Arkansas offers a farm-related restricted CDL for people whose driving is tied to farm work. If that describes you, the Arkansas restricted CDL has limits that matter more than the headline. This guide explains what the limits are, how they compare with the regular classes, and what to expect when you take a skills test with the Arkansas State Police.
What is the Arkansas restricted CDL?
A restricted CDL is a limited version of the license written for farm-related work. Under the state regulation, the farm-related restricted CDL covers Group B and C vehicles only. That points away from heavy combination vehicles, which fall under Class A. If your truck pulls a heavy trailer, ask the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) whether the restricted license fits before you rely on it.
For comparison, Arkansas defines the regular classes this way:
- Class A: a combination of 26,001 pounds or more with a towed unit over 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: a single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class C: a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers or placarded hazmat.
How much fuel or fertilizer can a restricted CDL holder haul?
The same regulation caps what a restricted CDL holder can carry. You cannot haul more than 1,000 gallons of diesel or 3,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer. For a farm that moves fuel for its own equipment, those numbers are workable. For a custom hauler moving larger tanks, they are a hard stop.
These numbers come from an older regulation text, so verify them with DFA before you plan a season around them.
Write down the largest tank you actually haul and the heaviest trailer you pull. Compare both with the restricted CDL limits before you apply.
Does a restricted CDL require a clean driving record?
Yes. DFA's restricted CDL page looks at your recent driving history. For newer drivers it checks one to two years of history, and for more experienced drivers it checks the two most recent years. A recent violation could keep you from qualifying, so pull your driving record first and see what it shows. Then ask DFA which violations count against you and how far back it looks.
Where do you take the Arkansas CDL skills test?
DFA handles licensing, but the Arkansas State Police give the skills tests. Tests happen only by appointment at six locations: Troop A in Little Rock, Troop B in Newport, Troop G in Hope, Troop I in Harrison, Troop J in Russellville and Troop L in Lowell. Choose the site that is closest to your farm or base and book early.
What do you need to bring to the Arkansas CDL skills test?
- A truck and trailer with a DOT inspection sticker dated less than one year earlier.
- A completely empty vehicle. If you show up with a load, expect to be turned away.
- Two wheel chocks, plus every other item on the State Police checklist. Missing items mean no test.
Scoring on the basic controls portion is strict. According to the State Police, a cone hit scores 2 points and missing the 3-foot line scores 5 points. Those scoring changes took effect on October 1, 2025, so confirm the current scoring before test day.
Arkansas also offers a military CDL skills test waiver, which uses Form ASP-262. Ask the State Police who qualifies.
How long is an Arkansas CLP, and who can supervise you?
The restricted license still starts with the same permit steps as any CDL. An Arkansas commercial learner's permit is valid for up to one year, and you must be 18 to hold one. Wait at least 14 days after the permit is issued before the skills test. While you practice, the CDL holder supervising you must sit in the front seat beside you in a non-passenger truck. Line up that supervisor before you start practicing, since a permit alone does not let you drive a commercial truck on your own. Some farm drivers already have a CDL holder on staff, which makes this step easy.
What is a farm-related restricted CDL in Arkansas?
It is a limited CDL for farm-related work that covers Group B and C vehicles only. Holders cannot haul more than 1,000 gallons of diesel or 3,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer.
How far can an Arkansas restricted CDL holder drive from the farm?
Arkansas ties the restricted CDL to a 150-mile limit from the employer's business or farm, but confirm the current rule with DFA.
Where do I take the Arkansas CDL skills test?
The Arkansas State Police give skills tests by appointment at Troop A, B, G, I, J and L locations.
Does my truck have to be empty for the Arkansas skills test?
Yes. The truck and trailer must be completely empty and have a DOT inspection sticker dated less than a year earlier.
Is there a military waiver for the Arkansas CDL skills test?
Yes. Arkansas offers a military CDL skills test waiver using Form ASP-262.
Rules for restricted CDLs, tests and scoring can change. Confirm all details with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services, and the Arkansas State Police before you apply.