How to get a driver's license in Arkansas

How it works

• Graduated licenses

  Arkansas has had a graduated driver’s license program since July 1, 2001, so new drivers build experience step by step. For teen drivers, the graduated license law limits nighttime driving, restricts cell phone use and limits the number of passengers.

  Source: [1] [8]

• Who does what

  The Arkansas State Police (ASP) runs driver’s license testing. Each highway patrol troop commander sets a regular testing schedule in the counties of that troop, and tests are given in all Arkansas counties. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Driver Services, administers and enforces the state laws on driver’s licenses and identification cards.

  Source: [2] [17]

• Which licenses this guide covers

  Instruction permits, learner’s licenses, intermediate licenses and Class D licenses cover cars and other four-wheel vehicles under 26,001 pounds GVWR. A vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers or hazardous material needs a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

  Source: [1]

• The steps in short

  A person who has no Arkansas driver’s license must get an Arkansas instruction permit to practice driving. The main steps are:

  • Pass the knowledge exam and the vision test to receive the instruction permit.
  • Pass the skills test, the final stage of getting a license. You provide your own vehicle.
  • Visit any Arkansas Revenue Office to receive your license.

  Source: [1]

If you are under 18: permit, graduated license

1. Get your instruction permit

   You must be at least 14 years old to apply. You must pass the knowledge exam and the vision test. The permit is valid for two years from the date you pass the knowledge exam. With the permit you may drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older and sits in the seat beside you. All passengers riding with you must wear seat belts.

   Source: [1]

2. Bring a parent or legal guardian

   An applicant under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to consent. Before a license can be issued to anyone under 18, a parent or guardian must assume financial responsibility. The minor’s negligence or misconduct while driving is treated as that of the person who signed.

   • A parent may be present with a state driver’s license or state ID, or may sign the ASP-33 form.
   • A legal guardian must be present with an ID and court documents that establish guardianship.
   • A stepparent cannot sign without proof of adoption.
   • If your parent cannot be present, the ASP-33 form is completed with a notary. A notarized form is valid for 30 calendar days from the notary’s signature, and you must show it to an examiner within that time. The ASP-33 can also be signed in the presence of the examiner.

   Source: [1] [4] [7] [8] [2]

3. Pass the skills test

   The skills test is the final stage of getting a license. A skills test appointment requires an instruction permit first. See the section “The tests” for what the test covers and what to bring.

   Source: [1]

4. Learner’s license (from 14 up to 16)

   The learner’s license is a restricted license. You need a valid instruction permit that shows the knowledge exam, the vision test and the skills test are done. Then you visit any Arkansas Revenue Office to receive the license. You cannot have been in a traffic crash or convicted of a serious traffic violation in the six months before you apply, and a violation may delay licensing. The license stays restricted until your 16th birthday and until you finish six months of restricted driving.

   Source: [1] [2]

5. Intermediate license (from 16 up to 18)

   The intermediate license is also a restricted license. You need a valid instruction permit that shows the knowledge exam, the vision test and the skills test are done, and you pick up the license at any Arkansas Revenue Office. You are restricted for six months from the date the permit is issued or until your 16th birthday. If six months have passed when you turn 16, no restriction is applied.

   Source: [1]

6. At 18: the Class D license

   The Class D license is the non-restricted license for people 18 or older. DFA says that at 18 a teen may apply for a regular unrestricted license, if the driving record has been clean for the previous year.

   Source: [1] [9]

Rules for young drivers

• Learner’s license rules

  While you hold a learner’s license:

  • You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21.
  • All passengers must wear seat belts.
  • Cell phone use, talking or texting, is prohibited except for an emergency.

  Source: [1]

• Intermediate license rules

  With an intermediate license:

  • Until your restricted time is complete, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21. The period of restricted time is recorded on the back of the license.
  • You may not carry more than one unrelated minor passenger unless a licensed driver who is 21 or older sits in the front seat.
  • You may not drive between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. unless you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older and driving to or from a school activity, church activity, job, or an emergency.

  Source: [1]

• Early unrestricted license (ages 16 and 17)

  DFA says Arkansas residents aged 16 or 17 may receive an unrestricted Class D license before their 18th birthday, with 6 months of driving experience, if one of these is true:

  • You are emancipated (age 17 or older).
  • You have graduated with a diploma or GED (age 16 or older).
  • You are married (age 16 or older).
  • You have enlisted in the U.S. military (age 16 or older).

  Source: [9]

• Age waiver

  DFA says the Office of Driver Services may issue an age waiver to a minor under 16 who shows a need. Only applicants who can document a true hardship should apply. The applicant needs:

  • At least six months of driving experience from the date the learner’s permit was issued.
  • No at-fault accidents, traffic violations or suspensions.

