How to Get an Arkansas Driver's License: Complete 2024 Guide

Table Of Content

Learn how to obtain your learner's permit or driver's license, renew it, and schedule your driving test in Arkansas with this guide. Find out what you'll need, what to expect, and how to get behind the wheel!

How Do I Get My AR License?

If you're a driver or aiming to become one in AR, keep reading. Here, we’ll provide you with instructions for obtaining, renewing, and transferring your license. This will help save you a lot of time and hassle.
Getting your full and final license is a three-step process.

1. Get your instruction permit
2. Get a provisional license
3. Get an adult license

Arkansas Driver's License Types

Here’s what you need to know about each driver's license type.

Class D Driver's License

This is the standard driver's license for operating non-commercial vehicles. This includes cars, vans, and small trucks. It allows individuals to drive on public roads without restrictions. However, they must meet the requirements and pass the tests.

Class A/B/C Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

This license is required for operating commercial vehicles. This includes trucks, buses, and vehicles transporting materials.

The Class A CDL permits the operation of combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or over. This includes the towed unit weighing over 10,000 lbs.

The Class B CDL allows the operation of single vehicles with 26,001 lbs GVWR or over or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not over 10,000 lbs GVWR.

The Class C CDL permits the operation of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or lethal materials.

Class M/MD Motorcycle License

The Class M license is specifically for operating motorcycles, scooters, and other two-wheeled vehicles.
The Class MD designation is for those who wish to operate motorcycles but do not possess a standard Class D license. They must meet the same requirements as Class M applicants. Moreover, they must also pass a written and road test.
Tip: Arkansas has varied landscapes! You will need good driving skills to get around.

Class D License: How to Apply

To get your Class D driver's license, you need to pass knowledge, vision, and road tests. You also need to submit various documents and complete a certain number of driving hours.

Applying for an Instruction Permit and Learner’s License

The AR GDL law differentiates between an instruction permit and a learner’s permit. Before applying for a driver's license, everyone must obtain an instruction permit. This permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver aged at least 21.
The learner's permit is for drivers aged 14 or 15. These drivers must already possess an instruction permit.
Here’s the complete process to get your instruction permit and learner’s license. If you don't have an instructional permit, proceed to Step 1. If you have one, proceed to Step 8.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 14 years old to apply for a learner's permit.
• Since the applicant is under 18, parental or legal guardian consent is required.

Process

Here’s how to apply for your instruction permit and learner’s license:

1. Visit your local testing site. Give your written knowledge test there. You can find testing times there. However, schedules may change, so call ahead.
2. Make sure you bring three items: Your original or certified birth certificate, a signature from a parent or legal guardian (with their state driver's license or ID present), and proof of school attendance, GED, or high school diploma (online diplomas not accepted).
3. Pass your vision test. Your uncorrected visual acuity should be at least 20/40. Wear prescribed contacts or eyeglasses if needed.
4. Pass your written test. Questions will appear on a computer screen at a testing kiosk. Take practice tests beforehand. If you fail, you can retest after five calendar days. Check out our free Arkansas driver’s license practice tests.
5. Apply at your local driver’s license office.
6. Have your photo taken.
7. Pay a permit fee of $40. Payment options include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover). You can also pay by cash or a check. If paying by credit card, expect to pay an extra $2.
8. Get your instruction permit. It will be valid for a year from the date of issuance. This cannot be renewed.
9. Practice supervised driving. Wait at least 30 days after receiving your permit before taking the road test.
10. Pass a road skills test at an Arkansas State Police testing site. Again, call ahead as schedules may change.
11. When you go for the road test, bring:
    • Your original or certified birth certificate
    • A signature from a parent or legal guardian (with their state driver's license or ID present)
    • Proof of school attendance, high school diploma, or GED (online diplomas not accepted).
    • A parent or legal guardian
    • Registered vehicle with insurance
    • A licensed driver who is 21 years or older. 
12. Obtain your learner license by submitting your stamped permit at the DFA Revenue Office.
13. Practice supervised driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 until you’re 16, but for a minimum of six months.

Note: If you need to drive unsupervised for school, work, or medical reasons, your parent or guardian can apply for a hardship waiver at the local license office.

How to Apply for Your Provisional License

Getting a provisional license allows you to drive with certain restrictions. You can drive when supervised by a licensed adult for the first six months after getting your restricted license.

Requirements

• You must keep your learner's license for a minimum of 6 months.
• Avoid any serious accidents or major traffic violations during this period.

Restrictions

With an instruction permit, you can drive unsupervised. However, there are certain restrictions:

• You can't have more than one passenger under 18. If they're your siblings or live in the same household, it’s okay. It’s even better if there's an adult in the passenger seat.
• Avoid driving between 11 pm and 4 am. This is waived off if you’re with an adult or are driving to or from school, work, or church.
• Do not use cell phones or other wireless devices while driving.

