Arkansas Permit Test — Frequently Asked Questions

The Arkansas ASP knowledge test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. There is no official time limit. Study your weak areas before retesting. Study the Arkansas Driver's Manual at www.dps.arkansas.gov/manuals to prepare.

In Arkansas, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is DWI for drivers 21+. Drivers under 21 face Underage DWI at 0.02%+ — conviction means license revoked until age 21 and a $2,000 fine. Even below 0.08%, you can be charged with DWI if involved in a crash or serious offense with BAC between 0.04–0.08%. Even under 0.04%, you can be convicted if driving is impaired.

In Arkansas, a 1st DWI conviction results in: $150–$1,000 fine + court costs, up to 1 year in jail, and a 120-day license suspension (p.74). Refusing a chemical BAC test can result in losing your license under Arkansas's Implied Consent Law. Under-21 drivers convicted of Underage DWI (BAC 0.02%+) lose their license until age 21 and face a $2,000 fine (p.75).

Under Arkansas's implied consent law, you give consent to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) whenever you drive on a public highway. Refusing to take a BAC test when asked by a police officer can result in losing your driver's license under the Implied Consent Law. The officer chooses the test type: breath, urine, or saliva (p.74).

Serious violations like DWI, reckless driving, vehicular homicide, or leaving the scene of a crash can result in license suspension or revocation. Arkansas courts may also order community service, require driver improvement programs, or suspend a license for repeated violations. Always drive safely and follow all traffic laws to keep your license.

Arkansas GDL: Instruction Permit at age 14 (valid 2 years). After the permit, get a Learner's License (restricted until 16th birthday + 6 months driving; licensed 21+ must be with you). Then Intermediate License at 16 (curfew 11 PM–4 AM; max 1 unrelated minor passenger; restricted 6 months). Class D License at 18 with all restrictions lifted. (p.3–4)

With an Intermediate License, you cannot drive 11 PM to 4 AM unless with a licensed driver 21+ OR going to/from a school activity, church activity, job, or emergency. Max 1 unrelated minor passenger without a licensed 21+ adult in the front seat. No cell phone use except genuine emergencies. (p.4)

The written knowledge exam costs $5 per attempt (ACT 1289 of 2015) — there is no limit on the number of attempts. You cannot retest the same calendar day you fail. For current driver license fees, visit arkansas.gov/dfa or call the DFA Office of Driver Services at (501) 682-7059.

Arkansas law (Child Passenger Protection Act): children under age 6 AND under 60 lbs must be restrained in a properly secured child safety seat. All children under age 15 must wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion. All drivers and front-seat passengers must be buckled — primary enforcement with a fine up to $25 (p.9).

New Arkansas residents must obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency (p.2). New residents 18+ surrendering a valid out-of-state license: vision test required; drive test at discretion of staff. If the out-of-state license is expired or cannot be surrendered, a written test is required. You must surrender your out-of-state license. CDL holders also must transfer within 30 days.