What You Need to Do to Get an Arizona Driver's License

To get a driver's license in Arizona, 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 and Arizona residency. The entire process takes at least two visits — one to take the written test and one to take the driving test — and you cannot schedule both on the same day. Most people complete the process within two to four weeks, though wait times at ADOT offices vary by location and time of year.

You do not need to hold a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older, though getting one first is an option. If you are under 18, Arizona requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office twice: once to pass the written test and once to pass the driving test, and these appointments cannot be on the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security card or an IRS tax document, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Arizona residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official ADOT driver's manual available free online.
  • For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition, and a licensed driver must accompany you to the test site.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.

Documents You Need to Bring to Your First ADOT Visit

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency. For identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or an IRS tax document from the past two years (such as a W-2 or tax return). For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Arizona address.

All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license; bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process in person.

How to Pass the Written Test

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 Spanish, and ADOT can provide the test in other languages with advance notice.

Study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which is free and available on the ADOT website. The manual covers everything the test covers. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any ADOT office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.

When you arrive at the ADOT office for your first visit, bring your documents, pay the fee (which varies depending on your age and license type), and tell the staff you are ready to take the written test. You will take the test on a computer at the office. Results are available when ready after you finish.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

You can schedule your driving test at the same ADOT office where you passed the written test, or you can schedule it online through the ADOT website. You must wait at least one day after passing the written test before you can take the driving test. Most ADOT offices have driving test appointments available within one to three weeks.

For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is currently registered in Arizona, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. You must also bring a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old to accompany you to the test site; this person will not be in the vehicle during the test itself, but must be present when you arrive.

The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. An ADOT examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. If you pass, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.

Getting a Learner's Permit if You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, Arizona law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, visit an ADOT office with your documents (the same documents listed above), pass the written test, and pay the permit fee. A parent or guardian must be present and sign the process.

While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. After you have held the permit for at least six months, you can schedule your driving test.

What Happens After You Pass the Driving Test

If you pass the driving test, the ADOT examiner will tell you when ready. Your physical license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while you wait for the card to arrive if the examiner gives you a temporary paper license.

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for 12 years if you are 65 or older, or 40 years if you are under 65. You will need to renew it before it expires. ADOT will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires.

If You Fail the Written Test or Driving Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can schedule your next attempt at the same ADOT office. Most people who fail the driving test pass on their second or third attempt. You will need to bring the same vehicle and have a licensed driver accompany you again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written test must be taken 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 during business hours.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, consular report of birth, or other government-issued identity document instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Arizona Vital Records office or your state's vital records office to request a copy of your birth certificate before you visit ADOT.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. ADOT will test your vision at the office during your first visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need a letter from an eye doctor before ADOT will issue your license.

Can someone else take the driving test for me?

No. You must take the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see that you can safely operate a vehicle. If you are unable to take the test due to a disability, contact ADOT to discuss accommodations.

What is the cost of getting a driver's license in Arizona?

The fee varies depending on your age and the type of license you are getting. Contact your local ADOT office or check the ADOT website for current fees. Fees typically range from $25 to $75 for the written test and driving test combined.