Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Arizona. You are eligible to apply for an Instruction Permit if you are at least fifteen years and six months old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Arizona who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Arizona Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local MVD Office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain have your parent/legal guardian complete the parental consent part of the application form, and may accompany you for submitting the application.
3. To submit the application, visit your local MVD Office or a Arizona Driver License Manual contracted by the state for these transactions. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity, age and Arizona residency as specified by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The correct fee payable in cash, check or money order. Some offices also accept credit cards.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a Class G Instruction Permit.

When driving with an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE

If you are 16, you must wait at least six months after being issued your learner's permit, and complete a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) including 10 hours of night driving before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a graduated driver license. (G-License) This license in Arizona includes the following restrictions:

1. Graduated license drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 pm and 5 am (unless going to or from work, school event, religious event or an emergency; or accompanied by a parent or a guardian with a license) for the first six months.
2. Unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a graduated driver below eighteen cannot take more than one minor (other than his/her siblings) while driving.
3. A graduated driver's license will be suspended for 90 days for the second moving violation conviction, and for 180 days for the third conviction.
4. All drivers, including graduated license drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted Class-D license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. A graduated driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held a junior driver's license for at least one year.
2. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
4. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Arizona Motor Vehicles Department.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Learn more about Arizona's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Arizona, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.