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  1. Home
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  3. Arkansas Learner’s Permit Requirements by Age

Arkansas Learner’s Permit Requirements by Age

Arkansas's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is structured to help teen drivers gain experience under controlled conditions. The process varies based on age, ensuring that young drivers develop the necessary skills before obtaining full driving privileges.

Ages 14–15: Instruction Permit and Learner’s License

Instruction Permit

  • Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old.
  • Requirements:
    • Pass a vision test.
    • Pass a written knowledge exam.
    • Provide:
      • Original or certified birth certificate.
      • Secondary identification (e.g., school ID, report card).
      • Proof of Social Security Number.
      • Proof of school enrollment or high school diploma/GED.
      • Parental consent form, signed in the presence of a licensing official or notarized, if under 18.
  • Restrictions:
    • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
    • No use of handheld devices while driving.
  • Validity: The instruction permit is valid for 1 year and cannot be renewed.

Learner’s License

After holding the instruction permit for at least 30 days and passing a road skills test, applicants can obtain a learner’s license.

  • Eligibility: Ages 14 to 15.
  • Requirements:
    • Completion of the instruction permit phase.
    • Pass a road skills test.
  • Restrictions:
    • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
    • No use of handheld devices while driving.
    • Must hold the learner’s license for at least 6 months without any serious traffic violations before advancing to the next licensing stage.

Ages 16–17: Intermediate License

  • Eligibility:
    • Must be at least 16 years old.
    • Held a learner’s license for at least 6 months.
    • No serious traffic violations or at-fault accidents in the preceding 6 months.
  • Requirements:
    • Pass a road skills test.
  • Restrictions:
    • No driving between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older or traveling for work, school, or emergencies.
    • Passenger Restriction: No more than one unrelated minor may be in the vehicle unless supervised by a driver aged 21 or older.
    • No use of handheld devices while driving.

Age 18 and Older: Unrestricted Class D License

  • Eligibility:
    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Held an intermediate license for at least 12 months without any serious traffic violations or at-fault accidents.
  • Requirements:
    • Pass a road skills test.
  • Privileges:
    • Full driving privileges without passenger or curfew restrictions.
    • Use of hands-free devices is permitted; however, texting while driving is prohibited.

Additional Notes

  • Hardship Waivers: In certain circumstances, minors under 16 may apply for an age waiver to obtain a license earlier. Applicants must demonstrate a need, such as for employment or family obligations, and have held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
  • Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle Licenses:
    • Class M (Motorcycle) License: Available to individuals aged 16 and older after passing the required exams.
    • Class MD (Motor-Driven Cycle) License: Available to individuals aged 14 to 16 for operating motorcycles displacing 250 cubic centimeters or less.

For more detailed information, refer to the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (PDF) and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Graduated Licenses page.

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