Where to take the test in Springdale
In Springdale, you take your written knowledge test at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Driver Services office. The main Springdale location is at 1900 South 40th Street, Springdale, AR 72762. This is the office where most new drivers in the Springdale area go to test.
You can also test at other Driver Services locations across Arkansas if that is more convenient — the test is the same no matter which office you visit. However, the Springdale office is the closest option for residents in the city and surrounding areas.
Before you go, call ahead or check the Arkansas Driver Services website to confirm current hours. Office hours can change seasonally, and some locations have different schedules on different days of the week.
What you need to bring
Bring your completed DL 44 form (the process for a driver license or instruction permit) and proof of identity. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in front of the examiner. Bring proof of your current address as well — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is standard.
Do not bring your phone or any study materials into the testing room. The examiner will tell you what you can and cannot have at your desk.
How the test works in Arkansas
The Arkansas written test has 50 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score.
You will take the test on a computer at the Driver Services office. The examiner will show you how to use the system before you start. You can take as much time as you need to answer each question; there is no time limit.
After you finish, the computer scores your test when ready. If you pass, the examiner will tell you right away and you can move forward with the road test. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Arkansas.
Key Takeaways
- The Springdale Driver Services office is located at 1900 South 40th Street, and this is where most local drivers take their written test.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address before you test.
- The Arkansas written test has 50 questions and you need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.
- You take the test on a computer and get your score when ready; if you do not pass, you can retake it the same day.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and sign your process in front of the examiner.
How to prepare for the Springdale test
Study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which covers everything on the test. You can read it from the Arkansas Driver Services website or pick up a printed copy at the Springdale office. The guide walks through road signs, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do at intersections.
Focus on the sections that trip up most new drivers: right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and when you can and cannot pass another vehicle. Take practice tests online — several free practice test sites use questions from the real Arkansas test.
Study for at least a few days before your test date. Most people who fail do so because they crammed the night before or did not study the guide at all. Give yourself time to learn the material, not just memorize answers.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test, you will receive an instruction permit (also called a learner's permit). This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone yet.
With your instruction permit, you must follow certain rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and get your full license.
You can schedule your road test once you feel ready. Many people practice for several weeks or months before taking the road test. There is no minimum waiting period in Arkansas between getting your instruction permit and taking the road test.
If you do not pass on your first try
Failing the written test is not unusual, and it does not mean you cannot get your license. You can retake the test as many times as you need. If you fail, ask the examiner which topics gave you trouble, then study those sections more carefully before your next attempt.
You do not have to wait between attempts — you can retake the test the same day if you want to, or come back another day. Many people find that taking a day or two to study more helps them pass the second time.
Keep in mind that each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. In Arkansas, the written test fee is included with your instruction permit fee, so retaking the test does not cost extra if you are still on your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test without an appointment?
Yes. The Springdale Driver Services office takes walk-ins for the written test. However, wait times can be long during busy hours, especially in the morning and early afternoon. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to go.
What if I fail the written test — do I have to wait before I retake it?
No. Arkansas has no waiting period between attempts. You can retake the test the same day or come back another day whenever you are ready. Many people study for a day or two and then retake it.
Can I use a translator or interpreter during the test?
Yes. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter at the Springdale office. Call ahead to arrange this, as the office may need time to find an interpreter. You can also take the test in Spanish if that is easier for you.
What happens if I pass the written test but am not ready for the road test yet?
Your instruction permit is valid for a set period — usually one to two years depending on your age. You can practice driving for as long as you need before scheduling your road test. There is no rush to take the road test once you have your permit.
Is the Springdale test the same as tests in other Arkansas cities?
Yes. The written test is the same across all Arkansas Driver Services offices. The questions, passing score, and format are identical whether you test in Springdale, Little Rock, or anywhere else in the state.