Book your Arkansas driving test through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services

To schedule a driving test in Arkansas, you contact the Office of Driver Services directly by phone or visit a local driver services office in person. The state does not offer online scheduling for driving tests. You will need your learner's permit, proof of residency, and proof of identity when you take the test.

Arkansas has multiple driver services offices across the state. The main office is in Little Rock, but you can test at any location. Call ahead to find out which office has the shortest wait time for appointments, since availability varies by location and season.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to schedule your driving test; online scheduling is not available.
  • You must bring your learner's permit, a photo ID, and proof of your current address to the test appointment.
  • Driving tests are offered Monday through Friday during regular business hours, and wait times vary by location.
  • The test covers basic vehicle operation, road signs, and safe driving practices on public roads.
  • If you fail, you can reschedule another test, but you must wait at least one day before retesting.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid Arkansas learner's permit to the test. The examiner will not test you without it. You also need a photo ID—a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a separate proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The vehicle you test in must be registered and insured. Bring the registration and proof of insurance with you. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a signed letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.

How to call and schedule

Call the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060. Have your learner's permit number ready when you call. The staff member will ask which location you prefer and what times work for you. Tests are scheduled Monday through Friday during business hours. Saturday and Sunday appointments are not available.

Wait times to get through can be long during peak hours—early morning and mid-morning tend to be busier. If you cannot reach someone, try calling back later in the day. Some offices have shorter queues than others, so asking about availability at different locations may get you an appointment sooner.

What happens during the driving test

The examiner will first check your documents and have you sign a form. Then you will take a short written test on road signs and traffic laws—usually 10 to 15 questions. After that, you will drive on public roads for about 15 to 20 minutes while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control, proper use of mirrors and signals, correct speed, and awareness of other traffic. Common reasons people fail include not coming to a full stop, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb during parking. If you pass, you will receive your license that day or within a few days by mail.

If you fail the test

You can retake the test, but Arkansas requires you to wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment. You do not need to take the written portion again if you passed it the first time—you only retake the driving portion. Call the same number to schedule your next test.

Before you retake it, ask the examiner which specific skills need work. Common weak spots are parking, turning, and smooth braking. Practice those areas with someone who can give you honest feedback before your next appointment.

Finding your nearest driver services office

The main Office of Driver Services is located in Little Rock at 1900 West Seventh Street. There are also offices in other parts of the state, though the exact locations and hours vary. When you call 501-682-7060, ask which office is closest to you and whether that location has shorter wait times than others.

Some smaller offices may have longer gaps between available appointments, while busier locations sometimes have more slots open. It is worth asking about multiple locations if you are flexible on where you test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule my driving test online?

No. Arkansas does not offer online scheduling for driving tests. You must call the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to book an appointment.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Wait times vary by location and season. Some offices may have openings within a week or two, while others during busy periods may have longer waits. Calling early in the day or asking about less-busy locations can sometimes shorten the wait.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Call the Office of Driver Services at the same number to cancel or change your appointment. Try to give at least a few days' notice so the slot can be offered to someone else.

Do I have to take the written test again if I failed the driving portion?

No. If you passed the written test on your first attempt, you only retake the driving portion on your next appointment. You must wait at least one day before retesting.

What if my learner's permit is expired?

You cannot test with an expired permit. You will need to renew it at a driver services office before scheduling a driving test. Call ahead to find out how long a permit renewal takes at your local office.