Where to Get Your CDL in Goodyear

The Goodyear DMV office is located at 14455 West Palm Lane, Goodyear, Arizona 85395. This office handles Commercial Driver's License (CDL) testing and issuance for Maricopa County residents in the Goodyear area. You can take your CDL written exam and skills test here, though you will need to schedule your appointment in advance — walk-ins for CDL testing are not accepted.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. It is closed on weekends and Arizona state holidays. If you cannot reach the Goodyear location or need to schedule an appointment, you can call the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit the online appointment system at azdot.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • The Goodyear DMV is located at 14455 West Palm Lane and handles CDL written exams and skills tests by appointment only.
  • You must pass the CDL written exam before you can schedule a skills test, and both must be completed at an Arizona DMV office.
  • Bring your valid Arizona driver's license, proof of residency, and your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to your appointment.
  • Arizona requires a medical certificate from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified examiner before you can obtain a CDL.
  • Skills tests include a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and an on-road driving test, all performed in a commercial vehicle.

What You Need Before Your Goodyear DMV Appointment

Before you can test for a CDL at the Goodyear office, you must already hold a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). To get a CLP, you pass the CDL written exam at any Arizona DMV office, then wait at least one business day before scheduling your skills test. The CLP is valid for 180 days, so plan your skills test within that window.

Bring these documents to your appointment: your valid Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your CLP, and your FMCSA medical certificate. The medical certificate must be issued by a certified medical examiner and shows you meet federal health standards for commercial driving. Without it, you cannot obtain your CDL even if you pass the skills test.

You will also need to bring the vehicle you will use for the skills test. It must be a commercial vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are testing for (Class A, B, or C), and it must be registered and insured. The vehicle will be inspected as part of your test, so make sure it is in working condition.

CDL Written Exam at the Goodyear Location

The CDL written exam covers general knowledge required of all commercial drivers, plus knowledge specific to the class and endorsements you are seeking. The general knowledge test has 50 questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you are testing for a passenger endorsement, air brake endorsement, or hazmat endorsement, you will take additional tests for each.

You can take the written exam at the Goodyear DMV or at any other Arizona DMV office. Many people take it at a location closer to home or work, then schedule their skills test at Goodyear if that is more convenient. Once you pass the written exam, the office will issue your CLP on the spot, and you can schedule your skills test appointment for a later date.

The written exam is offered in English only in Arizona. You may bring a translator if you need one, but you must arrange this in advance by calling the office or the Motor Vehicle Division main line.

Scheduling and Taking Your Skills Test

Your skills test appointment must be scheduled at least one business day after you pass your written exam. Call 602-255-0072 to book your slot at the Goodyear office, or use the online appointment system. Skills test appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak hiring seasons for trucking companies, so schedule as soon as your CLP is issued.

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (where you walk around the truck and explain what you are checking), a basic control test (backing, turning, and parking in a closed course), and an on-road driving test (typically 30 to 45 minutes on public roads). You must pass all three parts to pass the test. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire skills test, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the testing fee again.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to your appointment. Bring all required documents and your vehicle. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. The examiner will ride with you during the on-road portion, so keep the vehicle clean and free of distractions.

CDL Classes and Endorsements in Arizona

Arizona offers three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the number of passengers:

  • Class A: Combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
  • Class B: Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing a unit with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.
  • Class C: Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or hazmat vehicles that do not require a Class A or B license.

You can also add endorsements to your CDL for passenger vehicles (P), air brakes (X), hazmat (H), or double/triple trailers (T). Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test. If you are testing for an endorsement, you will take that test at the same time as your general knowledge test.

Fees and Payment at the Goodyear DMV

The CDL written exam costs $25. The skills test costs $50. These fees are paid at the time of your appointment. The Goodyear office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you fail the skills test and need to retake it, you pay the $50 fee again.

Your CDL license itself costs $75 and is valid for five years. Once you pass your skills test, the examiner will submit your results to the Motor Vehicle Division, and you will receive your CDL in the mail within two to three weeks. You can drive with your CLP and the skills test receipt until your CDL arrives.

What Happens If You Fail Your Skills Test

If you fail any part of the skills test, you will receive a written notice explaining which section you did not pass. You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the $50 testing fee again. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time to schedule.

Many people fail the pre-trip inspection or basic control test on their first attempt. If this happens to you, consider taking a CDL training course before your next test. Arizona does not require formal training, but many truck driving schools offer classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction that can help you understand what examiners are looking for. Some employers will pay for training if you commit to working for them after you pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my CDL skills test at a different Arizona DMV office instead of Goodyear?

Yes. You can take your skills test at any Arizona DMV office that offers CDL testing, including locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, and Flagstaff. You do not have to test at the same office where you took your written exam. Call 602-255-0072 to find out which offices have available appointments.

How long does it take to get a CDL from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and schedule appointments. Most people spend two to four weeks preparing for the written exam, then another one to two weeks waiting for a skills test appointment. Once you pass the skills test, your CDL arrives by mail in two to three weeks. Total time is typically one to three months.

Do I need to take a CDL training course before testing at the Goodyear DMV?

Arizona does not require formal training to obtain a CDL. You can study on your own using the Arizona CDL manual and take the tests. However, many people find that classroom or behind-the-wheel training improves their chances of passing, especially the skills test.

What if my FMCSA medical certificate expires before my CDL does?

Your CDL remains valid, but you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle without a current medical certificate. You must renew your certificate with a certified medical examiner and provide it to the Motor Vehicle Division. Your CDL will be downgraded or suspended if your medical certificate lapses.

Can I renew my CDL at the Goodyear office?

Yes. You can renew your CDL at the Goodyear DMV office or any other Arizona DMV location. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your current FMCSA medical certificate. CDL renewals cost $75 and are valid for five years.