How to book your Arkansas permit test
You schedule your Arkansas permit test appointment through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. You cannot book online — you must call or visit a driver license office in person. Call 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) to reserve a time slot, or walk into any Arkansas driver license office to book on the spot.
When you call or visit, have your Social Security number ready and know which office location is most convenient for you. The state operates driver license offices in most counties; the Revenue Division website lists all locations and hours. You will be given a specific date and time for your test. Most offices can schedule you within a few days to a week, though wait times vary by location and season.
Bring your completed DL 44 form (process for Instruction Permit or Driver License), proof of identity, and proof of residency when you arrive for your test. You will take the written permit test on a computer at the office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide.
Key Takeaways
- Call 501-682-7060 or visit a driver license office in person to schedule your permit test — online booking is not available.
- Have your Social Security number ready when you book, and know which office location works best for you.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your appointment.
- The written test is taken on a computer at the office and covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving from the official study guide.
- Most offices can schedule you within a few days to a week, though times vary by location.
What to bring to your permit test appointment
Bring three things: your completed DL 44 form (the official process for an instruction permit or driver license), a valid form of identity, and proof of your Arkansas residency. The DL 44 is available at any driver license office or on the Revenue Division website — you can fill it out before you arrive or at the office.
For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature, such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Arkansas address. Documents do not need to be originals — copies are accepted.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your DL 44 form and provide their own identification and proof of residency.
What the Arkansas permit test covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the driver license office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which is free and available at any driver license office or on the Revenue Division website. The guide covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distances, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergency situations. Every question on the test comes from material in this guide.
You are allowed one attempt per visit. If you do not pass, you can schedule another appointment to retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee again.
Permit test fees and payment
The permit test fee is $10. You pay this fee at the driver license office when you arrive for your appointment. Payment is cash or card — ask the office which methods they accept when you call to schedule.
If you pass the test, you will receive your instruction permit on the same day. The permit is valid for one year and costs an additional fee (separate from the test fee) that varies depending on your age. Ask about the total cost when you schedule your appointment so you know how much to bring.
Retaking the permit test if you fail
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can schedule another test appointment right away — there is no mandatory waiting period in Arkansas. You will pay the $10 test fee again for each attempt. Most people who study the official guide and take practice tests pass on their second try.
Before you retake the test, review the areas where you struggled. The Revenue Division website has practice tests and study materials. Some driver license offices also offer brief review sessions before your appointment — ask when you call to reschedule.
Driver license office locations and hours
Arkansas has driver license offices in most counties. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. The Revenue Division website has a complete list of all office locations, addresses, phone numbers, and hours.
Larger cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs have multiple offices. If one office has a long wait, you may be able to schedule at a different location in your area. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you decide which office to visit.
What happens after you pass your permit test
Once you pass, you receive your instruction permit when ready. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat. You must have your permit with you whenever you drive.
With your instruction permit, you can practice driving to build experience before you take the road test for your full driver license. Arkansas requires you to hold the permit for a minimum of 14 days before you are allowed to take the road test. During this time, follow all traffic laws and practice in different conditions — daytime, nighttime, highway, and residential streets.
When you are ready, call the same driver license office to schedule your road test appointment. The road test checks your ability to handle a vehicle safely in real traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule my permit test appointment online?
No. You must call 501-682-7060 or visit a driver license office in person to book your appointment. Online scheduling is not available for permit tests in Arkansas.
What if I fail the permit test — how soon can I retake it?
You can retake the test when ready with no waiting period. You pay the $10 test fee again and schedule a new appointment. Most offices can fit you in within a few days.
Do I need to study the guide before I schedule my appointment?
You should study before you take the test, but you do not need to study before you schedule. Schedule your appointment first, then use the study guide to prepare. Most people study for a few days to a week before their test date.
What if I cannot make my scheduled appointment?
Call the driver license office where you scheduled to cancel or reschedule. There is no penalty for canceling. You can book a new time slot right away.
Can someone else take the permit test for me?
No. You must take the test yourself. The test is designed to verify that you understand Arkansas traffic laws and road signs. You will show your ID at the office to confirm your identity before the test begins.