The Ultimate Arkansas Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Key Rules & Numbers to Know

You've practiced for hours, and your test day is just around the corner. Now it's time for a final review of the most critical information—the specific numbers, rules, and maneuvers that your Arkansas driving test examiner will be watching for.

Think of this as your last-minute "cheat sheet." It’s not about cheating, but about reinforcing the core knowledge that demonstrates you are a safe and competent driver. Scan this guide, commit these points to memory, and drive with confidence!

Critical Numbers You Must Know

Examiners pay close attention to whether you know and obey specific numerical limits. Getting these wrong is an easy way to lose points.

Speed Limits:

• School Zones: When children are present or lights are flashing, the speed limit is 25 mph.
• Residential & Business Districts: Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is generally 30 mph.
• Suburban Areas: Outside business or residential districts, the limit is typically 45 mph.
• Two-Lane Highways: On rural two-lane state or federal highways, the limit is 55 mph.
• Rural Interstates: The maximum speed limit is 70-75 mph where posted.
• The Golden Rule: The most important rule is to never drive faster than is safe for the current conditions. Driving too slowly can also be marked as an error.

Important Distances:

• Turn Signals: Signal your intent to turn at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. This gives other drivers ample warning.
• Following Distance: Use the two-second rule as a minimum following distance in good weather. In poor conditions, increase this to four seconds or more.
• Parking Distance from a Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• Parking Distance from a Stop Sign: Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal.
• Parking Distance from a Fire Hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Key Maneuvers & What the Examiner is Looking For

Your road test isn't just about driving in a straight line. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers to demonstrate your control of the vehicle.

1. Stopping & Intersections

• What They're Watching: Do you come to a complete stop? Your vehicle's momentum must cease entirely. Do you stop before the white stop line or crosswalk? At a 4-way stop, do you understand and follow the right-of-way rules confidently?
• Cheat Sheet Tip: After stopping, scan left, right, and then left again before proceeding. Exaggerate your head movements slightly so the examiner sees you looking.

2. Backing Up (Straight Line)

• What They're Watching: Can you keep the car moving straight and slowly? Most importantly, are you looking behind you?
• Cheat Sheet Tip: Do not rely on your backup camera or mirrors alone. Place your right arm on the back of the passenger seat and turn your head to look directly through the rear window. This is a critical safety check.

3. Three-Point Turns

• What They're Watching: Can you perform the turn safely and efficiently with good control? Do you signal and check for traffic before each movement?
• Cheat Sheet Tip: Remember the sequence:
  1. Signal right, pull to the curb, and stop.
  2. Signal left, check traffic, turn the wheel sharply left, and move forward.
  3. Stop, shift to reverse, check traffic, turn the wheel sharply right, and back up.
  4. Stop, shift to drive, check traffic, and straighten out.

4. Parallel Parking (May Not Be Tested, But Be Prepared)

• What They're Watching: While not always included on every test, you should be ready for it. They look for your ability to control the vehicle at low speed and judge distances accurately without hitting the curb.
• Cheat Sheet Tip: Practice the "S" motion. Pull up alongside the car you'll park behind. As you back up, turn the wheel fully one way, then straighten it, then turn it fully the other way. Use your side mirrors to watch your distance from the curb.

The Unspoken Rules: Demonstrating Confidence & Awareness

Beyond the numbers and maneuvers, the examiner is getting an overall impression of your driving habits.

• Hands on the Wheel: Keep both hands on the wheel. The recommended positions are 9 and 3 or 8 and 4. Avoid driving with one hand.
• Constant Scanning: Your eyes should always be moving. Check your rearview mirror every 5-8 seconds and always check your blind spots with a shoulder check before changing lanes.
• Smoothness: Strive for smooth acceleration and braking. Abrupt actions suggest a lack of control or that you're not anticipating the flow of traffic.
• Obey All Signs: This seems obvious, but under pressure, it's easy to miss a sign. Pay close attention to speed limits, lane use signs, and yield signs.
• Move Over Law: If you pass a stopped emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle with its lights flashing, you are required by Arkansas law to move to the farthest lane away from them. If you can't move over, you must slow down.

By keeping this cheat sheet in mind, you're not just preparing to pass a test; you're reinforcing the habits that will keep you safe on the road for years to come. Take a deep breath, trust your practice, and drive safely!