How to Pass the Arkansas Road Test: The Ultimate Guide

As a new driver, you’re probably a little nervous about taking your road test. However, there’s nothing to worry about as long as you prepare properly. Knowing what to expect is essential to a successful testing day.

We’ve gathered a number of tips that will help make the day of your Arkansas practical driving test as stress free as possible. Read on to learn everything you need to know before taking your test.

Requirements for the Arkansas Driving Test

First, you should make sure that you’ve completed all the necessary requirements. Arkansas’ graduated driver’s license program applies to you if you’re under the age of 18. This program is designed to ensure that new drivers are introduced to the road in a safe and gradual manner.

If you’re aged 18 or over when you begin learning how to drive, you can simply get a permit and then your unrestricted license.

When you’re ready to transition from the learner’s license, you’ll be required to take and pass a road skills test. Before you begin the process of applying for your test, make sure you’re ready by checking out the requirements below.

• You’ve obtained a learner’s license.
  • After reaching the minimum age of 14, you’ve brought the correct documents to a driver licensing office.
  • You’ve passed the necessary vision and knowledge tests.

• You’ve had a learner’s license for at least six months with no violations.
• You’ve reached the minimum age of 16.

Arkansas does not require drivers to complete a driver’s education program or to complete a set amount of driving hours. However, it’s a good idea to get as much driving practice as possible. The more experience you have, the more time you’ll have to practice, and the easier the driving test will be.

How to Schedule the Road Test

Once you’re ready to take your road test, go ahead and schedule an appointment. Testing is administered by the Arkansas State Police; find a location near you and schedule your test.

On The Day of Your Arkansas Road Test

Prepare for the big day by collecting documents and checking your vehicle in advance. Don’t forget to practice your driving as well, and make sure you’re completely comfortable performing any driving maneuvers you might be asked to do during your road skills test.

What Should You Bring?

You’ll be required to have a number of items with you on the day of your road test. These vary slightly, depending on your age.

If you’re under 18, you’ll need:

• Your birth certificate (either the original or a certified copy).
• Your parent/guardian’s signature.
• Secondary Identification.
• Your learner’s license.
• A completed Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form.

If you’re a little confused about the identification documents, you can learn more about specifically which documents will be accepted.

If you’re age 18 or over, the document requirements are slightly different. You’ll only need:

• Identification (either two primary documents or one primary document and one secondary document)
• Your learner’s license.

Regardless of your age, you’ll need to have a licensed driver who is 21 or older with you on the day of your driving test. They should present their license to the examiner. Additionally, you must have vehicle insurance and registration documents.

Vehicle Requirements

The Arkansas DMV requires that your vehicle meets specific requirements, so your examiner will inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is working safely. You’ll want to make sure that your car will pass this inspection prior to your testing day since you won’t be allowed to take your test if it doesn’t.

Check your vehicle’s:

• Dashboard: Make sure that there aren’t any warning lights on and that your speedometer is accurate.
• Interior: It should be moderately clean.
• Lights: All lights should be working, including brake lights, headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
• Windshield: There should be nothing obstructing the view.
• Muffler and exhaust system: It should be functioning properly.
• Horn: Your car horn should work well.
• Tires: They shouldn’t be too worn down or deflated.
• Brakes: Your brakes should be working properly.
• Insurance and registration: You must have valid insurance and registration for your vehicle. You’ll have to present proof of both to your examiner.

What’s Tested on the Road Test in Arkansas?

You should know where all the controls on your vehicle are located and be able to use them properly. Consult the checklist below so you know how to use the following:

• Turn signals and emergency flashers.
• Side and rear view mirrors.
• Accelerator.
• Ignition.
• High and low beam headlights.
• Foot brake and emergency brake.
• Seat belt.
• Windshield wipers and defroster.
• Car horn.

During the driving part of your road skills test, you’ll be tested on overall driving ability. As you prepare for your test, work on forming good driving habits anytime you’re behind the wheel.

Here’s an overview of maneuvers that are tested on the Arkansas road test:

• Know how to back properly. Put your vehicle into reverse, check behind you, and drive slowly. Keep your vehicle moving in a straight line. Don’t bump the curb, the sidewalk, other vehicles, pedestrians, or any other obstacles.
• Obey signs and signals. Watch for any traffic signs (speed limit signs, stop signs, etc.) and signals and obey them at all times.
• Stay in your lane. Don’t swerve or drift out of your lane. Only change lanes when you need to. If you need to change lanes or turn, use your turn signal, check your blind spots, and move into the new lane deliberately and smoothly.
• Observe right-of-way. Give others the right-of-way when it is theirs and always be a courteous and polite driver.
• Use intersections correctly. If there’s a stop sign, make a complete stop and wait until it is your turn to proceed. Stop at red lights and don’t try to beat a yellow. If there is a stop line, stop your vehicle before you reach it.
• Adjust to weather, traffic, and road conditions. Make sure that you know what to do in order to drive safely during poor conditions.

What Errors Can Make You Fail Your Driving Test?

You may fail your driving test if:

• You make many small mistakes.
• You ignore your examiner’s instructions.
• You are involved in an accident.
• You disobey a traffic law.
• You drive recklessly or dangerously.
• Your examiner determines that you aren’t ready to have the privilege of a driver’s license.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Arkansas road test. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.