What you need to get an Arizona learner's permit

Arizona issues a learner's permit (called a Class DJ permit) to drivers aged 15 and a half or older who want to practice driving before taking the road test for a full license. You cannot get one before 15½, and you must hold it for at least six months before you can test for a regular license — that waiting period is set by state law and cannot be shortened.

To get the permit, you need to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will also need a completed process for Driving Privilege (Form 40-3001), which you can fill out at home or at the office.

The process itself is free. ADOT charges a permit fee — the amount varies depending on how long you want the permit to last, but a standard six-month permit costs less than a full-year permit. You pay the fee when you submit your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15½ years old to get an Arizona learner's permit, and you must hold it for a minimum of six months before you can test for a full license.
  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to any ADOT office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the ADOT office; the test is in English, but interpreters are available if you request one in advance.
  • Once you pass the written test and pay the fee, you receive your permit when ready and can begin supervised driving with a licensed adult.
  • A learner's permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, but you must obtain a full license within that year or the permit expires.

Documents you must bring to the ADOT office

Arizona requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID — a passport, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a school ID issued by an Arizona school district all count. A birth certificate alone does not work as proof of identity for a permit.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Arizona address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax form or court document, also counts. A school ID or student records can work if they show your current address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can still get a permit, but ADOT will assign you a unique identification number instead. Bring any documentation you have that proves your number or your ineligibility for one.

The written test: what to expect

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. The questions are multiple choice, and you take the test on a computer at the ADOT office.

The test is given in English by default. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. ADOT also offers the test in other languages at some locations; call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers testing in the language you need.

You can study for the test using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days or a week before taking the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again.

Restrictions on a learner's permit in Arizona

While you hold a Class DJ learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. That driver must have a valid license — a permit does not count. If you are caught driving without a supervising driver, you can be cited for a traffic violation.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner's permit. This curfew applies even if you have a supervising driver in the car. The only exception is if you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you can show proof of that appointment or employment if stopped.

Arizona also restricts cell phone use for permit holders. You cannot use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, while driving on a learner's permit — not even at a red light. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency.

How long your permit lasts and what happens when it expires

An Arizona learner's permit is valid for one year from the date ADOT issues it. You do not have to renew it during that year — it straightforward expires 12 months after you receive it. However, you must obtain your full driver's license before the permit expires, or you will have to start the process over and pay the fee again.

The six-month waiting period begins the day you receive your permit. After six months have passed, you can schedule a road test with ADOT. You do not have to wait the full year; you can test as soon as the six months are up. If you pass the road test, you receive your full license and the permit becomes void.

If your permit expires before you test for a full license, you will need to reapply. You will have to submit a new process, bring your documents again, pay the fee again, and take the written test again. There is no grace period or extension.

Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged permit

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any ADOT office. Bring your identity and residency documents again, and ADOT will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as the original. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the original permit fee.

If your address changes while you hold a permit, you do not have to get a new one — the permit remains valid. However, if you move out of Arizona, your permit is no longer valid in Arizona, and you will need to follow the rules of your new state.

You cannot renew a learner's permit before it expires. Once it expires, you must reapply from the beginning. If you are close to the expiration date and have not yet tested for your full license, contact ADOT to schedule your road test as soon as possible.

Moving from a learner's permit to a full license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule a road test with ADOT. The road test includes a vehicle inspection (to make sure the car is safe), a written test on road signs (a shorter version than the permit test), and a driving test where an examiner watches you drive and evaluates your skills.

You must bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the road test appointment. You also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the vehicle fails inspection, you will not be able to test that day.

If you pass the road test, ADOT issues your full driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a school to get a learner's permit. You only need to be at least 15½ years old and bring the required identity and residency documents. A school ID is not required.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. You will have to pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Arizona Driver License Manual more carefully.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a permit?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still get a permit. ADOT will assign you a unique identification number instead. Bring any documents you have that show your ineligibility for a Social Security number.

Can I drive to school on my learner's permit without a supervising driver?

No. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times, even if you are driving to school. The midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew has an exception for school, but the requirement for a supervising driver does not.

What happens if I move to another state before my permit expires?

Your Arizona learner's permit is no longer valid once you move out of state. You will need to follow the rules of your new state, which may have different age requirements, waiting periods, and restrictions. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to find out what you need to do.