  Source: [10]

• Limits of an age waiver

  An age waiver is not granted to drive before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or farther than 30 miles one way.

  Source: [10]

• Motorcycle license at 16 or 17

  Applicants aged 16 or 17 for a motorcycle license must submit an original birth certificate, and a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the ASP Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form (ASP-33).

  Source: [1]

If you are 18 or older

• Class D license

  The Class D license is the non-restricted license for people 18 or older. You hold a valid instruction permit that shows the knowledge exam, the vision test and the skills test are done, and then you visit any Arkansas Revenue Office.

  Source: [1]

• What you need

  The study guide says a person may get a driver’s license if, among other things, the person:

  • Passes a knowledge test and a skills test.
  • Can give proof of name, residential address and date of birth.
  • Legally resides in the United States.
  • Is not suspended, revoked or denied in Arkansas or another state, or one year has passed since any revocation.

  Source: [1]

• Phone use for drivers aged 18 to under 21

  A Class D driver aged 18 to under 21 may use a hands-free device for interactive communication and may use a hand-held phone only for an emergency. Text messages are not allowed at any age.

  Source: [1]

• Motorcycle license (Class M)

  The Class M license is a non-restricted motorcycle license for people 16 and older. Arkansas residents without a Class D license first pass the non-commercial (NCL) knowledge exam and then the motorcycle knowledge exam; the study guide says the knowledge exam is valid for one year. The motorcycle skills test can be waived with an MSF RiderCourse completion card presented within 90 days.

  Source: [1]

Moving to Arkansas

New Resident Guide →

• How soon you need an Arkansas license

  A person who becomes a resident of Arkansas must get an Arkansas driver’s license within thirty calendar days. A nonresident who has been physically present in Arkansas for six months must also get an Arkansas license.

  Source: [1]

• Who can use a license from another state

  Members of the armed forces on active duty (and foreign military on temporary duty), and non-resident students, may drive with a valid license from another state if they are at least 16.

  Source: [1]

• Your license from another state

  You may need a valid hard-copy driver’s license from another state that has not been expired for more than 30 calendar days. When you apply for an Arkansas license or ID, bring proof of legal presence, a Social Security card, and your out-of-state license or ID if you have one.

  Source: [1] [14]

• When testing is not required

  Applicants from Manitoba (Canada), Germany, France, Taiwan and South Korea are not required to test under reciprocal agreements and are referred to DFA for further help. Military spouses who held a license that expired while living outside the United States may get an Arkansas license without testing (Act 235 of 2005).

  Source: [1]

• Registering your vehicle

  If you are new to Arkansas or have recently bought a vehicle, you must register it within 60 days.

  Source: [14] [15]

Documents to bring

• Know the documents before you go

  ASP asks applicants to know the required documents before a test can begin. It offers checklists for applicants under 18, over 18, H-2A workers and skills tests. The checklist for applicants under 18 is effective January 8, 2026, and the checklist for applicants 18 and older is effective May 20, 2025. Check the ASP page for the current versions.

  Source: [2] [4] [5]

• Aged 18 or older

  You need two primary documents, or one primary document and one secondary document, before a written test can begin.

  • Primary documents include a U.S. original or certified birth certificate (foreign birth certificates are not accepted), a U.S. passport or passport card, a permanent resident card and others.
  • Secondary documents include an Arkansas or valid out-of-state ID, an Arkansas vehicle registration or title, a marriage certificate, a certified school transcript and others.
  • You may need additional documents, such as a marriage license, adoption decree or divorce decree, when the names on your primary and secondary documents do not match.

  Source: [5]

• Under 18

  Applicants under 18 must have three items: the birth certificate, a parent or legal guardian signature, and accepted secondary identification. The parent or guardian either signs in person or submits a notarized ASP-33 to the examiner within 30 days.

  Source: [4]

• Birth certificates for minors

  Every minor who is a U.S. citizen must show the original U.S. birth certificate. Hospital birth certificates and laminated, photocopied or scanned copies are not accepted. Minors who are not U.S. citizens present a passport with a U.S. visa and a current I-94, a Permanent Resident Card, an Employment Authorization Card, a Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.

  Source: [4]

• Proof of name, address, date of birth and presence

  Submit proof of your name, residential address and date of birth. To get an Arkansas ID or license, DFA also lists proof of legal presence and a Social Security card.

  Source: [1] [14]

• Birth certificates from six states

  If your birth certificate is from Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas or Tennessee, you must also provide proof of Arkansas residency. ASP lists a lease, a mortgage statement, a property assessment or an Arkansas-certified school transcript for the current year.

