What the Arkansas drivers license test covers
Arkansas requires two separate tests to get a drivers license: a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies — all based on the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. The driving test is conducted by an examiner who watches you operate a vehicle on public roads and evaluates your ability to control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions.
You must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. Both tests are administered by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services. The written test is offered at any of the state's driver license offices, while the driving test is also conducted at these same locations.
Key Takeaways
- The written test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass; it covers Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the official study guide.
- The driving test evaluates your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn properly, maintain lane position, obey traffic signals, and respond safely to other vehicles and pedestrians.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the driving test.
- The written test costs $5 and the driving test costs $10; you can retake either test if you fail, though you must wait at least one day before retesting.
- Arkansas driver license offices operate by appointment in most locations, so you should call ahead or check online to schedule your test.
The written knowledge test: content and passing score
The written test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. Questions cover traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, handling skids or brake failure, and rules for sharing the road with pedestrians and bicycles. You have a set time to complete the test — typically 30 minutes — and you must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass, which is an 80 percent score.
The study guide is free and available at any Arkansas driver license office or online through the Office of Driver Services website. You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail the test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the $5 fee each time.
The driving test: what the examiner watches for
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the driver license office. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes your driving. They will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — such as starting the vehicle, turning left and right, changing lanes, backing up, and parking — and will watch how you handle normal traffic situations like approaching a traffic light, responding to other vehicles, and navigating intersections.
The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control, proper use of mirrors and signals, awareness of other road users, and obedience to traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, improper lane changes, hitting a curb while parking, speeding, or unsafe merging. You are allowed to make minor mistakes — such as slightly crossing a line while turning — but major safety violations result in an automatic failure.
Documents and vehicle requirements for the driving test
You must bring a valid form of identification to the driving test. Acceptable forms include a passport, military ID, or a state ID card. You also need proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
The vehicle you use for the test must be registered and insured in Arkansas. The registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the vehicle. The car must be in safe working condition: all lights must function, brakes must work properly, tires must have adequate tread, and the windshield must be clear of cracks or obstructions. The vehicle must also have working seat belts in the front and back. If the examiner determines the vehicle is unsafe, they will not conduct the test and you will need to reschedule with a different vehicle.
Scheduling and retesting after a failure
Most Arkansas driver license offices operate by appointment. You can schedule your written test and driving test by calling the office directly or, in some locations, through the Office of Driver Services website. Wait times vary by location and season; offices in larger cities may have longer wait times than rural offices. If you fail either test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. There is no maximum number of retakes allowed.
When you retake the driving test, you will get a different route and a different examiner, though the test covers the same skills and safety standards. Some people find it helpful to take a few driving lessons with a professional instructor between attempts, especially if they failed on specific maneuvers like parallel parking or lane changes.
Age-specific rules and restrictions for new drivers
Arkansas has different rules depending on your age. If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You also need to complete a driver education course approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Once you pass the driving test, drivers under 18 receive a restricted license that limits when and how they can drive. For the first six months, they cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless traveling to or from work or school. After six months, the restriction changes to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place until the driver turns 18 or has held the license for one year, whichever comes first.
Where to find the study guide and practice resources
The Arkansas Driver License Study Guide is the official resource for the written test. It is free and available in print at any Arkansas driver license office. You can also read it as a PDF from the Office of Driver Services website. The guide is organized by topic — traffic signs, right-of-way, speed and stopping, parking, and special situations — making it straightforward to study one section at a time.
Some people use online practice tests to prepare, though these are not official Arkansas resources and may not match the exact format or content of the real test. The safest approach is to study the official guide thoroughly, take any practice tests you find, and then review the guide again for any topics where you scored poorly. For the driving test, practice on the types of roads you will encounter during the test — residential streets, busier roads, and intersections with traffic lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at an Arkansas driver license office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can schedule an appointment at an office near you to take the test at a time that works for your schedule.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You will receive a form explaining which maneuvers or safety rules you did not perform correctly. You can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and each attempt costs $10. Many people find it helpful to practice the specific skills they struggled with before retesting.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
If you are under 18, yes — you must complete an approved driver education course before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, a course is not required, though some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one.
Can someone else take the driving test in my vehicle?
No. The driving test must be taken by the person whose license is being tested. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name — it can belong to a family member or friend, as long as it meets the safety requirements.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass both tests?
Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the driving test. Your permanent license is mailed to your address within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.