The Arizona Drivers Permit
As is the case with just about every state, Arizona requires new drivers to spend up to a year learning how to actually operate a car, behind the wheel, with a licensed person riding with you to show you the ropes. To do this, you’ll need to get your Arizona Drivers Permit, also commonly known as the Arizona Learners Permit. It’s a relatively straightforward process; here’s how it’s done.
Arizona Drivers Permit Requirements
The first thing you need to do to get an Arizona learners permit: turn 15. Then you’ll need to wait six months – the state’s minimum age requirement is 15 1/2 years. Once you’ve reached that mark, bring proof of age, identity and U.S. residence along with a completed Arizona Drivers Permit Application to your local MVD office. You’ll then need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test; once you do, you’ll be issued a Learners Permit, and your journey to getting your Arizona drivers license can officially begin!
Arizona Learners Permit Written Test
The Arizona Drivers Permit Test is a 30 question, multiple-choice exam; all of the questions are taken from information found in the Arizona Drivers Handbook. Of course, it’s a good idea to study that before you take your test; taking an Arizona Drivers Ed course is an even better idea. You’re given 3 attempts (within a year) to pass the Permit Test before you’ll need to reapply.
How the Arizona Learners Permit Works
Once you have your Arizona learners permit, you can learn to drive. You can’t do this on your own, though; you must be accompanied by a licensed passenger age 21 years or older. That passenger must be seated in the front seat next to you at all times.
The Next Step: Your Arizona Drivers License
To be eligible to test for your Arizona drivers license, you need to follow one of two learning paths. The first: take a state-approved drivers ed course. Your high school may offer these, or you can choose a private driving school (just make sure that if you choose the latter, it’s approved by the Arizona MVD – you don’t want to do all of that work for nothing). Approved Drivers Ed courses will offer 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
If you choose not to go through a formal drivers ed class, you’ll still need behind-the-wheel instruction. Arizona requires those who opt for alternate instruction (say, a parent or legal guardian) to log 30 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel training. 10 of these must be at night.
