What you need to do to get an Arizona driver's license

To get an 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 the fee. You cannot do this by mail or online. The whole process typically takes one visit for the written test and a second visit for the driving test, though some offices allow you to do both on the same day if you pass the written exam first. You must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Arizona.

Arizona does not issue a standard driver's license to people under 18 without parental consent, and it issues a different document called an Instruction Permit to younger drivers who want to practice before taking the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit step and go straight to the license 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 ITIN to get a driver's license.
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official ADOT manual or practice tests on the ADOT website.
  • The driving test is a 10-minute road test where an examiner watches you drive; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • The fee for a five-year Arizona driver's license is $25, and you pay it at the ADOT office when you pass both tests.
  • If you are under 18, you must first get an Instruction Permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the ADOT office

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

You also need proof that you live in Arizona. ADOT accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or insurance bill also works.

Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card; you can tell the ADOT staff member your number. If you do not have either, ADOT will issue you a number during the process process, though this takes longer.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean.

ADOT publishes the official Arizona Driver License Manual for free on its website. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests on the ADOT website to see which topics you need to study more. Many people pass after studying the manual for a few hours.

The test is given on a computer at the ADOT office. You can take it in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 10 minutes. An ADOT examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on local roads. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, obey traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Arizona, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle's lights, brakes, windshield wipers, horn, and mirrors must all work. The examiner will check these before you drive. If anything is broken, you fail the test when ready and must reschedule with a different vehicle.

Common reasons people fail the driving test are running a red light or stop sign, speeding, failing to signal, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.

Instruction Permit requirements if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must get an Instruction Permit before you can take the driving test. An Instruction Permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get one, you pass the written test at an ADOT office and bring the same documents you would bring for a driver's license. The Instruction Permit fee is $10.

You must hold the Instruction Permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During those six months, you can only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone.

After you have held the permit for six months, you return to an ADOT office, bring your permit and a vehicle, and take the driving test. Once you pass, you get your driver's license.

Fees and how long the license lasts

An Arizona driver's license costs $25 and is valid for five years. You pay the fee at the ADOT office after you pass both the written and driving tests. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it expires on your 18th birthday, not five years later.

You can renew your license by mail or online if you have not had any violations or suspensions. If you have had violations or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.

Where to find an ADOT office and how to schedule

ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited weekend hours.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test at most ADOT offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices accept appointments, and scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

For the driving test, you usually do need to schedule an appointment. You can book one on the ADOT website or by calling your local office. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

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. When you arrive at the ADOT office, tell the staff member which language you need. Not all offices offer every language, so call ahead if you need a language other than English or Spanish.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You pay the full fee again each time you take the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.

Do I need to bring my Instruction Permit to the driving test?

Yes. If you are under 18, you must bring your valid Instruction Permit to the driving test. You also need to bring the vehicle you will be driving and proof of insurance for that vehicle.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant Arizona driver's license?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Arizona driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.

What if I move to Arizona from another state?

You must get an Arizona driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You can transfer your out-of-state license by visiting an ADOT office with your old license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You still have to pass the written test and the driving test. Your out-of-state license does not count as proof that you can drive.