What you need to do to get your first Arkansas driver's license
To get your first Arkansas driver's license, you will take a written test, pass a road test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes at least a few weeks because you must wait between passing your written test and taking your road test. You cannot skip the written test or road test — both are required for every new driver in Arkansas, regardless of age.
Arkansas issues a Class D license to most new drivers. This is the standard license for driving a regular passenger vehicle. You will get your license from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at one of their local offices across the state.
The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many times you need to retake either one. Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks if they pass both tests on the first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test first, then wait at least one day before you can take your road test.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), and proof of Arkansas residency (like a utility bill or lease) to your written test appointment.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Arkansas Driver's Manual online.
- Your road test happens in your own vehicle with an Arkansas examiner, and you must have a licensed adult in the car with you during the test.
- Once you pass both tests, you will receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
Documents you need before your written test
Bring three types of documents to your written test appointment: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arkansas residency. You do not need all of these in original form — copies work for some — but the Driver Services office will tell you which ones they accept when you call to schedule.
For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card. A school ID or work ID alone will not work.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
For proof of Arkansas residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Arkansas address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your school or employer counts if it shows your address.
Taking your written test
Schedule your written test appointment online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website or by calling your local Driver Services office. You can take the test at any office in the state, not just the one nearest you. Most offices have appointments available within one to three weeks.
The written test has 50 questions about Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes. You can study using the free Arkansas Driver's Manual, which is available online and covers everything on the test.
Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and a valid form of ID to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will take the test on a computer at the office. If you do not pass, you can retake it after one day has passed.
The waiting period between tests
Arkansas requires you to wait at least one day after passing your written test before you can take your road test. This means if you pass your written test on a Monday, the earliest you can take your road test is Tuesday. Many people wait longer because they need time to schedule the appointment or practice driving.
Use this time to practice driving with a licensed adult. You must have a licensed driver in the car with you during your road test, so it helps to practice with the person who will be there on test day. Practice in different conditions — daytime and evening, light traffic and heavier traffic, residential streets and busier roads.
Taking your road test
Schedule your road test appointment at the same Driver Services office where you took your written test, or at a different office if you prefer. You can usually get an appointment within one to three weeks. You must bring your vehicle, your written test passing score, and a valid form of ID.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An Arkansas examiner will sit in your car and watch you drive. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to do specific things, like "turn left at the next light" or "parallel park." You must follow traffic laws exactly — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure.
A licensed adult must be in the car with you during the test. This person cannot help you drive or give you directions, but they must be present. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after one day has passed. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Getting your license after you pass
Once you pass your road test, you will receive your Arkansas driver's license at the Driver Services office. Some offices issue it the same day; others mail it within a few days. Ask the examiner when you will receive it.
Your license will be valid for four years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires. Arkansas also offers a REAL ID compliant license, which you can get by bringing an additional document that proves your citizenship or legal residency status. This type of license is required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting in 2025, but a standard Class D license works for driving.
What happens if you fail a test
If you fail your written test, you can retake it the next day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again.
If you fail your road test, you can retake it the next day as well. Most people who fail their first road test pass on their second or third attempt. Common reasons for failure include not coming to a complete stop, speeding, hitting a curb during parking, or not signaling properly. Ask the examiner what you did wrong so you can practice that skill before your next attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?
Yes. The car does not have to be registered in your name. It must be insured, have valid registration, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.
What if I fail my road test three times?
You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit. Each attempt costs the test fee. After a few failures, consider taking a professional driving lesson to identify what you are doing wrong.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The Driver Services office will check your vision as part of your written test appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate before you can proceed.
Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN. Contact your local Driver Services office to confirm what documents they need.
How much does an Arkansas driver's license cost?
The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. Contact your local Driver Services office or check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website for current fees.