What the Arizona driver license test covers

Arizona's driver license test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Arizona Driver License Manual. The driving test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions in real traffic.

You take the written test first at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. If you pass, you schedule the driving test at the same location, usually within a few weeks. Both tests must be passed to receive your license.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test has 30 questions about Arizona traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
  • The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the ADOT office where you test.
  • You must bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other proof of identity and legal presence to both tests.
  • You can take the written test in English or Spanish, and ADOT offers the test in other languages through an interpreter service.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it after waiting one day, with no limit on the number of attempts.

The written knowledge test: content and passing score

The written test draws questions from the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes online and in print at every office. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 24 correctly—a score of 80 percent—to pass.

Questions cover right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distance, pedestrian laws, and what different road signs mean. The test also includes questions about impaired driving, seat belt laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. ADOT does not publish the exact questions in advance, but the manual contains all the topics the test covers.

You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, ADOT can arrange an interpreter, though you may need to request this when you schedule your test.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the ADOT office. You drive the vehicle you will use for the test—usually your own car or a family member's. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws.

The examiner scores you on vehicle control (steering, braking, acceleration), observation (checking mirrors and blind spots), and judgment (following speed limits, yielding, responding to traffic signals). You must demonstrate that you can start the car, turn, change lanes, park, and stop smoothly. The examiner will also ask you to perform specific maneuvers, such as parallel parking or a three-point turn.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb during parking, failing to yield at an intersection, speeding, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, and hitting the examiner's brake (a safety pedal on the passenger side). Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you, but unsafe actions do.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring proof of identity and legal presence to both the written and driving tests. ADOT accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A driver license from another state also works as proof of identity.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

For the driving test, you need a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the car you will drive. The vehicle must be in safe working condition—brakes, lights, and wipers must all function. Bring your own glasses or contacts if you wear them; the test cannot proceed if you need vision correction and do not have it.

How to schedule and retake tests

You schedule both tests at an ADOT office in person or online through the ADOT website. When you arrive for the written test, you will be checked in and given the test on a computer. Results are available when ready after you finish.

If you pass the written test, you can schedule the driving test at the same visit or online later. Driving test appointments typically fill 2 to 4 weeks in advance, depending on the office and time of year. You can choose your preferred date and time when you schedule.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one day has passed. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test. Each attempt costs the same fee. If you fail the driving test, you must wait one day before scheduling another attempt.

Fees and what they cover

The written test and driving test are separate fees. As of 2024, the written test costs $7 and the driving test costs $7. These fees are paid at the ADOT office when you take each test. If you pass both tests, you pay an additional fee for the license itself, which varies by license type and duration.

ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so check with your local office before you go. The fees do not include the cost of obtaining required documents like a birth certificate or passport, which you must pay for separately.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

On the written test, the most common mistakes are misreading questions and confusing similar road signs. The manual shows each sign clearly, so spend time studying the sign section. Read each question twice before answering, because some questions ask what you should not do, and missing that word costs you points.

On the driving test, many people fail because they do not check their mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes or turning. The examiner is watching for this constantly. Practice checking your mirrors every few seconds, even on quiet roads. Another common failure is not coming to a complete stop at stop signs—rolling stops count as failures. Practice stopping with the car fully still for at least two seconds.

Parallel parking is the maneuver that causes the most anxiety, but it is not always required. If the examiner does ask for it, take your time and use the full space. Hitting the curb or the car in front or behind you is an automatic failure, so if you are unsure, ask the examiner if you can try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or GPS during the driving test?

No. You cannot use a phone, GPS, or any other device during the driving test. The examiner will give you directions verbally. If you need directions, ask the examiner before the test starts, and they will tell you where to go.

What happens if the car breaks down during the driving test?

If the vehicle has a mechanical failure during the test, the test is stopped and rescheduled at no additional cost. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before you arrive—check brakes, lights, wipers, and tires. Bring the vehicle to a mechanic if you are unsure about its condition.

Do I have to take the written test if I have a license from another state?

If you hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state, you may be able to skip the written test and take only the driving test. This is called a waiver. You must explore for it at an ADOT office and bring your out-of-state license. Not all states may have access to for a waiver, so ask at the office whether your state does.

What if I fail the driving test because of the examiner's directions?

If you believe the examiner gave unclear directions or made an error, you can request a retest. Contact the ADOT office where you tested and explain what happened. ADOT will review your case, but the decision to retest is at the office's discretion. Keep notes about what happened during your test so you can explain it clearly.

Can I bring someone with me during the driving test?

No. Only you and the examiner are in the vehicle during the driving test. You cannot bring a parent, friend, or instructor. However, you can bring someone to the ADOT office to wait while you test.