The basic path: what you'll do and in what order

To get your Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about two visits — one to take the written test and one to take the driving test — though some people pass both on the same day if they arrive early enough. You cannot do this online or by mail.

Arizona does not require you to get a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older, though you can if you want to practice with a licensed driver before the test. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

The fee for a five-year license is $25 if you are under 65, or $10 if you are 65 or older. You pay this at the ADOT office when you pass your driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free ADOT driver's manual online or pick up a printed copy at any ADOT office.
  • You take the driving test in your own vehicle or a vehicle you have permission to use, and the test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes on local roads.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test, and you must be accompanied by a licensed driver during that time.
  • ADOT offices do not take appointments, so you should arrive early or check wait times online before you go.

What documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card works. If you do not have any of those, bring a certified birth certificate plus one document with your name and signature, such as a school ID, employee ID, or Social Security card.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or tax return also works. Both documents must show your current Arizona address.

Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can tell the ADOT staff the number — but if you have the card, bring it. If you do not have either number, ADOT can help you understand what to do next.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign a form giving you permission to get a license.

How the written test works and what to study

The written test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the ADOT office.

Study using the free ADOT driver's manual, which covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the ADOT website or pick up a printed copy at any ADOT office. The manual is about 60 pages and takes most people two to four hours to read carefully. Focus on the sections on right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes.

How the driving test works and what the examiner looks for

The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on local roads near the ADOT office. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle you have permission to use. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — working brakes, headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, using the turn signal, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You will be asked to do things like parallel park, back up, and make a three-point turn. The examiner is looking for safe habits, not perfect technique. Common reasons people fail are running a stop sign or red light, hitting the curb while parking, or not using the turn signal.

You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the next day or later. There is no extra fee for retakes.

When to visit an ADOT office and what to expect

ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offices are open on Saturday mornings. They do not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. Wait times vary by office and time of day. Early morning, mid-week visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

Check the ADOT website before you go — it shows current wait times at each office location. If the wait is long, you can come back another day. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not lose anything while you wait.

When it is your turn, staff will check your documents, take your photo, and give you the written test. If you pass, they will schedule your driving test, usually for the same day if there is time, or for another day. If you fail the written test, you can study and retake it the same day or come back later.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, you pay the fee ($25 for a five-year license if you are under 65) and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This paper license is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.

Your plastic license card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. The card is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. You do not need to renew it until it expires.

If you need to drive before the card arrives, the paper license is legal to carry. Keep it in a safe place.

If you are under 18: the learner's permit requirement

If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During that time, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old whenever you drive.

To get a learner's permit, visit an ADOT office with the same documents you would bring for a license, plus a parent or legal guardian. You take the written test, pay a small fee (usually around $10), and receive the permit on the spot. The permit is valid for one year.

After you have held the permit for six months, you can schedule your driving test. You do not need to retake the written test — the permit counts as proof you passed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. ADOT offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will set it up for you. The test covers the same material regardless of language.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it the next day or any day after that. There is no fee for retakes, and you do not need to retake the written test. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before you try again.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

You can use any vehicle you have permission to use, as long as it is in safe working condition. It does not have to be registered in your name. If you use someone else's car, bring a note from the owner saying you have permission to use it.

What if I lose my temporary paper license before the card arrives?

Contact the ADOT office where you got your license and ask for a replacement. You may need to pay a small fee. In the meantime, bring your ID documents if you need to prove you have a license.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes (like a new address or name change). For a first-time license, you must visit an ADOT office in person.