How to book your Arkansas driving test appointment

You schedule your Arkansas driving test through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. The state does not use an online booking system — you must call or visit a driver services office in person to reserve your test slot.

Call the Revenue Division at 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your learner's permit number ready when you call. The staff will ask you which office location you prefer and what times work for you, then assign you a specific date and time. Write down your appointment details when ready — you will need them on test day.

If you prefer to book in person, visit any Arkansas driver services office. Bring your learner's permit and a form of identification. Staff can schedule you on the spot, and you will leave with a written confirmation of your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas does not offer online test scheduling; you must call 501-682-7060 or visit a driver services office in person.
  • Have your learner's permit number ready before calling, and write down your assigned appointment date and time when ready.
  • Test appointments are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours at various office locations across the state.
  • Bring your learner's permit and photo identification to your test appointment, along with the vehicle you will be driving.
  • If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to reschedule, so contact the office if plans change.

What to bring on your test day

Bring your learner's permit and a valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You must also bring the vehicle you will be driving during the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration with you.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. The examiner will inspect the vehicle's brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If any of these fail inspection, you will not be able to test that day and will need to reschedule.

Where Arkansas driver services offices are located

Arkansas has driver services offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Texarkana, and Hot Springs. The Little Rock office is the largest and typically has the most appointment availability. If you live in a rural area, you may have a longer drive, but you can choose any office location when you call to book.

Each office keeps the same hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., so calling ahead confirms whether your preferred location will be open during the time you want to test.

What happens during the driving test

The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving maneuvers: starting the vehicle, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping smoothly. You will drive on both city streets and highways to show you can handle different road conditions. The examiner watches for safe speed, proper use of signals, mirror checks, and smooth steering.

You pass if you make no major errors — major errors include hitting a curb, failing to stop at a red light, hitting another vehicle, or driving too fast for conditions. Minor errors like hesitating slightly or not checking a mirror do not cause failure, but multiple minor errors add up. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the office.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, call the Revenue Division at 501-682-7060 as soon as possible. Do not straightforward skip your appointment — missing a scheduled test without canceling may result in a waiting period before you can book another slot, and some offices may require you to reapply for a test permit.

If you cancel with at least 24 hours' notice, you can usually reschedule for another date without penalty. If you cancel with less notice or miss your appointment, ask the office staff what the rescheduling policy is, as it can vary by location.

How long the wait is for an appointment

Wait times vary by season and location. During summer months and around holidays, the Little Rock office may have a wait of two to four weeks. Smaller offices like Texarkana or Hot Springs often have shorter waits — sometimes one to two weeks. Winter months typically see shorter waits because fewer people test.

When you call to book, the staff will tell you what dates are available. If all nearby dates are full, ask whether another office location has earlier openings. You can travel to a different office if it means testing sooner.

If you fail your test

You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment. Call 501-682-7060 to book your next test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires a new appointment and the same vehicle inspection.

Before you retake the test, practice the maneuvers you struggled with during your first attempt. Ask the examiner which specific skills caused you to fail — backing up, parking, or lane control, for example — so you know what to focus on. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after targeted practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else schedule my test appointment for me?

No. You or a parent or guardian must call or visit in person. The Revenue Division needs to verify your learner's permit information, and they will not book an appointment based on a third party's request.

What if I do not have a learner's permit yet?

You must obtain a learner's permit before you can schedule a driving test. The permit requires passing a written knowledge test at a driver services office. Once you have the permit, you can call to book your road test appointment.

Do I have to test in the county where I live?

No. You can test at any Arkansas driver services office, regardless of where you live. If one location has a shorter wait, you can travel there instead.

What if my vehicle fails the safety inspection on test day?

You will not be able to test. You must fix the failed item — usually brakes, lights, or wipers — and reschedule your appointment. Call 501-682-7060 to book a new date once the vehicle is ready.

Can I reschedule my test online?

No. You must call 501-682-7060 or visit a driver services office in person to reschedule. Online rescheduling is not available through the Arkansas Revenue Division.