Arkansas Driver Licensing Law

Obtaining a Learner's License

To be eligible to apply for a Learner's License in Arkansas, the applicant must be 14 years old.

To apply for an original Learner's License, the applicant must:

  • Go to an Arkansas State Police testing site
  • Pass the written exam, vision exam, and behind-the-wheel exam
  • Pay the $20 Learner's License fee

Applicants must bring:

  • A parent or guardian
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of school enrollment with at least a 2.0 GPA, or proof of high school graudation
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  • Proof of identity: either two primary documents or one primary and one secondary document
  • Social Security number

Learner's License Driving Restrictions

  • Learner's License holders may drive only while accompanied by a licensed driver.
  • Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
  • Drivers may not use a cell phone or wireless communication device at any point while driving, unless to report an emergency.

In order to be eligible to apply for an intermediate license, Learner's License holders must be 16 and hold a Learner's License for at least six months without any traffic violations or accidents.

Obtaining an Intermediate License

An Intermediate License is issued to Arkansas drivers between the ages of 16 and 18. The following restrictions apply:

  • A license holder is prohibited from operating a vehicle with more than one unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver, age 21 or older
  • No driving between 11 PM and 4 AM unless driving to or from a school, church, or work-related activity; accompanied by someone 21 or older; or because of an emergency
  • For the first six months, or until you turn 18, you must drive with an adult in the vehicle
  • All passengers must wear a seat belt at all times
  • Drivers may not use cell phone or wireless communication devices at any point while driving, unless it is for emergency purposes

Obtaining an Regular Unrestricted License

Upon turning 18, an intermediate driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license so long as the driver has held an intermediate license for at least one year, has not been convicted of any Vehicle Code violations, and not been in any accident with partial or full responsibility. The regular license also requires the successful completion of a driver training course approved by the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles.

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