Getting Your Arizona Driver’s Permit: A Complete Guide

Receiving a driver’s permit is an exciting time for teenagers and young adults, as it is the first step towards getting a driver’s license and freely driving through the state. However, there are a few steps you must take before achieving this.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your Arizona driver’s permit.

Permit Requirements

• You need to be at least 15 years and 6 months old at the time of application. Your permit will be valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. You will have the opportunity to renew it without taking any additional tests as long as you do so before it expires.
• You will need to pass both the written and vision tests and bring a completed application, along with all original supporting documents, to the office.
• Once you have your permit, you must always have a licensed driver, 21 or older, sitting in the front seat as a supervisor.

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How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Arizona + Requirements

1. Visit the Motor Vehicle Department

The Arizona MVD is where you’ll start the process of applying for your learner’s permit. You can walk-in or schedule an appointment online. A parent or legal guardian will need to accompany you if you are under the age of 18.

2. Bring Proper Documentation

You will need to present certain documentation at the Arizona MVD. For your permit application, you will need to bring the following:

Primary Identification

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Arizona ID card (including date of birth)

Secondary Identification

• Social security card
• School ID

3. Pass the Vision Exam

You will be required to take a simple vision screening at the time of your permit application. To pass the exam, you’ll need to exhibit 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye.

4. Pass the Written Test

The written exam is one of the most important aspects of the learner’s permit application process. The test consists of 30 questions and you must answer 24 correctly in order to pass. It covers road signs and traffic laws around the state of Arizona.

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5. Pay a Permit Fee

After completing the above task, you will be prompted to pay a learner’s permit fee. The Motor Vehicle Department accepts credit cards, debit cards, cash, check, and money order. 

Arizona Driver’s Permit Restrictions

When you obtain your permit, you will be able to drive legally in the state of Arizona. However, there are certain restrictions you need to abide by for the first six months.

Be sure you follow these restrictions in order to avoid falling into trouble with local law enforcement.

• You cannot drive on public highways with more than one passenger under the age of 18 unless they are a part of your immediate family (siblings and parents/legal guardians)
• You are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12am and 5am unless:
  • You are accompanied by an individual who is 21 or over and holds a valid license
  • You are driving to or from work
  • You are driving to or from school, or a school-sponsored event
  • You are driving to or from a religious event
  • You are driving due to a family emergency

How to Progress to Graduated License

You will need to hold your driver’s permit for at least six months and complete supervised driving. You’ll also need to either log 30 hours of driving in addition to 10 hours at night OR complete an Arizona MVD-approved driver education program.

That’s It

That’s all there is towards getting your driver’s permit in Arizona. Be sure to reference this guide throughout the process to ensure a hassle-free experience.