Learners permits are special driver certifications available to residents of Arkansas. Those who successfully obtain drivers permits are allowed to use passenger vehicles in the state but with several restrictions. The application process involves a series of steps that must be completed and verified by the AR DMV. Additionally, applicants must adhere to established eligibility standards to be granted driving privileges. Fees are applied to cover the processing costs of generating new permit cards.

Drivers should familiarize themselves with the DMV learners permit licensing procedure in Arkansas before starting the necessary application steps. Doing prior research helps residents make the best choices in the future. Minors can also find guidance and assistance from their parents and legal guardians. The following sections cover additional info about applying for permits as new AR drivers.

Did you know? Completing a behind-the-wheel driver training course can increase your chances of passing the required road skills test. Register for drivers ed to help ensure that you pass the Arkansas driving test on the first try.

Arkansas Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines

Arkansas drivers permit requirements are developed by the state licensing authority. These guidelines are helpful for establishing whether applicants are qualified to receive driving privileges. Drivers are required to prove their eligibility when applying for permits.

Various age restrictions are in place for new AR drivers. Residents as young as age 14 can apply to obtain instructional permits in the state. Additionally, learning licenses can be obtained by residents from age 14 to 16 years old.

When applying for permits, applicants must prove their legal presence and identity to the AR DMV. Restricted license applicants should present the following information and documents:

  • Full legal name
  • Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Proof of school attendance, such as:
    • School attendance form
    • Home school form
    • GED or high school diploma
  • Proof of legal presence, such as:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Entry documents for out-of-country adoptions
    • Valid U.S. passport or foreign passport
    • Alien or temporary resident form
    • Work authorization form
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Birth Abroad
  • Proof of identity, such as:
    • AR identification card
    • Passport
    • Foreign passport

Additionally, minor drivers must receive DMV learner license approval from their parent or guardian. To obtain this, legal guardians provide their signature on license applications. They also accompany minors under age 18 during the DMV licensing process with documents that establish guardianship. Residents under age 18 must also provide the following:

  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of school enrollment
  • Proof of 2.0 or higher grade point average

How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Arkansas

Obtaining driving permits is a special process available to certain residents of Arkansas. When applicants determine their eligibility to receive driving privileges, the application process may begin. Before getting a learners permit, however, residents are required to hold instructional permits for a period of time.

For drivers considering how to get a driving permit online, restricted privileges in AR can only be obtained in person. Residents must visit DMV offices to complete the necessary procedure. The following steps cover the process of applying for instructional permits in the state:

  1. Prepare the necessary personal details and verification documents in advance. Required personal information includes full name, date of birth and SSN. Verifying documents include financial responsibility affidavits, identity forms and legal status forms.
  2. Visit a DMV location to officially apply for permits. Easily find out where to get a learners permit in your area by searching for the nearest DMV office location online, by phone or in person. Parents or legal guardians must accompany minors.
  3. Apply for a learners permit by submitting all required documents, information and fees.
  4. Pass vision and knowledge exams administered at licensing locations in every county of the state.
  5. Pay all necessary examination and/or application fees.

AR instructional permit cards are sent by mail to new drivers.

After holding an instructional card for 6 months, applicants may take a skills test to receive learners driving privileges.

The Arkansas Driver Permit Test

DMV permit tests are a required component of applying for licenses. Passing vision, knowledge and road skills assessments indicates that drivers are ready to safely operate vehicles. However, to receive instructional permits, only vision and written knowledge tests are required in the state.

Online drivers permit tests are not available for AR drivers. Instead, applicants can go to DMV offices and take knowledge examinations. Tests are offered on specific dates and times, so residents are encouraged to call ahead for scheduling information.

In Arkansas, the knowledge exam covers topics, such as safe driving practices, road sign knowledge, etiquette, laws and more. This information is found in the state drivers manual and explained in depth for the benefit of inexperienced drivers.

Applicants should learn what to bring to permit tests to avoid forgetting important items on exam day. In order to best take vision tests, residents should bring personal prescription eyewear to the assessment. For knowledge and vision exams, personal identification is required for DMV offices to verify applicant eligibility.

Instead of offering DMV practice permit tests in the state, drivers are provided with study guides for knowledge examinations. These documents highlight the important concepts covered in drivers manual. The best way for applicants to pass upcoming written tests is studying the manual and available guides. In addition to preparing drivers for exams, learning this valuable information is highly beneficial for new drivers.

Drivers can also access learners permit practice tests online. These practice tests can help drivers prepare for the necessary exams.

Arkansas Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions

Like all other states, learners permit rules in Arkansas are specifically designed for residents learning how to drive. By placing restrictions on new driver abilities, safe and effective practices are more likely to develop among young permit holders.

Can you drive with a permit by yourself holding a learners or instructional permit? According to current AR law, drivers must have a valid supervisor in the passenger seat at all times. These overseers must be licensed drivers age 21 or older. Other rules and restrictions for applicants include:

  • All residents must wear seatbelts when driving any vehicle.
  • AR learners license holders cannot commit traffic violations or be involved in serious accidents for 6 months after obtaining permits.
  • Specific permit driving hours are established, prohibiting new drivers from operating vehicles during late night hours.
  • Cell phones cannot be used while driving.

Failing to follow the aforementioned laws can result in the removal of permits and/or delay unrestricted license privileges.

How long does a learners permit last for residents? License applicants in Arkansas can only apply for unrestricted driving abilities after maintaining permits for 6 months.

Arkansas Learners Permit Fees

How much does it cost to get your permit when applying for driving privileges in Arkansas? The total amount of fees due includes processing, exam and license costs. The price for permits in the state includes the following:

  • Written exam fee: $5
  • DMV permit cost Class D: $40

Therefore, the total learners licenses cost is $45.

The entirety of these fees must be paid in full, or DMV offices do not grant permits to applicants. Preparing the total payment in advance is another way to ensure a license request is easily approved.

Understanding the DMV permit price is one piece of preparing for the overall license application process. Research every part of the procedure is extremely helpful for new AR drivers.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.