The Natural State Driver: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Arkansas License

Earning a driver's license in Arkansas is a rite of passage, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the Ozark Mountains to the city streets of Little Rock. Whether you're a teenager looking forward to your first taste of independence or a new resident needing to get licensed, the process can seem complex.

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Arkansas's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program and the steps for adult drivers to ensure you're prepared for every stage of the journey.

Understanding the Two-Agency System: State Police and Revenue Office

Before diving in, it's crucial to understand the roles of the two main agencies involved. In Arkansas, the process is split:

• Arkansas State Police (ASP): The ASP handles all testing. This includes the vision test, written knowledge exam, and the final behind-the-wheel skills test (road test). [2, 4]
• Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) / Revenue Office: Your local Revenue Office is where you'll handle all the paperwork, pay fees, and be issued your physical permit or license card after you have passed the required tests. [6]

For Teen Drivers: Arkansas's Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

To help young drivers gain experience safely, Arkansas has a GDL program with three distinct levels. [3, 12, 20] This system is designed to gradually introduce new drivers to more complex driving situations. [12, 23]

Step 1: The Learner's License

This is the first official step, allowing a new driver to practice behind the wheel with a supervising adult.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 14 years old. [2, 3, 5]

How to get your Learner's License:

1. Schedule an Appointment: You must schedule an appointment with your local Arkansas State Police testing site for the knowledge and vision exams.
2. Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key documents to the Revenue Office after passing your tests, including proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security number, and residency. For minors, this also includes school attendance and grade forms. [5]
3. Pass the Vision Test: An eye exam will be administered to ensure you meet the state's minimum vision requirements for driving. [2, 5]
4. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: This computer-based exam tests your knowledge of Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices found in the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. [4] A fee is typically required for the test. [17]
5. Visit the Revenue Office: Once you pass your tests, take your passed-test documents and all your identification paperwork to a Revenue Office to have your photo taken and pay the prorated license fee. [3]

Rules of the Road with a Learner's License:

• You must be accompanied at all times by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and is sitting in the front passenger seat. [2, 3, 4]
• All passengers must wear seat belts. [3, 26]
• Use of a cell phone or wireless device while driving is prohibited, except for an emergency. [2, 13]

Step 2: The Intermediate License

After holding a Learner's License and gaining experience, you can move on to the intermediate stage, which allows for unsupervised driving with certain restrictions.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 16 years old. [2, 3, 22]
• You must have held your Learner's License for at least six consecutive months. [2, 5, 13]
• You must have a clean driving record, meaning no at-fault accidents or serious traffic convictions in the last six months. [3, 13, 22]

How to get your Intermediate License:

The key to this step is passing the road test. You'll schedule this with the Arkansas State Police. Once passed, you'll take your documentation back to the Revenue Office to be issued your Intermediate License.

Restrictions on an Intermediate License:

• Nighttime Curfew: You may not drive between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Exceptions include being accompanied by an adult 21 or older, or driving to or from work, school, or a church-related activity. [2, 5, 22]
• Passenger Limitation: You may not have more than one unrelated minor passenger in the vehicle unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older. An unrelated minor is anyone under 21 who is not your sibling or child living in the same house. [2, 5, 26]
• Cell Phone Ban: The ban on using wireless devices while driving continues. [2, 13]

Step 3: The Full, Unrestricted License (Class D)

This is the final stage of the GDL program, granting full driving privileges.

• You are eligible to apply for a full license at age 18, provided you have maintained a clean driving record for the previous 12 months. [3] For most, the restrictions of the intermediate license are simply removed upon turning 18. [8]

For Drivers 18 and Over

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first license, you do not have to go through the GDL program. The process is more direct:

1. Schedule and pass the written knowledge and vision tests with the Arkansas State Police.
2. Obtain an instruction permit to practice driving.
3. Schedule and pass the road skills test.
4. Take your passed test results and all required identification and residency documents to the Revenue Office to be issued your license.

New to Arkansas? Transferring Your License

If you move to Arkansas and hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must obtain an Arkansas license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Typically, you will need to surrender your out-of-state license and pass a vision exam. The written and road tests are usually waived if your previous license is valid and not expired. You will need to provide full proof of identity and residency to be issued an Arkansas REAL ID. [7]

By understanding these steps and preparing for each stage, you can navigate the process of getting your Arkansas driver's license with confidence and ease.