Arkansas Driver License Requirements at-a-glance:

DMV Info
  • Minimum Age for Instruction Permit 14 years old
  • Instruction Permit Holding Period An instruction permit is only valid for six (6) months, although it may be renewed. After 30 days of receiving your instruction permit, you will be eligible to upgrade to a learner's license if you pass a road test
  • Minimum Amount of Supervised Driving None. There is no driving requirement to apply for an intermediate license. You only need to be 16 years old and have had no citations on your record for the previous six (6) months
  • Minimum Age for Intermediate License 16 years old
  • Road Test Yes
  • Unsupervised Driving Rules Instruction permit and learner's license holders must be supervised by a licensed, 21-year-old driver, seated in the front passenger seat. Intermediate license holders must be supervised when driving between the hours of 11pm and 4am (exceptions are to and from your job, a school or church activity, or because of an emergency)
  • Passenger Rules If you hold an instruction permit or learner's license, you may carry passengers but you must ALWAYS have a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat. With an intermediate license, you are limited to only one (1) non-family minor-aged passenger unless a 21-year-old licensed driver is seated in the front passenger seat. All passengers in the vehicle must wear a seat belt
  • Other Students 14 and older may obtain an instruction permit after passing a written test; they may then apply for a learner's license 30 days later if they pass a road test. A learner's license must be held for at least six (6) months before moving up to an intermediate license. A person who holds an instruction permit or learner’s license must always drive with a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who actively supervises the holder's driving from the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

How to get your Arkansas Driver License step-by-step:

  • Practice for the written Learner Permit Exam using our free practice tests
  • Find a driver license office and schedule an appointment for the written exam (you may also simply show up but you may have to wait some time)
  • Take the Learner Permit Written Exam
  • Practice driving with your permit
  • Take the Driving Exam to earn your Restricted License (optional)
  • Apply for an intermediate Driver License