Process

Here’s how to apply for your restricted or provisional license:

1. Apply at your local DFA Revenue Office.
2. Provide the required documentation:
   • Your learner's license
   • Your SSN 
   • Proof of date of birth
   • Proof of identity
   • Legal proof of any name change (if applicable)
   • Proof of legal presence in the US
3. Have your photo taken.
4. Pay a license fee of $40.
5. Payment options include credit cards. MasterCard, Visa, or Discover are accepted. You can also pay by cash or check. If paying by credit card, you’ll have to bear an extra $2 fee.

Points to Note

• Once you turn 18, you can upgrade your intermediate license to a full Class D driver's license. That is only if you haven't had any major accidents or traffic convictions in the last twelve months.
• If you're a high school graduate, married, have obtained a GED, or are serving in the military, you can bypass the provisional license stage. Apply for your adult license directly.

Applying for an Unrestricted Driver’s License

Note: You can upgrade your provisional license to a regular one. That’s only if you haven't had any major accidents or traffic convictions in the last twelve months.

Points to Note

• If you're over 18 and have never had a license, begin with Step 1.
• Start with Step 7 if you have an instruction permit.
• Start with Step 9 if you have a provisional license. 
• If you hold a foreign license (except for Manitoba, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan), also start with Step 1.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to fulfill additional requirements. For instance:
  1. Providing proof of completion of a driver education course
  2. Fulfill outstanding obligations related to a previous driver's license suspension or revocation.

Process

Here’s how to apply for your full adult license:

1. Head to your local State Police testing site for the written test. When locating the nearest location, check testing times. Test schedules may change, so it's wise to confirm before traveling far.
2. Bring the necessary identification documents:
   • Social Security Number
   • Proof of identity
   • Proof of date of birth
   • Legal proof of any name change (if applicable)
   • Proof of legal presence in the US.

Note: You can choose the primary and secondary documents to bring from this list.

3. You must pass a vision test. Your visual acuity should be at least 20/40. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, wear them during the test.
4. Give a written knowledge test. You'll complete the test at a testing kiosk. The questions will appear on a screen. Take advantage of free practice tests beforehand. If you don't pass, you can retry after five calendar days.
5. Have your photo taken.
6. Obtain your instruction permit. Now, you can drive under supervision.

Note: A learner’s permit is valid for a year. It cannot be renewed. Hence, you must complete the road test and purchase a license before expiration. However, you must wait 30 days from its issuance before coming back for the driving test.

7. Pass a road test at your local driver’s testing site. Verify the testing schedule beforehand, as changes may occur. 
8. Bring the required documentation and your vehicle. Make sure you have your:
   • Instruction permit
   • A licensed vehicle
   • Vehicle registration and insurance
   • A licensed driver aged 21 or older

9. Apply at your local license office. Bring your identification documents and stamped instruction permit or provisional driver's license. Submit your foreign driver's license if applicable.
10. Have your photograph taken again.
11. Pay a license fee of $40. Payment options include credit cards. You can also pay by cash or check. If paying by credit card, expect an extra $2 fee.

Arkansas Driver’s License Written Knowledge Test

The Arkansas Driver’s License Written Knowledge Test typically includes questions covering a range of topics. Here are some common areas covered in the test:
Traffic Laws: Questions may assess your knowledge of state-specific traffic laws, including:

• Speed limits
• Right-of-way rules
• Regulations regarding passing, turning, and stopping.

Road Signs: You can expect questions about various road signs, including:

• Regulatory signs (such as stop signs and yield signs)
• Warning signs (such as curves and intersections)
• Informational signs (such as highway markers and exit signs).

Safe Driving Practices: The test may include questions about safe driving practices, such as:

• Maintaining a safe following distance
• Using turn signals appropriately
• Checking blind spots
• Avoid distractions while driving.

Driving Under the Influence: There may be questions related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit and the consequences of impaired driving.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: Questions may cover topics related to pedestrian and bicycle safety, including:

• Yielding to pedestrians
• Sharing the road with cyclists
• Understanding crosswalk markings.

Special Driving Situations: The test may include questions about driving in adverse weather conditions, navigating through construction zones, and dealing with emergencies on the road.
It's important to study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide for the knowledge test. The study Arkansas divers manual covers everything you need to know. Additionally, consider taking free practice tests to assess your knowledge and readiness for the actual exam.

