Passing the Arizona Road Test: All You Need to Know

Passing your Arizona road test is one of the final steps in the exciting process of getting a driver’s license. Once you have a license, you’ll have the freedom to drive yourself anywhere. It’s one of the highlights of a teenager’s life–but it also brings lots of responsibility. The state of Arizona ensures that new drivers are ready for this responsibility by requiring a road test that all new drivers must take.

It’s understandable that you may be a little nervous about your test. But if you know what to expect, you’ll be able to prepare by practicing the maneuvers you’ll be tested on and reviewing related material. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to pass your road test in Arizona.

Arizona Road Test Requirements

You’ll want to make sure that you’re eligible to take the road test before you start the application process. You will have to meet certain requirements, and your vehicle will also have to meet certain requirements.

Driver Requirements

If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll need to meet the following requirements before taking the road test:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You’ll need to have practiced with an instruction permit under adult supervision for a period of at least six months.
• Your permit cannot be expired.
• You must have successfully passed a driver’s education program that’s approved by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
• You’ll need to have practiced driving for at least 30 hours, with a minimum of 20 day hours and 10 night hours. A parent or guardian must certify that these hours were completed with a signature.

If you’re over the age of 18, the requirements are much simpler. You must hold an instruction permit long enough to learn how to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult who is over the age of 21. There is no set amount of practice time; simply practice until you feel that you are ready to take the road test.

Vehicle Requirements

The Arizona driving test is conducted in your own vehicle, and so it is important that you make sure that your vehicle meets the DMV requirements. If your vehicle is deemed unsuitable, you won’t be allowed to take your test.

Be sure to check the following:

• Brakes should be working properly.
• All lights (headlights, taillights, brakelights) should be working.
• Your vehicle should have working turn signals and hazard lights.
• Speedometer should be accurate.
• There should be functional safety belts for all passengers.
• Tires should be properly inflated and cannot be worn down too far.
• Windows and doors should function correctly.
• Windshield should allow an unblocked view.
• Your car horn should work.
• Mirrors must be working.

In addition to functioning properly, your car must also be registered and insured, and you must have the correct documents to prove it. A Temporary Registration Permit, a 90-Day Resident Registration, or a 30-Day General Use Permit will all be accepted as proof of valid registration. You’ll also need license plates with the correct year tabs.

How to Apply for Your Road Test in Arizona

First, schedule an appointment online to take your test at the closest MVD location. Or, you may be able to schedule your road test appointment at an authorized third-party driver licensing location.

Taking Your Arizona Road Test

You’ll have to bring these documents to the Arizona driver licensing office when you go to take your driving test:

• Identification documents–an Arizona Identification Card, an Instruction Permit, or other acceptable license or Travel ID/DL identification.
• Proofs of residency and legal presence.
• Social security number.
• Proof that you’ve completed 30 hours of practice driving if you’re under the age of 18.
• License plate number for the vehicle you’re going to take your road test in.
• Current registration and insurance documents for your vehicle.

If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll also need a parent or guardian to accompany you to the testing site. They’ll have to drive your vehicle or supervise you as you drive. Remember to bring money for the fee as well.

What Maneuvers are Tested on the Road Test in Arizona?

During your road test, you’ll be asked to drive through a variety of traffic situations while under the observation of an examiner. No one else besides you and your examiner is allowed in the car.

One of the most important things to remember during your test is to stay calm. You’ll almost certainly perform better if you’re calm, and you’ll do a better job of remembering the information you’ve learned. As long as you’ve prepared thoroughly, you should have no trouble passing the test, and there’s no reason to stress over it.

Below is a brief overview of some important maneuvers that are tested on the Arizona road test.

• Backing into a parking space.
• Stopping quickly and safely.
• Yielding right-of-way in the correct circumstances.
• Slowly backing up for 50 feet while turning your head and looking back. Backing-up cameras cannot be used.
• Turning correctly, using your signal and moving into the proper lane at the correct moments.
• Passing other vehicles safely, using your turn signals and checking blind spots.
• Leaving a sufficient following distance.

Don’t worry if you end up failing the road test– the State of Arizona allows you to reschedule and retake it twice with no additional application fees. However, if you need to take it a fourth time, you will have to reapply.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Arizona 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.