  Source: [2]

• Glasses and contacts

  If you wear contacts or glasses, bring them to the test.

  Source: [4]

REAL ID

• What REAL ID is for

  DFA’s Real ID page gives May 7, 2025 as the date from which the TSA requires a REAL ID to board a flight or enter a federal building.

  Source: [13]

• Check your documents first

  Before the visit, use the Real ID Quiz on the DFA website to confirm the documents and requirements.

  Source: [13]

• Documents for REAL ID

  DFA lists these kinds of documents:

  • Proof of legal presence, for example a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport.
  • Proof of identity, for example a current driver’s license or ID, a school ID, a vehicle registration or title, a marriage certificate or a Military ID.
  • A Social Security card (the DFA FAQ also lists DD214).
  • Proof of residency, for example a utility bill in your name, a pay stub or bank statement from the last six months, a current tax return or an insurance policy. The Real ID page asks for two of these documents.

  Source: [13] [14]

• Where to get it

  REAL ID is available at any State Revenue Office in Arkansas, and at all 134 of them according to the Real ID page. You can book a driver’s license or ID appointment at your local office online through MyDMV.

  Source: [13] [14] [15]

• Renewing a REAL ID

  A Real ID renewal needs no documents unless your name or address changes.

  Source: [14]

At the office and online

• Make an appointment

  ASP says an appointment guarantees your exam date and time. The online scheduler offers separate appointment types: a driver’s license or motorcycle instruction permit test, a driver’s license test for learning differences (oral test), a driver’s license and motorcycle skills test, a motorcycle skills exam and commercial tests. A skills test appointment requires an instruction permit first.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Book other services online

  DFA’s MyDMV lets people book appointments online at their local Arkansas DMV for driver’s license, ID or vehicle services.

  Source: [15]

• Find times and places

  Testing times for each location are found by clicking the troop location on the ASP Driver Examination map. Some locations, such as the Troop A offices in Little Rock, Conway, Benton and Cabot, list days and hours for knowledge and skills testing, often by appointment only. If a Motorcycle or Immigration schedule shows no location, return to the Non-Commercial Knowledge Schedule to book an appointment.

  Source: [2] [3] [16]

• On the day

  Appear 15 minutes before your appointment. All locations are closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch. Skills testing is done only in safe weather, and the Troop Commander decides on cancellations. Hearing-impaired applicants who need help with scheduling can use the contact listed on the scheduler page.

  Source: [3]

• Where you get the license

  The learner’s, intermediate and Class D licenses are issued at any Arkansas Revenue Office.

  Source: [1]

The tests

• Knowledge exam and vision test

  The study guide names a knowledge exam and a skills exam. You must pass the knowledge exam and the vision test to receive the instruction permit. The pages we read do not give the number of questions, the passing score or the languages of the knowledge exam. Check the ASP Driver Examination page for the latest details.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Study and practice

  The Arkansas State Police publishes a driver license practice test on the web and as a phone app. It also offers a testing app, AR Driver Testing, in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The ASP page lists study guides in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Fees

  A fee is charged for each written exam and is added to the cost of the license. For the amounts, see the DFA fee tables linked below.

  Source: [1]

• The vision test

  Every applicant must pass a vision test before a license or instruction permit is issued.

  • You need a minimum uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 for an unrestricted license, or a minimum corrected acuity of 20/70 for a restricted license.
  • Your field of vision must be 140 degrees with two functional eyes or 105 degrees with one functional eye.
  • A vision test and a vision referral form (ASP-90) are valid for one year. The referral must be completed by an Arkansas optometrist, not an out-of-state or online one.

  Source: [1]

• If you fail the knowledge exam

  All failed non-commercial (NCL) knowledge exams must wait five days before rescheduling. Do not count the failed exam date as day one. Start with the day after, and do not return on the fifth day.

  Source: [3]

• The oral (audio) test

  ASP offers an oral test for applicants with a learning difference.

  • A computer kiosk reads the questions and answers through headphones.
  • To get an oral exam, you present an IEP, a 504 Plan or another professional evaluation to the examiner.
  • If you do not understand a word or sentence, raise your hand and the examiner will explain it.
  • A skip button lets you skip two questions. Skipped questions roll to the end of the test and do not count against you.
  • If the scheduler shows no location for an oral test, contact the nearest testing center about accommodations.

  Source: [3] [6]

• The skills test

  The skills test is the final stage of getting a license. You provide your own vehicle, and you are tested on locating vehicle controls and operating safely on streets and highways.

