How to Schedule Your Arkansas Driving Test: A Guide to Getting an Appointment
You've put in the practice hours, mastered parallel parking, and you're ready to prove your skills. The final administrative step is scheduling your behind-the-wheel skills test. In Arkansas, this process is handled exclusively by the Arkansas State Police (ASP), and securing an appointment is a required step.
This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to book your driving test appointment, so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Information Before You Start
- Who Administers the Test? It is crucial to remember that the Arkansas State Police conducts all skills testing, not the local DFA Revenue Office. You will schedule your appointment with, and take your test from, an ASP examiner. [2, 4]
- Are Appointments Required? Yes. Due to high demand, the Arkansas State Police requires all applicants to schedule their skills test in advance. Walk-in appointments are generally not available.
- When Can You Schedule? For teens in the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, you are eligible to take the skills test once you have held your Learner's License for at least six consecutive months and have a clean driving record. [3, 13]
The Online Scheduling System: Your Primary Tool
The most efficient way to book your road test is through the official Arkansas State Police online scheduling portal.
Step 1: Navigate to the Official ASP Driver's Test Website
You will need to go to the official website used by the Arkansas State Police for scheduling. A quick search for "Arkansas State Police driver test scheduling" will lead you to the correct portal. Ensure you are on the official arkansas.gov
website to avoid third-party services.
Step 2: Select Your Testing Location
The portal will present you with a list of available testing sites across the state, often organized by State Police troop areas (e.g., Troop A, Troop F, etc.). Select the location where you wish to take your test.
- Pro Tip: If your preferred location has no appointments available for weeks or months, consider checking other nearby testing sites. You may find an earlier opening in a neighboring county.
Step 3: Choose the Test Type
You will be asked to select the type of test you are scheduling. Be sure to choose "Class D Skills Test" or "Regular Driver's License Road Test". Do not select the written test option if you are trying to book your driving exam.
Step 4: Provide Your Information
The system will require you to enter specific information to book the appointment. Have this ready:
- Your full name (as it appears on your permit)
- Your Arkansas Learner's License/Permit number
- Your date of birth
- A valid phone number and email address
Step 5: Select an Available Date and Time
The scheduler will display a calendar. Dates with available appointments will be clickable. Select a date, and the system will show you the open time slots for that day. Choose the one that works best for you.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Appointment slots fill up very quickly. It is not uncommon to find that there are no openings for several weeks. Check the system regularly, as new appointments are often released and cancellations can open up unexpected slots.
Step 6: Confirm Your Appointment and Save the Confirmation
After selecting your time, you will be taken to a confirmation page. Double-check all the information: your name, the location, the date, and the time. Once you confirm, you will receive a confirmation, usually via email. Print this confirmation or save a screenshot on your phone. You will need it on your test day.
What if You Can't Find an Appointment?
This is a common frustration due to high demand. Here are some strategies:
- Check Multiple Locations: As mentioned, be willing to drive to a testing site in a different county. Rural locations may have better availability than urban centers.
- Check Early in the Morning: Some people have success checking the portal first thing in the morning, as new blocks of appointments may be released or overnight cancellations may appear.
- Plan Ahead: As soon as you are eligible to take your test (e.g., at the 5-month mark of holding your permit), start looking for an appointment that will fall after your 6-month eligibility date.
Can You Schedule by Phone?
The online system is the primary and preferred method for scheduling. While individual troop headquarters have phone numbers, they will almost always direct you back to the online portal for scheduling a standard road test. The phone lines are generally reserved for other official police business.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can successfully navigate the ASP scheduling system and secure the appointment that will put you on the road to getting your Arkansas driver's license.