How to Get Your Arkansas Learner's Permit (DFA (testing by ASP) Guide)
Everything you need to apply for a Learner's License (learner's permit) through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services (Office of Motor Vehicle); knowledge and skills tests are administered by the Arkansas State Police (Department of Public Safety) (DFA (testing by ASP)) — the age requirement, documents to bring, the knowledge test, fees, and what comes next.
Requirements & minimum age
To get a Learner's License (learner's permit) in Arkansas, you must be at least 14 and apply in person at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services (Office of Motor Vehicle); knowledge and skills tests are administered by the Arkansas State Police (Department of Public Safety) (DFA (testing by ASP)). Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to sign, and many states also require enrollment in or completion of a driver-education course.
Arkansas's knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. Teens progress from a learner's permit through an intermediate license with nighttime and passenger limits.
Documents to bring to the DFA (testing by ASP)
Bring original or certified documents (not photocopies) that establish:
- Proof of identity and legal presence (original certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization card)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card)
- Proof of Arkansas residency (such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property assessment, or a current-year Arkansas-certified school transcript)
- Parent or legal guardian present with a valid driver's license or state ID (or, if the parent cannot attend, a notarized DL Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form, ASP 33)
The knowledge test
In Arkansas, the knowledge test is taken in person. A 25-question multiple-choice written knowledge exam taken in person at an Arkansas State Police testing site, requiring at least 20 correct answers (80%) to pass, plus a vision screening.
Rehearse with our free Arkansas practice test — 25 random questions with instant explanations.
Start the Arkansas Practice Test →Fees
The DFA (testing by ASP) charges Learner's license fee is prorated (roughly $10 or less); a separate $5 fee is charged each time the written knowledge test is administered for the permit. Amounts can change and sometimes include separate knowledge-test or service fees, so verify the current cost with the DFA (testing by ASP) before you visit.
What happens after you pass (graduated licensing)
Under Arkansas's Graduated Driver License program, a learner's license is available to applicants ages 14-15 and requires the driver to be accompanied at all times by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. It is valid until roughly one month after the holder's 16th birthday, after which drivers with a clean record may advance to an intermediate license, which adds nighttime and passenger restrictions.
Arkansas permit FAQ
How many questions is the Arkansas permit test?
The DFA (testing by ASP) knowledge test has about 25 questions, and you need 20 of 25 (80%) to pass. Our free practice test uses a random set of 25 questions so you can rehearse before the real thing.
Can you take the Arkansas permit test online?
In Arkansas, the knowledge test is taken in person. A 25-question multiple-choice written knowledge exam taken in person at an Arkansas State Police testing site, requiring at least 20 correct answers (80%) to pass, plus a vision screening.
What do I need to bring to the DFA (testing by ASP)?
Bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Arkansas residency, plus anything required for a Learner's License (learner's permit). Applicants under 18 also need parental or guardian consent. See the full checklist above.
How old do you have to be to get a Arkansas permit?
You can apply for a Learner's License (learner's permit) at 14 in Arkansas, provided you meet the DFA (testing by ASP)'s other requirements.
How much does a Arkansas permit cost?
The DFA (testing by ASP) charges Learner's license fee is prorated (roughly $10 or less); a separate $5 fee is charged each time the written knowledge test is administered for the permit. Fees can change and may include separate testing or service charges, so confirm the current amount with the DFA (testing by ASP).
What happens if I fail the Arkansas permit test?
If you fail the written knowledge test, you must wait five (5) calendar days before rescheduling a retest (not counting the day of the failed exam). A $5 test fee applies each time you take the exam.
Official sources: www.dfa.arkansas.gov · dps.arkansas.gov · www.dfa.arkansas.gov