How licensing works in Arkansas
The Arkansas State Police give the driver license tests. Arkansas uses a graduated driver license system with three steps for young drivers.
| Stage | Age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction permit | 14 and up | Pass the knowledge and vision tests. Valid two years from the date you pass. |
| Learner's license | 14 to 16 | Pass the skills test. Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older. Restricted until age 16 and six months of restricted driving. Clean record for 6 months before applying. |
| Intermediate license | 16 to 18 | No driving 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. (with exceptions). No more than one unrelated minor passenger without a licensed adult 21 or older in front. Clean record for 12 months before applying. |
| Class D license | 18 | Full license; restrictions end. |
Intermediate exceptions
The night limit does not apply when a licensed driver 21 or older rides with you, or when you drive to or from school, church, work or an emergency.
The Arkansas written test
You take the written knowledge test and a vision test with the Arkansas State Police. Questions come from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. You can schedule a test appointment online.
- The study guide comes in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
- Audio testing instructions are available for applicants with learning differences.
- The State Police offer an official online practice test and mobile apps.
- Use the State Police 1-2-3 checklist (one for under 18, one for 18 and over) to gather your documents before you go.
Rules specific to Arkansas
Phones
| Driver | Phone rule |
|---|---|
| Under 18 (and learner or intermediate) | No phone use at all, even hands-free, except emergencies |
| 18 to 20 | Hands-free only; handheld only in emergencies |
| 21 and older | Calls allowed, but never safe |
| All drivers | No texting |
In a work zone, holding a phone to call, text, navigate or scroll is a moving violation. Fines double in work zones.
Seat belts and child seats
Arkansas has a primary seat belt law. An officer can stop you just because the driver or a front-seat passenger is not buckled. Children under 6 who weigh less than 60 pounds must ride in a child safety seat. All children under 15 must be properly restrained.
School buses
Stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing, whatever lane you are in. Do not pass in any direction until the bus has finished and moves on without flashing red lights. On a divided highway, traffic on the other side does not need to stop only if the median is 20 feet or wider.
With a median 20 feet or wider, only traffic on the bus's side must stop.
- The stopped school bus.
- A car behind the bus must stop.
- A car across a wide median may continue with care.
Move Over law
Pull to the right and stop for emergency vehicles using sirens and red or blue lights. When you pass a stopped police vehicle on a multilane highway, move to the lane farthest from it if you can. If not, slow down. The law also covers ARDOT, utility, construction and tow vehicles with flashing lights.
Lights, speed and lanes
- Turn on headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers.
- Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and when you cannot see 500 feet ahead.
- Driving with only parking lights is illegal.
- County roads without a posted limit: 40 mph.
- On roads with three or more lanes your way, keep right except to pass.
Smoking
It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle when a child under 14 is inside.
Test tips
- Read the current Arkansas Driver License Study Guide.
- Make a list of the numbers: 14, 16, 18, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., 20-foot median, 500 feet.
- Try the State Police online practice test and these questions.
- Review the sections where you miss questions.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Arkansas. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.