After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived and you’ve finally decided you’re ready to get your Arkansas driver’s license. Regardless of the age of the individual or the circumstances, getting a driver’s license for the first time is an exciting event. If you’re like most individuals who are getting their driver’s license for the first time, you’re probably filled with questions about educational requirements, cost and age requirements, among other things. Following is information that hopefully assists and prepare you for this big and exciting step.
Basic License Requirements and Cost
In Arkansas, all licensing issues are handled through the Office of Driver’s Services (ODS). While many driving-related issued can be taken care of online, new applicants must go to an ODS location to take the testing required to obtain a driver’s license. There are also practice tests in Arkansas that applicants can download from the ODS website. The practice test, which consists of multiple choice questions, helps prepare individuals to take and pass the real test.
Part of the requirements for obtaining a driver’s licenses is having a photograph taken and passing a vision test. You will need to provide the ODS with proof of residency, two proofs of identity, a valid social security number and the driver’s license fee. Although the fees vary based on the type of license you’re obtaining, the license cost for an original driver’s license is $20.
Documentation to provide proof of residency can be one of the following:
• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• U.S. Visa
• Military photo ID
• Photo from DHS (Department of Human Services)
• Armed forced discharge papers
• Naturalization certificate
Documentation to provide proof of identification can be one of the following:
To provide proof of identification, applicants must have at least one primary document or two secondary documents. Primary documents may be in the form of the following:
• Photo driver’s license
• U.S. birth certificate
• Court-sealed court documents including name and address
• Military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid passport
• Armed forces discharge papers
• Certain INS documents
Secondary documents may be the following:
• School or work photo ID
• Vehicle registration or title
• Court order or court records
• Bureau of Indian affairs card
• Health insurance card
• IRS/state tax forms
• Marriage certificate or license
• Medical records
• Concealed handgun license
• Pilot’s license
• Certified school record
What is the Age Requirement for a Driver’s License in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Driver’s Permit is issued in three levels of licensing based on age: learners, intermediate and regular licenses. Learners are at least 14 years of age; intermediates are at least 16 years old and regular licenses are for drivers at least 18 years of age. Young drivers must complete a progressive drivers training program before they can progress to the next level.
The learner’s license expires on the individual’s 16th birthday, while the intermediate license expires on the individual’s 18th birthday. When each level license expires, the individual must apply for the next level. Students under the age of 18 must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when they apply for an Arkansas Driver’s Permit.
Drivers between 14 and 18 years of age must drive with a restricted license (adult must be in car) for at least six months before they can get a regular license. They must pass a written exam and a road test before they can obtain the restricted driver’s license. The restricted license comes with additional restrictions, as does each level of licensing. Restrictions may include not driving with minors in the car, using a seat belt, not using cell phones, or not driving during certain hours of the day. Applicants may also be asked to sign a form stating they understand the restrictions. The age requirements for 16 year old drivers do not apply if the individual is married, is in the armed forces, or has a high school diploma or GED.
Drivers that are at least 18 years of age can obtain a regular license if they have not had serious accidents or violations within the previous 12 months. If they have had accidents or violations, they must maintain the intermediate driver’s license until their driving record is clear. Drivers at least 18 years of age may use hands-free wireless devices while driving. Before they can do any part of the licensing exam, applicants must provide proof of identity in the form of one primary document and one secondary document or two secondary documents.
In addition to the regular (Class D) license, the state of Arkansas also issues commercial driver’s licenses and duplicate driver’s licenses. All first-time licenses are issued for a period of four years and expire on the individual’s birthday.
Take Free Practice Test Now
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Arkansas DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)