Arkansas Driver’s License Road Skills Test

The road test evaluates your proficiency in locating vehicle controls and driving safely and accurately. The skills test is administered by the Arkansas State Police. These tests require scheduling at a nearby testing site, where you should also check the schedule.
Note: Road tests are not conducted in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, sleet, snow, or on wet or slippery roads.

What to Expect Prior to the Test

Ensure you bring the following items for the road test:

• Your original license permit
• A properly licensed vehicle
• Current proof of car insurance (paper or electronic)
• Current vehicle registration
• A licensed driver aged 21 or older with a valid driver's license.

Your vehicle must be free of any serious mechanical defects. There should be no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. Make sure to check the following features:

• Lights
• Horn
• Muffler
• Exhaust System
• Speedometer
• Tires
• Brakes
• Windshield (No Cracks)
• Windows (Mustn’t be tinted)
• Clean interior

What to Do When You’re Starting the Car

After inspecting your vehicle, the examiner will verify your familiarity with vehicle controls. Be ready to demonstrate how to operate or locate the following features:

• Turn signals
• Emergency flashers
• Side and rearview mirrors
• Accelerator
• Headlights (high and low beam)
• Seat belts
• Emergency brake
• Brake lights
• Foot brake
• Ignition
• Wipers
• Horn
• Clutch (if applicable)

What to Do When on the Road

During the road test, the examiner will evaluate your ability to perform the following maneuvers safely:

• Making safe lane changes
• Reversing in a straight line without contacting or scraping against the curb. All while maintaining constant vigilance.
• Executing controlled turns
• Exiting a parking space without encroaching on adjacent spaces
• Using lanes properly
• Adhering to speed limits, stop signs, and signals
• Remaining vigilant for other vehicles and pedestrians.

During the road test, you'll need to adapt to various driving situations, like construction zones and school areas. Remember, you could fail the road test by failing to obey traffic laws or engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.

What to Do After the Test

After the test, the examiner will inform you of the result, whether you pass or fail. If you don't pass, you can retake the exam at a later date. The examiner will inform you of when you can retake the test. It's important to ensure you pass the test before your instruction permit expires.

Replacing or Renewing Your Arkansas Driver’s License 

If your license is lost, damaged, or has expired, you’ll have to replace or renew it. This can be done in three ways.

In Person

You can renew your license at the local DFA Revenue Office. To do that, you must:

• Clear any unpaid traffic tickets or fines in advance.
• Bring your current license.
• Take a vision exam if required.
• If your license expired over 31 days ago, pass a written knowledge test.
• Pay a renewal fee of $40 via:
  1. Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover)
  2. Cash
  3. Check 

Note: You have to pay an extra $2 for credit card payments.

By Mail

Typically, license renewal must be done in person at a DFA Revenue Office. Yet, if you're out of Arkansas on your license's expiration date due to school, work, or military duty, you may be eligible for a mail-in renewal. Contact Driver's License Issuance at 501-682-7059 to check your eligibility for this option.

Online

Arkansas doesn’t allow online renewals right now.

How Can New Residents Get the AR Driver's License?

You must obtain an AR driver's license within 30 days after becoming a resident. Non-residents who reside in Arkansas for six months must also apply for their AR license.
You’re considered an AR resident in the following cases:

• You're in Arkansas for over 90 days.
• You're in Arkansas because of a change in residence.
• You're domiciled in Arkansas temporarily or permanently.

Note: You aren’t considered a resident if you are a student.

What If I Have a Valid Out-of-State License?

Exchanging another state’s driver’s license for one in Arkansas is easy.

• No tests are required if your license is valid or has expired less than 31 days ago.
• If it's expired over 31 days, you'll need to take the vision and written tests.
• If the out-of-state license has expired for over a year, you must take the vision, written, and road tests.

Process for Transferring Your Out-of-State License

1. Visit your local DFA Revenue Office to transfer your valid out-of-state license.
2. Bring the required documentation:
   • Social Security Number
   • Proof of identity
   • Proof of date of birth
   • Proof of any name change (if applicable)
   • Proof of legal presence in the US. Choose from primary and secondary documents from the provided list.
3. Surrender your out-of-state license.
4. Have your photo taken.
5. You will have to incur a licensing fee of $40. Moreover, you will have to pay a transfer fee of $5. Payment options include credit cards. You can also pay by cash or check. If paying by credit card, you will incur an extra $2 fee.
6. You will receive the appropriate type of Arkansas license based on your age and status.

What If I Have a Valid Foreign License?

If you're moving from Arkansas to another country, welcome! The process for transferring your foreign license is like applying for a new AR license.
If you possess a valid driver's license from Manitoba, France, Germany, Taiwan, or South Korea, you can transfer it without giving any tests. 

For more commonly asked questions you can visit our Arkansas Driver License FAQs page.