Are you finally able to learn how to drive?
EXCITING!
However, in Arizona, there are a whole lot of requirements and steps you need to take before you can get hold of your driver’s license.
And you might be confused about what the requirements are, which steps to do first, or when you should do this or that.
Well, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’re going to give you a complete 2024 guide on the Arizona driver’s license requirements. We won’t leave anything out.
So shall we?
How to Get a Driver’s License in Arizona
To get a driver’s license in Arizona, you need to undergo 3 phases:
- Arizona Graduated Instruction Permit
- Arizona Graduated Driver’s License
- Operator Driver’s License
Your journey begins when you become eligible for an instruction permit. So let’s start there.
Phase 1: Getting Your Arizona Graduated Instruction Permit
Once you turn 15 ½, you qualify for a graduated instruction permit. To get one, you need to accomplish the following steps:
- Make an appointment on Arizona’s Department of Transportation’s website. You can also walk-in at your local MVD office or an authorized third-party driver’s license provider.
- Bring all necessary paperwork. Ensure you have a filled-out application form, 1 primary identification form, 2 proofs of residency, and your Social Security Number.
Your parent or guardian must sign the form at the MVD so one of their agents can witness it.
Primary identification can be your birth certificate, passport, or Arizona ID Card.
- Pass a vision test. You’ll undergo a vision screening and need at least 20/40 vision to pass.
- Pass the Arizona permit test. The exam has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 24 or higher to pass.
The great news is that teens can take this exam online through the Arizona DOT website. Click here if you’re interested.
- Pay the permit fee. It only costs $7, and you can pay using cash, a check, credit card, or debit card.
Now that you have your instruction permit, you’re legally allowed to practice driving on the road. However, you cannot do it alone.
A licensed driver at least 21 years old must always be with you. He/she has to be seated in the front passenger seat when you drive.
Note: your permit is only valid for 12 months. If you haven’t gotten your graduated driver’s license by then, you’ll need to reapply for another permit.
Phase 2: Getting Your Arizona Graduated Driver’s License
Before you can begin getting your Graduated Driver’s License, there are 3 pre-requisites you need to fulfill:
- You must be 16 years old at the time of your application.
- You must have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months. Remember, it must be valid at the time of your application.
- You need to complete 30 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night.
If you completed an MVD-approved driver’s ed program from a Traffic Survival School, the required number of driving practice hours decreases to 20, 6 of which should be at night.
If you fulfilled all that, then you can move on to phase 2.
Here’s how you can get your Graduated Driver’s License:
- Schedule an appointment with the AZ MVD online.
- Apply for the Graduated Driver’s License (click here for the form) and bring the required documents (1 primary form of identification, 2 proofs of residency, and your Social Security Number).
The form must be signed by your parent/guardian in front of an MVD witness.
- Pass the road test.
Note: not all applicants need to undergo a road test. If you completed a high school driver’s education or took the program from an authorized third party, you do not need to do a road test. However, you will need to show proof of completion, and it must be within the last 12 months.
- Pay the licensing fee. You’ll spend $25 to get your Graduated Driver’s License. You can use various paying methods, such as cash, cards, or check.
Note: you will need to provide the vehicle for your road test. Make sure your vehicle has plates, proof of registration, and insurance.
This isn’t your complete driver’s license yet. There are still restrictions that you need to comply with. These are:
- You cannot drive between 12:00 am to 5:00 am, except in the following situations:
- You have a parent or a legal guardian carrying a valid Class A, B, C, or D license sitting in the front passenger seat.
- You are driving to or from any of the following:
- A family emergency
- A sanctioned school-sponsored event
- A sanctioned religious activity
- Your place of employment
- You can only have one passenger under 18 when you drive. These situations are the only exceptions:
- Your siblings are your passengers.
- A parent or a legal guardian carrying a valid Class A, B, C, or D license is in the front passenger seat.
Phase 3: Getting an Operator License
When you turn 18 and have held your Graduated Driver’s License for 6 months, you can exchange it for an Operator License. You don’t have to undergo any tests or pay any fees.
You can finally drive without any restrictions on your license!
But what if you are just starting to drive at 18?
Do you need to go through all the phases?
No. You just need to do a mash of all 3 phases. These include:
- Schedule an appointment through the Arizona DOT website.
- Fill out the application form and submit the necessary documentation (1 primary form of identification, 2 proofs of residency, and Social Security Number).
- Pass the written knowledge exam.
- Take the road test.
- Pay the licensing fee of $25.
- Get your temporary card (your license will arrive by mail within 15 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we end, we want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. So let’s go!
What documents are needed to get a driver’s license in Arizona?
When applying for a Graduated Permit or License, you’ll have to submit documents to prove your identity and residency. The MVD accepts the following:
Primary Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Arizona ID card
Proof of Residency:
- Property tax bill
- Valid residential lease or rental agreement
- Water, electric, gas, cable, or phone bill
- Bank or credit card statement
How much does it cost to get your driver’s license in Arizona?
If you start from the instruction permit, you’ll spend $32 — $7 for your permit and $25 for your graduated license.
However, if you’re already 18 when you apply for your license for the first time, you’ll only pay $25.
It’s important to note that the license fee varies depending on your age. Applicants between 16 to 39 pay $25. After that, the fee changes as follows:
- Ages 40 to 44: $20
- Ages 45 to 49: $15
- Age 50 and above: $10
- 5-year licenses: $10
How many questions are in the Arizona permit test?
The Arizona permit test has 30 questions. All of these are multiple-choice and focus on the following topics, among others:
- Arizona road rules
- Road signs
- Traffic signals
- Arizona driving laws
The passing score is 80%. It means you need to get 24 of the questions correctly to pass.
How do I transfer my out-of-state driver’s license to Arizona?
If you just moved to Arizona, you’ll have to go through several steps to get an Arizona driver’s license:
1. Apply in person at a local MDV office.
2. Complete the application form and submit all the necessary documents.
3. Turn in your out-of-state license.
4. Pass the vision test.
5. Pay for the licensing fee
6. Get your temporary card.
Wrapping It All Up
Following all the Arizona driver’s license requirements can be overwhelming. Let alone, knowing exactly what to do and when to do it.
Well, with this complete guide, you won’t have to worry about the requirements part anymore. All you need to do is follow the steps one by one.
Pretty soon, you’ll be able to accomplish everything and finally be able to hold your Arizona driver’s license and drive around without restrictions.
Now that you know what you need to prepare — get to it! There’s no better time to start than now.
Good luck!