  • On the vehicle controls part, three missed controls are allowed before the test is failed.
  • On the road test, a total of two missed attempts in the same category fails the exam.
  • A two-week penalty applies for a repeated violation after a warning (for example, a second rolling stop). A 30-day penalty applies for automatic failures.
  • The test will not be given if the vehicle has defects (lights, horn, speedometer, tires, exhaust or windshield) or you are not familiar with the controls.
  • Bring your original instruction permit (not photocopied or laminated), a valid licensed driver who is 21 or older and not suspended or revoked, current proof of insurance (paper or electronic) and the vehicle registration.
  • No cameras or recording devices are allowed.

  Source: [1]

• How long the permit lasts

  The permit is valid for two years and cannot be renewed. You must complete the skills exam and buy the license before it expires, or you must retake all phases of the driver’s exam.

  Source: [1]

After you pass

• Get your license

  After you pass the exams, visit any Arkansas Revenue Office to receive your license. The Class D license, like the learner’s and intermediate licenses, is issued there.

  Source: [1]

• How long it lasts

  The Class D page on the DFA website shows how long each license lasts, by age group, and when you can renew. The learner’s license expires one month past the 16th birthday and the intermediate license one month past the 18th birthday, with renewal on or after those birthdays.

  Source: [9] [11]

• Restriction code 3

  On a learner’s or intermediate license, restriction code 3 means you must drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older. For an intermediate license this applies to a driver who does not yet have 6 months of driving experience.

  Source: [9]

Keeping your license

• Renewing

  The DFA Class D page lists the license types by age group, duration and renewal eligibility. The fees are shown in the table there.

  Source: [11]

• If your license has expired

  You will not need to retest for an expired Class D driver’s license.

  Source: [14]

• Lost license or new address

  If you lose your license or ID, or change your address, you can request a duplicate card online through MyDMV. It arrives by mail within 3 to 5 business days.

  Source: [15]

• Duplicate permit

  You can get a duplicate permit at any Arkansas State Police Driver Testing Center with one form of identification. If you are over 18, you pick up the permit in person.

  Source: [2]

• State ID card

  A state ID is issued to Arkansas residents aged 5 and older who do not hold a valid driver’s license. It is for identification only. The DFA ID page lists how long it lasts by age group (5 to 14, 15 to 20, 21 to 59 and 60 and older), a 90-day renewal window, and, for ages 60 and older, separate durations for Real ID and non-Real ID cards.

  Source: [12]

Official links

• ASP Driver Examination page (study guides, checklists, practice test, schedule) (dps.arkansas.gov)
• Schedule a skills or knowledge test (Arkansas State Police) (telegov.egov.com)
• Arkansas State Police driver license practice test (dps.arkansas.gov)
• Knowledge Testing 1-2-3 Checklist, under 18 (media.ark.org)
• Knowledge Testing 1-2-3 Checklist, 18 and older (media.ark.org)
• ASP-33 Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form (media.ark.org)
• Audio (oral) testing instructions (media.ark.org)
• DFA Learner’s and Intermediate License (fees table) (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Class D / NCL (fees table) (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA state ID (fees table) (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Age Waiver Information (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Arkansas Real ID (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Real ID Quiz (ar.accessgov.com)
• DFA MyDMV online services and appointments (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Driver Services forms (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA office locations (Revenue Offices, Driver Control) (dfa.arkansas.gov)
• DFA Driver Services (dfa.arkansas.gov)

Sources

1. Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 – Edition 10 (October 2026) (media.ark.org) — Arkansas State Police
2. Driver Examination (study guides, scheduling, checklists, notices) (dps.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas State Police (Arkansas Department of Public Safety)
3. Driver License Skills and Knowledge Exam Online Scheduling (TeleGov) (telegov.egov.com) — Arkansas State Police
4. Driver Knowledge Testing 1-2-3 Checklist, under age 18 (effective January 8, 2026) (media.ark.org) — Arkansas State Police
5. Driver Knowledge Testing 1-2-3 Checklist, age 18 and older (effective May 20, 2025) (media.ark.org) — Arkansas State Police
6. Driver’s Audio Testing Instructions for Those with a Learning Difference (media.ark.org) — Arkansas State Police
7. ASP 33 DL Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form (06/29/2026) (media.ark.org) — Arkansas State Police
8. Graduated Licenses (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services
9. Learner’s and Intermediate License (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services
10. Age Waiver Information (hardship license) (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services
11. Non-Commercial Information (NCL) / Class D (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services
12. Identification Only (state ID) (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services
13. Arkansas Real ID (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
14. DSMV FAQs (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services and Motor Vehicle
15. MyDMV online services (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
16. Troop A Driver License Testing Locations (sample of the nine troop pages) (dps.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas State Police
17. Driver Services (office home page) (dfa.arkansas.gov) — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services