What You Need to Get an Arizona Learner's Permit

Arizona issues a learner's permit through the Department of Transportation (ADOT), and you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to hold one. You'll need to 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 permit itself costs $12 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.

A learner's permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These rules stay in place for the entire year you hold the permit, regardless of how much you practice.

Before you can get the permit, you must pass a written knowledge test at the ADOT office. The test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT provides free online and in print at any ADOT office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and bring proof of identity, Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to an ADOT office.
  • The learner's permit costs $12, is valid for one year, and requires you to have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a learner's permit, even with a licensed adult present.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test at the ADOT office before receiving your permit; the test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs.
  • The official Arizona Driver License Manual is available free online and at ADOT offices to help you study for the 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 certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a Tribal ID card, a military ID, or a school ID issued by an Arizona school. A photocopy of any of these is not acceptable — it must be the original or an official certified copy.

You also need proof that you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Arizona address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, stating that you live at that address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN instead. You will also need to provide your date of birth and your Arizona address.

The Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The written test at the ADOT office has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers Arizona traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You have one hour to complete the test.

ADOT offers the test in English and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you may bring a translator to the office, but the translator cannot be a family member or someone with a financial interest in your outcome. The translator must be at least 18 years old.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people study the Arizona Driver License Manual for a few weeks before taking it and pass on the first attempt.

How Long the Permit Lasts and When to Renew

Your learner's permit is valid for exactly one year from the date ADOT issues it. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You do not need to renew a learner's permit — once it expires, it is no longer valid, and you cannot drive with it.

If you want to continue driving as a learner after your permit expires, you must go back to an ADOT office, pay the $12 fee again, and take the knowledge test again. However, most people use their year of practice to prepare for the road test, which allows them to get a full driver's license instead of renewing the learner's permit.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any ADOT office for $12. Bring your identity documents and proof of residency again, but you will not need to retake the knowledge test.

Restrictions While You Hold a Learner's Permit

Arizona's learner's permit comes with strict rules that do not change during the year you hold it. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. That person must have a valid driver's license in their possession. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip, and you cannot drive with only younger passengers in the car.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances while you hold a learner's permit. This curfew applies even if you are driving with a licensed adult. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency to 911.

Arizona law does not require a minimum number of supervised driving hours before you take the road test, but practicing regularly with a licensed adult makes you a safer driver and more likely to pass the test on your first try. Many people practice for several months before scheduling their road test.

Moving Forward: From Learner's Permit to Driver's License

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and feel ready, you can schedule a road test at an ADOT office. The road test costs $7 and takes about 20 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the test. A licensed examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to handle the vehicle safely.

If you pass the road test, ADOT will issue you a Class D driver's license, which allows you to drive alone and without time restrictions. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, but you must pay the $7 fee each time.

Your learner's permit remains valid while you are preparing for and taking the road test, so you do not need to renew it. Once you receive your driver's license, your learner's permit is no longer valid and you should not use it.

Where to Find an ADOT Office and What Hours They Keep

ADOT has offices throughout Arizona in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

You do not need an appointment to take the knowledge test at most ADOT offices, but some locations do require one. Call the office ahead of time or check the website to see if appointments are required in your area. Bring all your documents with you; if you are missing any required document, the office will not be able to issue your permit that day.

If you cannot visit an ADOT office in person, you cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online. Arizona requires you to take the knowledge test in person at an ADOT office, and you must be present to receive your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. You do not need to attend a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You must still be at least 15 years and 6 months old and bring proof of identity and Arizona residency to an ADOT office. A school ID is one option for proof of identity, but a passport, birth certificate, or other accepted document works just as well.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people study the Arizona Driver License Manual for a few weeks and pass on the second or third try if they did not pass the first time.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN instead. ADOT will accept either one.

Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me?

No. You must be present at the ADOT office to receive your permit. ADOT will not issue it to a parent, guardian, or anyone else on your behalf.

How much does the learner's permit cost?

The learner's permit costs $12. There is no additional fee to retake the knowledge test if you do not pass the first time. If you lose your permit and need a replacement, that also costs $12.