What You Need to Do to Get a Driver's License in Arizona

To get a driver's license in Arizona, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The entire process takes place at an ADOT office and typically requires two visits: one for the written test and one for the driving test, though you can sometimes complete both on the same day if you pass the written exam first.

Arizona issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for at least six months before taking the driving test, and you have additional restrictions on when and with whom you can drive. If you are 18 or older, you can move directly to the driving test after passing the written test, with no waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can take either test.
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The driving test lasts about 10 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic vehicle control, parking, and road awareness.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for six months and meet additional restrictions before you can take the driving test.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $25 if you are 18 or older; under-18 licenses cost $10.

Documents You Must Bring to an ADOT Office

You cannot take either test without proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number. ADOT will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card; you must bring the original card itself or a document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid tribal ID. A school ID or work ID is not enough on its own. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Arizona address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are explore for a permit as someone under 18, you must also bring a completed process for Instruction Permit or Driver License (Form 40-001), signed by a parent or guardian. You can read this form from the ADOT website or pick one up at any ADOT office.

The Written Test: What to Study and How to Pass

The written test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You have up to one hour to complete the test.

ADOT publishes a free study guide called the Arizona Driver License Manual, available on the ADOT website and at any ADOT office. This manual contains all the information covered on the test. Most people who study the manual for a few hours before the test pass on their first attempt. The test is offered in English and Spanish; you can request Spanish when you arrive at the office.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and there is no extra fee to retake the test.

The Driving Test: What the Examiner Will Check

The driving test lasts about 10 minutes and takes place on public roads near the ADOT office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner is checking whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of other traffic and pedestrians.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will do a quick safety check before you drive. You must also bring a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old to sit in the passenger seat during the test; this person cannot help you or give you directions.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You do not need to retake the written test. Each driving test attempt costs $7.

If You Are Under 18: The Permit and Restrictions

If you are under 18, you must first get an Instruction Permit. To get a permit, you pass the written test and pay a $10 fee. You then must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.

After six months with the permit, you can take the driving test. Once you pass, you receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL). A GDL has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to school, work, or a medical appointment, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held the GDL for 12 months, whichever comes first.

When you turn 18, you can visit an ADOT office and request a standard adult license. There is no test required; you straightforward pay the fee and receive a new license without the GDL restrictions.

Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A five-year driver's license for someone 18 or older costs $25. An Instruction Permit costs $10. A Graduated Driver License for someone under 18 costs $10. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10.

Your license is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an ADOT office, depending on your situation. If you move to Arizona from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for an Arizona license without retaking the tests; you will pay the $25 fee and provide proof of residency.

Where to Find an ADOT Office and How to Schedule

ADOT has offices in every county in Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. During busy times, wait times can be long, so calling ahead or scheduling online is usually faster.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test at most offices, but you do need an appointment to take the driving test. You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the ADOT website, by phone, or in person at an ADOT office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as far in advance as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes, if you pass the written test first. You can then schedule a driving test appointment for the same day if one is available, or you can schedule one for another day. If you are under 18, you cannot take the driving test on the same day as the written test because you must hold a permit for six months first.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. You do not need to retake the written test. Each attempt costs $7. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

No. Driver's education is not required in Arizona. However, if you are under 18, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, so it may save you money on car insurance even though it is not required by law.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is offered in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the staff at the ADOT office which language you need when you arrive.

What if I move to Arizona from another state?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to retake the written or driving tests. You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Arizona license by visiting an ADOT office with proof of residency and paying the $25 fee.