What a Class D license lets you drive in Arizona
An Arizona Class D license is the standard license for driving a regular passenger car, pickup truck, or van. It covers most vehicles you would use for personal transportation — sedans, SUVs, light trucks under 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and passenger vans designed to carry 15 or fewer people including the driver.
A Class D does not cover commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or vehicles that require a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement. If you plan to drive a semi-truck, dump truck, or any vehicle over the GVWR limit or designed to carry more than 15 passengers, you will need a CDL instead.
The license is valid for 12 years if you are under 65, and 5 years if you are 65 or older. Arizona allows you to renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your vision and medical status have not changed and you have no outstanding violations.
Key Takeaways
- A Class D license covers passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans up to 10,001 pounds GVWR and carrying 15 or fewer people.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and driving test to get a Class D for the first time in Arizona.
- Arizona issues a learner's permit first, which requires you to practice with a licensed adult before you take the driving test.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual available free from the Department of Transportation.
- If you already have a valid license from another state or country, you may not need to take all three tests again.
Age requirements and learner's permit rules
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class D license in Arizona. If you are under 18, you start with a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
With a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow certain restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no use of a cell phone or electronic device while driving, and no more than one passenger under 20 years old (unless they are a sibling or relative). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or hold the permit for 12 months, whichever comes first.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the written test and driving test. However, you still need to pass both before the Department of Transportation issues your Class D.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and safe driving practices. You have up to one hour to complete it.
The Arizona Driver License Manual, available free from the Arizona Department of Transportation website, contains all the material tested. Many people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test. You can also take practice tests online through the department's website or through third-party study apps.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.
Vision screening and medical requirements
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a vision screening at the Department of Transportation office. The screening checks that you can see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the screening and while driving.
You do not need a doctor's note or medical exam to get a Class D license unless you have a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, severe hearing loss, or certain heart conditions. If you have a medical condition, the department may ask you to provide a report from your doctor or to take an additional driving test.
If you fail the vision screening, you can retake it after 24 hours. If you cannot pass even with corrective lenses, you will not be issued a license until your vision improves.
The driving test: what to expect and how to schedule
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at intersections, and merging. You must bring your own vehicle, which must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.
To schedule a driving test, you can book online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website, call their office, or visit in person. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after three business days.
You must bring your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency to the test appointment. If any of these documents are missing, the department will not let you test.
Transferring a license from another state or country
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or a foreign country, you do not have to take the written test or driving test again. You can exchange your out-of-state or foreign license for an Arizona Class D license by visiting a Department of Transportation office with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency.
You will still need to pass the vision screening. If your foreign license is not in English, you must bring an official translation or a certified copy. The department will keep your old license and issue your Arizona license in its place.
If your out-of-state license has been suspended or revoked, Arizona will not issue you a new license until the suspension or revocation period ends. You can check the status of your driving record through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
Documents you need and fees
To get a Class D license in Arizona, you must bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or consular ID), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on certain forms.
The fee for a 12-year Class D license is $25 if you are under 65, and $10 if you are 65 or older. The written test costs $10, and the driving test costs $10. If you need to retake either test, you pay the fee again. Vision screening is included in the test fee.
Fees and document requirements can change, so check the Arizona Department of Transportation website before your visit to confirm what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Department of Transportation office. You cannot take it online or by mail, and third-party testing centers are not authorized in Arizona. You must visit an office during business hours to take the test.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after three business days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.
Do I need car insurance to take the driving test?
Yes. The vehicle you use for the driving test must have valid liability insurance. You must show proof of insurance at the test appointment. If the vehicle is not insured, the examiner will not let you test.
Can I get a Class D license if I have an out-of-state suspension?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, Arizona will not issue you a new license until that suspension or revocation ends. Arizona shares suspension and revocation information with other states through the National Driver Register.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
The Department of Transportation issues your license on the spot after you pass the driving test and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.