Getting your Arizona driver's license: the basic path
To get your Arizona driver's license, you need to pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and Arizona residency. You'll do this at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. The whole process takes at least two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and you must be at least 16 years old. Most people complete both tests within a few weeks of starting.
Arizona does not require you to hold a learner's permit first, though you can get one if you want extra practice time. If you're under 18, you do need to meet additional requirements around supervised driving and classroom instruction.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person to take the written test and the driving test; both cannot be done online or by mail.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and two proofs of Arizona residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official ADOT manual available free online.
- The driving test is conducted by an ADOT examiner in your own vehicle, and you must have a valid permit or license holder in the car with you.
- If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
What documents you need to bring
Arizona requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy is not accepted. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.
For proof of Arizona residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The documents must show your current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or utility bill works for most people.
Bring your current Arizona permit if you have one, or a valid out-of-state license if you're moving to Arizona. If you don't have either, you can still take the written test, but you'll need a permit before you can take the driving test.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the ADOT office. You must score at least 80 percent to pass, which means getting 32 questions correct. The test takes about 30 minutes.
Study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which is free on the ADOT website. Read through it once, then focus on the sections about right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean — these topics appear most often on the test. Many people also use practice tests available online through ADOT's website.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.
Getting your permit before the driving test
After you pass the written test, you'll receive a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old sitting next to you. You must have this permit in your possession when you take the driving test.
If you're 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you have your permit. There is no minimum waiting period. If you're under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.
Your permit is valid for one year. If you don't take and pass the driving test within that year, you'll need to retake the written test to get a new permit.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Call or visit your local ADOT office to schedule the driving test. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can also schedule online through the ADOT website.
On test day, bring your permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. An ADOT examiner will ride with you and score your ability to start the car, control steering, use mirrors, obey traffic signals, park, and respond to road hazards. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving.
You must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old in the car with you during the test. This person sits in the back seat and does not participate. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you may need to wait a few days for the next available appointment.
What happens after you pass the driving test
When you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Your Arizona driver's license is valid for 12 years if you're 65 or younger, and five years if you're over 65. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an ADOT office before it expires.
Special rules if you're under 18
If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. This course can be taken in person at a high school or driving school, or online through an approved provider. The course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazard awareness, and takes about 30 hours to complete.
You must also hold your learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. Once you pass the driving test, your license will have restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. until you turn 18, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.
Finding your nearest ADOT office and current wait times
ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. Use the office locator on the ADOT website to find the one nearest you and see current wait times for the written and driving tests. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has a long wait, you may be able to schedule at a less busy location nearby.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. A few locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, as some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, receive your permit, and then schedule the driving test for a separate visit. Most people schedule the driving test a few weeks after passing the written test to allow time for practice.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to wait for the next available appointment at your ADOT office. Your permit remains valid for one year, so you have time to practice and try again.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. ADOT will test your vision at the office before you take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you'll be asked to get a vision exam from an eye doctor and bring the results back to ADOT.
What if I'm moving to Arizona from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Arizona license without taking the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet Arizona's identity and residency requirements. Bring your out-of-state license and the same identity and residency documents listed above to an ADOT office.
How much does an Arizona driver's license cost?
The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it's valid. A standard 12-year license costs around $25 to $30. Fees may be higher if you need a duplicate, a replacement, or a license with special designations. Check the ADOT website for current fees.