Drivers Permits in Arizona

Arizona Driver's Permits

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is in charge of issuing driver's permits to all first-time drivers.

As part of the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program, teenagers are required to first apply for a learner's permit and complete a driver's education course before obtaining a driver's license. There are 3 stages of the GDL program:

  • Instruction permit/learner's permit.
  • Graduated restricted driver's license/provisional license.
  • Full, unrestricted driver's license.

Continue reading this page for information about obtaining your instruction permit and graduated driver's license.

Arizona Voluntary Travel ID

The Arizona MVD now issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses—called Voluntary Travel IDs—in addition to standard driver’s licenses. A Travel ID will allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—after May 3,2023, a standard driver’s license will not suffice for these activities. Details are outlined below.

Apply for an Arizona Learner's Permit

The first step of the graduated driver licensing process is to apply for your Arizona learner's permit. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply.

Ace Your Exam on the First Try!

Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the AZ driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!

To proceed, visit your local AZ MVD licensing office and:

  • Submit a completed Driver License/Identification Card Application (Form 40-5122), which you can begin online. Your information will be stored for your MVD visit.
    • If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian's signature must be witnessed by an MVD agent (or notary). The MVD agent can print your application and witness the signature at your office visit.
  • Show proof of your identity, age, and legal U.S. presence.
    • If you are applying to get a Voluntary Travel ID driver's license, make sure you bring all required proofs of identity, including 2 documents proving your Arizona residency.
  • Pass the written and vision tests.
  • Pay the $7 learner's permit fee.

Your learner's permit will be valid for 12 months.

NOTE: You can’t get a learner’s permit or provisional license in a Voluntary Travel ID format; you must wait until you have a full, unrestricted license. However, you can apply for a Voluntary Travel ID identification card until then.

Taking the Arizona Permit Test

NOTE: If you have an out-of-state driver's license, the AZ MVD does not require a written test in most cases. However, your Arizona MVD representative will decide.

The written permit test in Arizona contains 30 questions (all multiple choice) at your local MVD office. To prepare for your written test, you should read the Arizona Driver Manual and try the basic practice test provided by the MVD. If you want to ensure passing on your first attempt, we suggest an online practice test from our certified partner.

You have 3 attempts to pass the written permit test within 12 months of applying for your Arizona learner's permit. If you fail 3 attempts at your exam, you will need to pay your application fees again.

Permit Driving Restrictions in Arizona

With your graduated Arizona learner's permit, you may only operate a vehicle while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated next to you.

Your learner's permit will be valid for 12 months.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements in Arizona

While you have your Arizona learner's permit, you must either:

If you choose to enroll in a driver's education course, the curriculum consists of:

  • 30 hours of instruction in the classroom.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction.

Next Step: Get Your Graduated Driver License

To apply for your provisional license in Arizona, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old but younger than 18 years old.
  • Have held your Arizona learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Have completed:
    • An MVD-approved driver's education program.
      OR
    • 30 hours of supervised driving practice, which includes at least 10 hours at night.

Visit your local MVD office and:

  • Submit another completed Arizona Driver License/Identification Card Application (Form 40-5122), which you can pre-fill online before your visit.
    • Just as with your permit, your parent or legal guardian's signature must be witnessed by an MVD agent (or notary) if you are under 18 years old.
  • Bring your valid learner's permit.
  • Show documents to prove your identity.
  • Pay the $25 graduated driver's license fee.

For information about applying for your Arizona driver's license, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Arizona page.

Forms

40-5122
Driver License/Identification Card Application
Apply for an Arizona driver's license, learner's permit, OR identification card with the MVD.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review