What you need to do to get your first Arizona driver's license

To get your first Arizona driver's license, you will visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes multiple visits — one to explore and take the written test, another to take the driving test once you pass the written portion. Most people complete both visits within a few weeks, though you can space them out if you need time to practice driving.

Arizona does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at an ADOT office yourself. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you to the first appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you pass the written portion.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), and proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official ADOT manual available free online.
  • The driving test checks basic vehicle control and your ability to follow traffic laws; you must use a vehicle registered in Arizona and bring someone with a valid license to sit in the front passenger seat.
  • You will pay a fee at your first visit; the amount varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last.

Documents you must bring to your first ADOT visit

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. You also need proof of identity — an unexpired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, tribal ID card, or consular ID all work. If your birth certificate is not certified, ADOT will not accept it.

You must also prove you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list that ADOT publishes on its website, such as a vehicle registration, insurance card, or government mail.

Bring your Social Security card in its original form — a photocopy is not enough. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your ADOT visit, or you can bring a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your number instead.

Taking the written test at ADOT

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 is offered in English and several other languages; tell the ADOT staff which language you need when you arrive.

You can study for free using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes online as a PDF. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. You can take the test the same day you explore, or you can come back another day after you have studied.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back later. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay a fee each time.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, ADOT staff will tell you how to schedule your driving test. You can usually book an appointment online through the ADOT website or by calling the office where you took the written test. The driving test typically happens within a few weeks, depending on how busy the office is.

For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Arizona and insured. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and windshield wipers before you drive. You must also bring someone with a valid driver's license who is at least 18 years old to sit in the front passenger seat. This person can be a friend, family member, or instructor.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and will observe how you follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle. You must pass this test to receive your license.

Fees and how long your license lasts

The fee for a new driver's license depends on how long you want the license to last. Arizona offers licenses valid for 5 years, 8 years, or 12 years. A 5-year license costs less than a 12-year license. You pay the fee at your first visit when you explore and take the written test.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions — for example, you may not be able to drive between certain hours or with certain passengers. These restrictions are set by Arizona law and depend on your age. When you turn 18, you can visit an ADOT office to remove the restrictions.

If you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. You do not need to take the written test again. You can usually schedule another driving test appointment within a few days or weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test, though you will pay a fee each time you take it.

Many people fail the first time because of nerves or a small mistake. Practicing with a licensed driver before your next test often helps. Some people take a professional driving lesson to build confidence and learn what the examiner is looking for.

Finding an ADOT office and what to expect

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The staff will make copies of your documents and return the originals to you. The whole first visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, including the written test. Bring a pen for the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Arizona requires you to take the written test in person at an ADOT office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must visit an ADOT office to explore and take the test on the same day or at a later visit.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You can use a different form of identity instead, such as a U.S. passport or tribal ID card. If you want to use your birth certificate, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee.

Do I need to take a driver education class before I can get my license?

Arizona does not require driver education for adults. If you are under 18, you may need to complete a driver education course depending on your age — check the ADOT website or call your local office to find out. Driver education is not required to take the written or driving test, but many young drivers take a course to prepare.

What happens if I move to Arizona from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Arizona license by visiting an ADOT office with your current license and proof of Arizona residency. You will pay a fee for the new license.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

ADOT will issue your license the same day you pass the driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is being made. The plastic card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the card arrives.