How to book your Arkansas learner's permit test
You schedule your Arkansas learner's permit test through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services. There is no online booking system — you must call or visit a driver services office in person. The phone number for scheduling is 501-682-7060, and you can reach the main office in Little Rock or one of the regional offices across the state.
When you call, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The staff member will tell you which office has the next available test date and time. Test slots fill up, especially in urban areas and during summer months, so calling early gives you more options. If you prefer to schedule in person, you can walk into any driver services office, but expect to wait and bring the same identifying information.
Arkansas does not charge a fee to take the learner's permit test itself, but you will pay a fee when you receive your permit — currently $20 for a four-year permit. Bring payment in cash or card when you go for your test, in case you pass and want to get your permit the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Call 501-682-7060 or visit a driver services office in person to schedule your test; there is no online booking system in Arkansas.
- The test is free, but you pay $20 for the four-year learner's permit once you pass.
- Test availability varies by location and season, so call early to find the soonest open slot.
- Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of address when you take the test.
- You can take the test at any Arkansas driver services office, not just the one nearest your home.
What documents to bring to your test appointment
Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have one of those, bring a birth certificate plus a second document with your name and date of birth, such as a school ID or medical record. You also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and proof of legal presence — a green card, visa, or naturalization certificate. Arkansas requires this documentation before issuing any permit.
Do not bring your phone or any electronic devices into the testing room. Bring a pen if you prefer to write with your own, though the office provides pens. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in and to settle any questions about your documents.
Test content and what to study
The Arkansas learner's permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass — a score of 80 percent or higher. You have 30 minutes to complete the test.
The test draws from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which the Office of Driver Services publishes and makes available free online at the driver services website. The guide covers everything tested: what each road sign means, when to yield, speed limits, parking rules, and how to handle weather and emergency situations. Most questions on the actual test are similar in format and content to the examples in the study guide.
You can retake the test if you do not pass. There is no fee for retakes, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another test. Most people who study the official guide for a few hours pass on their first attempt.
Scheduling during peak and off-peak times
Test availability depends on the time of year and which office you choose. Summer months — May through August — are the busiest, and you may wait two to four weeks for an appointment. Winter and early spring are slower, and you can often get a test within a few days.
Urban offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro have more test slots but also more demand. Rural offices sometimes have shorter wait times because fewer people use them. If you are flexible about location, calling multiple offices can reveal an earlier opening. Some people drive an hour to a smaller town to test sooner rather than wait in their home county.
If you need a test urgently — for example, because you have a job that requires a permit — mention that when you call. The office cannot may provide a rush slot, but staff may be able to fit you in if there is a cancellation.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the test, you can receive your learner's permit when ready at the same office. You pay the $20 permit fee and have your photo taken. The permit is valid for four years from the date of issue. You will need to carry it whenever you drive, along with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
Your learner's permit allows you to practice driving under supervision. Arkansas law requires you to hold the permit for a minimum of 180 days before you can take the road test for your full driver's license. During that time, you must log supervised driving hours — the state recommends at least 50 hours, with at least 10 at night, though this is not legally required.
When you are ready to take the road test, you schedule it through the same office where you got your permit. Road test appointments also fill up, so plan ahead. The road test fee is separate from the permit fee.
If you cannot make your scheduled appointment
Call the office where you scheduled your test as soon as you know you cannot attend. Canceling in advance opens the slot for someone else and usually allows you to reschedule without penalty. If you miss an appointment without calling, some offices may require you to call back and reschedule, though policies vary by location.
If you need to reschedule, call 501-682-7060 and have your appointment details ready. The staff will find you another open slot, which may be sooner or later depending on current availability. There is no fee to reschedule.
Regional driver services office locations
Arkansas has driver services offices in Little Rock (the main office), Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, and Hot Springs. Each office handles test scheduling for its region. You can take your test at any office, not just the one in your county, so if one location has a long wait, try calling another.
Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some offices close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours for the specific office you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling to a different region. Some offices are busier on certain days — Mondays and Fridays tend to be heavier than mid-week, so scheduling a test for a Tuesday or Wednesday may mean a shorter wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule my test online?
No. Arkansas does not offer online scheduling for the learner's permit test. You must call 501-682-7060 or visit an office in person. The phone line is usually faster if you know which office you prefer.
How long does the test take?
You have 30 minutes to answer the 25 questions. Most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. Add another 10 to 15 minutes for check-in and photo, so plan for about 45 minutes total at the office.
What if I fail the test?
You can retake it at no cost, but you must wait at least one day. Call to schedule your next attempt. Most offices can fit you in within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or just the number?
Bring your actual Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. The office needs to verify the number before you test.
Can someone else schedule the test for me?
No. You must call or visit in person to schedule. A parent or guardian can call on your behalf if you are under 18, but the office will still need your information and will ask questions to confirm your identity.