How to Get a Arkansas Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Arkansas involves passing a 25-question written knowledge test (80% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 6 months minimum, completing No minimum hours required by state, but recommended 50 of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Arkansas-specific rules.
Arkansas License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 14
- License Age
- 16 (intermediate) / 18 (full)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $5
- License Fee
- $40
- Written Test
- 25 Q · 80%
- Issuing Agency
- Arkansas Office of Driver Services ↗
Age: Learner's permit at 14; full driver's license at 16 (intermediate) / 18 (full); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Arkansas resident with documentation Permit holding period: 6 months minimum before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: No minimum hours required by state, but recommended 50 of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most Arkansas DFA offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18)
Always verify current document requirements with the Arkansas DFA ↗ before your visit.
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1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 14 (the minimum age for a Arkansas learner's permit) and have all required documents.
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2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a Arkansas DFA office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $5 fee, and pass a vision test.
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3
Pass the written knowledge test
25 questions, 80% required (20 correct out of 25). Format: Multiple choice. Try our free Arkansas sample test →
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4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log No minimum hours required by state, but recommended 50 as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 6 months minimum.
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5
Pass the road test
A Arkansas DFA examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
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6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($40), have your photo taken, and receive your Arkansas driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Arkansas (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
Texting while driving is a primary offense in Arkansas — emphasized on the test.
💡 Pro tip: Arkansas tests flood-zone protocols (Turn Around, Don't Drown) — review the flood section of the manual.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 14. A full driver's license is available at age 16 (intermediate) / 18 (full), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Arkansas driver's license?
Arkansas's permit fee is $5, and the license fee is $40. Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the Arkansas DFA.
How many questions are on the Arkansas written test?
The Arkansas written knowledge test has 25 questions. You need to answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Format: Multiple choice.
How long do I have to hold my permit in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires holding your learner's permit for 6 months minimum before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete No minimum hours required by state, but recommended 50 of supervised driving practice.
What's a Arkansas-specific rule I should know?
Texting while driving is a primary offense in Arkansas — emphasized on the test.
Ready to pass the Arkansas written test?
Practice with our free Arkansas sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.