bent, or broken"
"Properly mounted and secure"
"No leaks"
Arkansas-Specific Requirements
The Arkansas State Police uses a strict pass/fail checklist. Miss key items, and you’ll need to retest.
The pre-trip must be completed in full without guidance or coaching.
Arkansas examiners look closely at brake and tire inspections due to regional heat and wear risks.
The official Arkansas CDL Manual outlines exactly what must be covered during the inspection.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This section measures your ability to move the vehicle accurately and confidently in tight spaces using mirrors and steering control.
What to Expect
Expect to perform a combination of the following maneuvers:
Straight-line backing – Reverse in a straight line between two lanes of cones.
Offset backing (left or right) – Back into a lane that’s offset from where you start.
Parallel parking (conventional or driver-side) – Maneuver into a box as if you’re parking on a street.
Alley dock – Back the vehicle into a dock or simulated loading zone at a 90-degree angle.
Arkansas-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is required in Arkansas. This is a must-pass maneuver for all CDL applicants.
Arkansas examiners are strict on boundary lines—if you cross or strike cones, you’ll lose points.
Multiple pull-ups and excessive corrections can lead to failure. Practice precision.
Weather conditions may vary. You could be tested in heat, rain, or humidity—so stay composed and prepared.
On-Road Driving
This part of the test evaluates your real-time ability to drive safely in traffic. You'll demonstrate control, awareness, and decision-making on public roads.
What to Expect
The examiner will observe your:
Lane tracking and spacing
Speed control
Gear shifting (if in a manual)
Turning and right-of-way usage
Use of mirrors and blind spot checks
Merging onto highways and navigating intersections
Safe behavior in work zones, school zones, and at railroad crossings
Arkansas-Specific Requirements
Expect urban and rural road segments. Test routes vary by location but often include sharp curves, hills, and construction zones.
Failing to obey a posted sign, speeding, or dangerous driving results in automatic failure.
Arkansas examiners require a complete stop and window-down check at railroad crossings.
You must demonstrate smooth, confident handling in all environments—including Arkansas’s often unpredictable traffic flow.
Arkansas CDL Testing Locations
CDL skills tests in Arkansas are conducted at ASP-authorized testing sites across the state. These include both state-run and third-party locations.
Some of the busiest testing areas include:
Little Rock
Fort Smith
Springdale
Jonesboro
Texarkana
Due to high demand, schedule your appointment early and confirm the testing location's current requirements.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
Our CDL Skills Exam course is built to help you master the Arkansas skills test with clear, practical instruction. Led by veteran examiner Al Hanley, the course gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what examiners expect and how to perform with confidence.
What’s Included:
Pre-trip walkthroughs for both standard and legacy AAMVA formats
Clear demos of backing maneuvers with tips on setup, execution, and mirror use
On-road driving breakdowns including shifting, merging, and defensive driving
Air brake system instruction so you ace this high-stakes part of the exam
Course Details:
Price: $29.95
Length: 2.5 hours of video across 37 focused lessons
Instructor: Al Hanley, veteran CDL examiner
Try it first: Free preview available
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
Final Thoughts
The Arkansas CDL skills test is no joke—but with the right preparation, you can pass it the first time. Our CDL Skills Exam course is your shortcut to exam readiness, whether you're new to driving or need to sharpen your skills before test day.
From mastering the pre-trip to handling curves and cones, this course is built for real-world success.
Ready to train smart and pass with confidence?
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