How to Get Your Arkansas Instruction Permit

Step by step

1. Gather your documents

   Under 18, bring all three of these:

   • An original or certified U.S. birth certificate (no hospital copies, photocopies or laminated papers)
   • A parent or legal guardian to sign, or the ASP-33 Financial Responsibility form
   • A secondary ID: the ASP-33 Parent Affidavit, signed at the office or notarized
   • 18 or older: two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary

   (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 6–7)

2. Pass the vision test

   You need 20/40 without glasses for an unrestricted license or 20/70 with glasses or contacts for a restricted one. Bring your glasses or contacts. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 5, 7)

3. Pass the knowledge exam

   The written exam covers the rules of the road in this study guide. Each written exam has a small fee, added to the cost of your license. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 1, 3)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services website before you go.

Rules while you have an instruction permit

• Drive only with a licensed driver of 21 or older sitting in the seat beside you. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 3)
• Everyone in the car wears a seat belt. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 3)
• Under 18, no phone use while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 46)
• The permit lasts two years and can't be renewed or extended; finish the skills test and buy your license before then. (Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p. 86)