Arkansas has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no license to full license.
Completing the Arkansas GDL takes about a year. You’ll need to pass a AR DPS written exam for your learner’s license. Hold it in good standing for 6 months and at 16 you’ll get your intermediate license. 6 more months of supervised driving and you can receive your full license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know in order to get your full, unrestricted AR driver’s license.
You can start the process to get your license at 14. To get ready for driving, you can download the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide and start reading through it. At your local State Police location, you’ll need to fill out an application, bring in proof of identity, and pay a fee of $45 which is $40 for the Class D permit, and $5 for the written test.
The Arkansas State Police learner license test consists of 25 questions. You’ll need to answer 20 of the correctly to pass.
It’s never a bad idea to practice before you take the test in person. Consider taking a few AK learner license practice tests.
Don’t worry if you fail. You can wait 5 days and then try again, but you will have to pay the $5 testing fee each time. You may retake the exam up to twice more within 90 days of your Arkansas DMV approved learner’s license application. If you do not complete the process within that 90 days, you will have to re apply.
You will also need to take a vision test so if you need glasses be sure you’re wearing them.
You will be given an official paper which is your Arkansas driver’s permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You must have your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a regular license. Although it’s not required for licensure, this is the point also where you’ll probably want to get professional driving instruction.
When you’re ready to enroll in driver education, find a driving school to get started.
Once you feel comfortable that you can operate a motor vehicle correctly and you’ve turned 16, you can apply for your Arkansas intermediate driver’s license.
Receiving your license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are reaching the age of 16 and you must have been crash/violation-free for six months. You will need to apply at your local Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Office.
Once approved, you will be required to pass a driving test with an Arkansas State Police testing examiner who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely. If you fail, you’ll be able to retake the road test in about 5 days.
Before you take it, you should check out the Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
Note that you are responsible for providing the vehicle for the road test. It must be insured, registered, and meet all state safety and emissions requirements.
When you’re ready to take your road test, you can schedule one online though the Arkansas State Police Department.
The application fee for your license is $40.00.
Your Arkansas driver’s license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This AR intermediate license will come with the following restrictions:
With this license, you’re legally required to drive with an adult (21 or older) for the first 6 months after receiving your license. Additionally, you can only carry one passenger that’s a minor unless a licensed adult is in the car.
As you continue to learn how to operate a motor vehicle in different conditions, there are certain hours when you won’t be able to drive. Those are 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 18 and have had your permit and provisional license for at least six months, you can get your full license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Arkansas graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have as you start out on your AR graduated licensing journey.
Can I drive with an out of state learner’s permit in Arkansas?
Out of state drivers with learner’s permits are allowed to drive with them in Arkansas. Drivers must follow any driving restrictions and regulations issued by their home state.
Can I replace a lost or stolen learner’s permit?
To replace a lost or stolen Arkansas learner’s license, instruction permit, or driver’s license visit your local DFA Revenue Office.
For comprehensive information on everything related to the Arkansas graduated licensing program, visit the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also call 1-501-371-5581 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Prepare for your license journey by reviewing the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, and taking a few practice tests.
Are you ready to enroll in a driver’s education program? The Arkansas State Police Department is the best place to start.
