What you need to do to get a driver's license in Arkansas

To get a driver's license in Arkansas, you will visit your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test. The whole process takes at least two visits — one to take the written and vision tests, and a second to take the driving test after you have held a learner's permit for a waiting period. You cannot skip the learner's permit stage, and you cannot take the driving test on the same day you pass the written test.

The DFA has about 40 offices across the state, and you can visit any of them. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling through the DFA website. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID). If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must first get a learner's permit by passing a written test and vision test at a DFA office, then wait 14 days before you can take the driving test.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of who you are (passport or birth certificate), and proof of where you live (utility bill or lease) to your first visit.
  • The written test covers Arkansas traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Arkansas Driver License Manual online for free on the DFA website.
  • The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your license the same day, though you can also request it by mail if you prefer.

Getting your learner's permit: the first visit

Your first step is to visit a DFA office and take the written test and vision test to get a learner's permit. Bring the documents listed above — your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process form. The office staff will take your photo and your fingerprints at this visit.

The written test has 25 questions about Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DFA office. You can study for free using the official Arkansas Driver License Manual, which is available as a PDF on the DFA website. Many people study the manual for a few hours or a few days before taking the test; there is no required study time.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next — usually to see an eye doctor and come back with a corrected vision certificate.

Once you pass both tests, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for one year. You must wait 14 days from the date you receive your permit before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you have held your learner's permit for 14 days, you can schedule your driving test. You can call the DFA office where you took your written test, or you can schedule online through the DFA website if your office offers that option. Some offices have a wait of a few days; others may have a wait of several weeks depending on how busy they are. Tell the office staff when you call that you want to schedule a driving test, not a written test.

On the day of your driving test, bring your learner's permit, your proof of identity, and proof of residency again. You will also need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers. An adult who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license must be in the car with you during the test, though they will not be the one testing you — a DFA examiner will be in the car instead.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, changing lanes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), backing up, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail are running a red light or stop sign, hitting a curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning.

If you pass the driving test, you will receive your driver's license the same day. The license is printed on the spot at the DFA office. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. There is no limit to how many times you can take the driving test, but you must pay the test fee each time.

Costs and documents you will need

The learner's permit costs $20.50 and is valid for one year. The driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for four years. If you are over 65, the license costs $12.50 and is valid for two years. These fees are paid at the DFA office when you take each test. The DFA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

You will need to bring the same documents to both your first visit (for the learner's permit) and your second visit (for the driving test). Make a list and check it before you go: your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and a piece of mail showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are under 18, also bring a parent or guardian who can sign the process.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you will need to bring additional documents. Call your local DFA office to ask what documents you will need in that situation.

What happens if you fail the written test or vision test

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people who study the Arkansas Driver License Manual for a few hours pass on their second try. You will pay the test fee again if you retake the test.

If you fail the vision test, you will be told what your vision score was and what the requirement is. You can see an eye doctor, get a corrected vision certificate, and come back to the DFA office with that certificate. Once you show the certificate, you can retake the vision test. Some people pass the second time; others need to see an eye doctor again and get a new prescription.

Getting your license by mail after you pass the driving test

If you pass the driving test, you can choose to receive your license by mail instead of picking it up at the DFA office that day. This is useful if you live far from the office or if you want to wait for a better photo. Tell the DFA staff at the end of your driving test that you want your license mailed to you. Your license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

Your temporary driving permit will be given to you at the office, and you can use it to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail. The temporary permit is valid for 45 days.

Renewing or replacing your license

Your Arkansas driver's license is valid for four years (two years if you are over 65). When it is about to expire, you can renew it by visiting a DFA office and taking a new photo and vision test. You do not have to take the written test or driving test again. Renewal costs the same as a new license: $24.50 for a four-year license or $12.50 for a two-year license if you are over 65.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DFA office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $11 and takes about 10 minutes. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. Arkansas law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. You must visit the DFA office first to get your permit, wait 14 days, and then schedule the driving test at a second visit.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days or weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. You will pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more.

Do I need a real ID to get a driver's license?

No. A standard Arkansas driver's license is different from a REAL ID. A standard license works for driving and most everyday purposes. A REAL ID is required only for flying on domestic flights or entering federal buildings. You can get a REAL ID at the same time as your driver's license if you bring additional documents, but it is not required.

What if I move to a different state?

Your Arkansas driver's license remains valid until it expires. When you move, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state. Each state has its own rules about when you must switch. Check your new state's DMV website for their requirements.

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a permanent address?

You will need to provide proof of residency, which is usually a utility bill or lease in your name. If you do not have a permanent address, call your local DFA office and ask what documents you can bring instead. Some offices accept letters from shelters or other organizations as proof of residency.