Step-by-step guide to Arkansas's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — from Instruction Permit at age 14 to a full Class D License at 18.
At age 14 you may apply for an Instruction Permit. Parent or legal guardian must accompany all applicants under 18.
Pass the vision test and knowledge test at any Arkansas State Police driver testing office. The Instruction Permit is valid for 2 years from the date of the passed knowledge exam and cannot be renewed.
While on the Instruction Permit: A licensed driver at least 21 years old must occupy the seat beside you at all times. All passengers must wear seat belts. No cell phone use except in a genuine emergency (p.3).
After the Instruction Permit, you must pass the driving (road) test to receive a Learner's License. The Learner's License is restricted until your 16th birthday AND at least 6 months of restricted driving are complete (whichever is later).
• Licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the vehicle at all times while you drive.
• All passengers must wear seat belts. No traffic crash or serious traffic violation during the preceding 6 months (p.3).
At age 16 (or when Learner's License restrictions are complete), receive an Intermediate License. It is restricted for 6 months. Curfew: cannot drive 11 PM to 4 AM unless with a licensed driver 21+ OR going to/from school, church, job, or emergency (p.4).
Passenger restriction: max 1 unrelated minor passenger without a licensed 21+ driver in the front seat. Cell phone use prohibited except emergencies (p.4).
At age 18, once you complete the required skills and road tests, you receive a non-restricted Class D License. All GDL restrictions are lifted. Ages 18–20 may use hands-free wireless devices. All drivers remain prohibited from texting (p.4, 46).
Arkansas licenses are issued for varying periods depending on age and type. For current renewal timelines and deadlines, visit www.dps.arkansas.gov or call the DFA at (501) 682-7059.
Drive freely between 4 AM and 11 PM · Drive at any hour with a licensed adult 21+ beside you · Drive 11 PM–4 AM to or from a school activity, church activity, or your job · Drive 11 PM–4 AM in an emergency
No driving 11 PM – 4 AM without a licensed 21+ driver (unless allowed exception applies) · Max 1 unrelated minor passenger without a licensed 21+ adult · No cell phone use except emergencies · Cell phone violation can result in losing your license
Age 18+ (1-2-3 Checklist): Two primary documents OR one primary + one secondary. Primary docs include: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card, naturalization certificate, or foreign passport with visa/I-94. Secondary docs include: Arkansas state ID, school ID, vehicle registration, marriage certificate, IRS tax return, or military ID (p.6).
Under 18: Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (no hospital certificates) + parent/guardian signature (in-office or notarized ASP-33 form) + one secondary ID. Non-U.S. citizens: passport with visa and I-94 or permanent resident card (p.7).
All documents must be originals — no photocopies, laminated, or scanned documents accepted. Bring glasses or contacts if you wear them for the vision test.
• A parent or legal guardian can withdraw consent for a minor's driving privileges at any time. The minor must restart the licensing process, or wait until age 18.
• A serious traffic violation or crash during the GDL period can result in losing your permit or license. Violations can restart or extend restriction periods.
• Instruction Permit, Learner's License, and Intermediate License holders may not use any cell phone while driving — no calls, texts, or browsing. Exceptions only for genuine emergencies (p.3–4, 46).
• All applicants under 18 must have parent or guardian present at the exam station for every application.
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