The Arkansas permit test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass

Arkansas's written knowledge test for a learner's permit contains exactly 25 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 80 percent — which means 20 correct answers — to pass and move forward with your permit. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and rules specific to Arkansas highways.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division (which oversees driver licensing) administers this test at all DMV locations across the state. You take it on a computer at the testing station, and you receive your score when ready after completion.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas's permit test is 25 questions long, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • The test covers Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some locations may have a waiting period between attempts.
  • The test is offered in English only at most locations, so you should study materials in English before your appointment.
  • Studying the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide — available free online from the state — covers all topics that appear on the test.

What topics the 25 questions cover

The Arkansas permit test draws from five main areas. Questions cover road signs and their meanings, traffic laws and speed limits, right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, safe driving practices (including how to handle skids or bad weather), and Arkansas-specific rules like where you can and cannot park.

A portion of the questions focus on what you must do as a learner's permit holder — for example, that you must have a licensed adult in the front seat, or that you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. in most cases. The state includes these restrictions on the test because they are part of your legal obligations while learning to drive.

You will also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. Arkansas includes these topics because they directly affect your safety and the safety of others.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

Your score is calculated as a percentage. Twenty correct answers out of 25 equals 80 percent, which is a passing score. Nineteen correct answers equals 76 percent, which does not pass. There is no partial credit — each question is either right or wrong.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. Many DMV locations allow you to test again the same day, though a few may require you to wait a few hours or return on another day. Each time you take the test, you pay the testing fee again. Check with your local Arkansas DMV office about their retesting policy before your first appointment.

You are allowed to retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though some people find it helpful to study more between attempts rather than testing repeatedly.

How to study for the 25-question test

The Arkansas Driver License Study Guide is the official resource and covers every topic that appears on the permit test. You can read it free from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. The guide is organized by topic — signs, laws, safe driving — so you can study one section at a time.

Many people also use online practice tests, which let you answer sample questions and see which topics you need to review. These practice tests are not official, but they follow the same format and difficulty as the real test. Some are free; others charge a small fee.

You should plan to spend at least a few days studying before you test. Reading through the study guide once usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on how carefully you read. Many people study for a week or two, reviewing the guide multiple times and taking practice tests to find weak areas.

When you can take the permit test

You must be at least 14 years old to take the Arkansas permit test. You also need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). Check the Arkansas DMV website for the complete list of acceptable documents before you go.

You can take the test during regular DMV office hours, which vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and any wait times is a good idea.

What happens after you pass the permit test

Once you pass the 25-question test, you receive your learner's permit on the spot (or within a few days if the office needs to process it). Your permit is valid for a set period — usually 180 days in Arkansas — and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the front seat.

While you hold your permit, you must follow all the restrictions that came with it. These include having a licensed driver with you at all times, not driving between midnight and 4 a.m. (with some exceptions), and not using a cell phone while driving. Violating these rules can result in your permit being suspended.

After you have held your permit for the required time and practiced driving, you will be ready to take the road test — the practical driving test that comes next. The road test is separate from the written permit test and is administered by a DMV examiner.

Retaking the test if you move to Arkansas from another state

If you already hold a permit from another state, you may be able to transfer it to Arkansas without retaking the written test. However, if your out-of-state permit has expired or if Arkansas does not recognize it, you will need to take the Arkansas permit test from the beginning.

Contact your local Arkansas DMV office with your out-of-state permit to find out whether it can be transferred. If it cannot, you will take the same 25-question test as any other first-time test taker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any outside materials. You can only use the computer provided by the DMV to answer the 25 questions.

What happens if I get exactly 20 questions right?

You pass. Twenty correct answers out of 25 is exactly 80 percent, which is the passing score. You do not need more than 20 — 20 is the threshold.

How long does the permit test take to complete?

Most people finish the 25-question test in 15 to 30 minutes. You are not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read each question and choose your answer. The DMV will tell you when you are done and show you your score right away.

Is the permit test offered in languages other than English?

Most Arkansas DMV locations offer the test in English only. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office ahead of time to ask whether they can arrange it or refer you to a location that offers it.

Do I have to pass the permit test before I can take driving lessons?

Yes. You must pass the written permit test and receive your learner's permit before you can legally practice driving, even with a professional instructor. The permit is what allows you to be behind the wheel with a licensed driver present.