How to book a driver's test appointment in Arkansas

You schedule an Arkansas driver's test through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services. The state does not use an online booking system — you must call or visit in person. The phone number is 501-682-7060, and you can reach the Little Rock office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

When you call, have your learner's permit number ready, along with your Social Security number and date of birth. The staff member will ask which test center location works for you, confirm your availability, and give you a specific date and time. You cannot book more than 30 days in advance. If you miss your appointment without cancelling at least 24 hours beforehand, you forfeit your fee and must reschedule.

Walk-in testing is available at some locations on a first-come, first-served basis, but wait times can be several hours. Calling ahead to schedule is faster and more reliable, especially during peak testing seasons in spring and summer.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Arkansas Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 during business hours to schedule your test; online booking is not available.
  • You can book a test up to 30 days in advance, and you must cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment or lose your fee.
  • Test centers are located across the state, and the staff member will help you find the location nearest to you.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number on your test day.

What documents you need to bring

On test day, bring your current Arkansas learner's permit — this is required. You also need a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or state ID. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a separate proof of residency document: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, contact the Office of Driver Services before your appointment to find out what alternatives they accept.

Wear corrective lenses if you normally wear them while driving — the examiner will note this on your license. Bring your learner's permit even if it has expired; the office will accept it as long as you are within the grace period for renewal.

Test center locations across Arkansas

The Arkansas Office of Driver Services operates test centers in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, and Fayetteville. The Little Rock office is the main hub and typically has the most frequent testing slots available. Regional offices may have fewer appointments, especially during busy months, so you may have a shorter wait if you are willing to travel to a larger center.

When you call to schedule, ask the staff member which locations have the earliest available times. Some people find it worth the drive to get tested sooner rather than waiting weeks at their nearest office. The examiner and test route are the same across all locations — the difficulty does not change based on where you test.

What happens during the test appointment

The test has three parts: a vision check, a written knowledge test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The vision check takes a few minutes and uses a machine to measure your sight. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices — you have 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

If you pass the written test, you move on to the driving portion. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and direct you through a set route in the area around the test center. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. Common reasons for failing include speeding, rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and mirror checks.

You will receive your results before you leave. If you pass all three parts, you can pay the license fee on the spot and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical license is mailed to you. If you fail the written or driving test, you can reschedule another attempt, but you must wait at least one business day before testing again.

Fees and payment methods

The Arkansas driver's license test fee is $20 for the written and driving test combined. If you pass and want to issue your license, the license fee itself is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You can choose which term you prefer when you pay.

The test center accepts cash and card payments. If you fail the test, you pay the $20 fee again when you reschedule. There is no refund if you cancel your appointment, so only book when you are ready to test.

Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment

If you need to change your test date or time, call the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7060 as soon as you know. You must cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, or you lose your $20 fee. If you cancel with proper notice, you can reschedule for another date without paying again.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you forfeit the fee and must pay $20 again to book a new test. The office does not make exceptions for no-shows, so set a reminder on your phone the day before your appointment.

Preparing for your test

Study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which is free and covers all the topics on the written test. You can read it from the Arkansas Office of Driver Services website or pick up a printed copy at any test center. The guide includes sample questions and answers, so you know what to expect.

For the driving test, practice with your learner's permit in the weeks before your appointment. Focus on smooth acceleration and braking, proper mirror checks, signaling before every turn, and stopping completely at stop signs. Examiners fail many drivers for minor control issues that practice can fix. Bring the same vehicle you have been practicing in if possible — familiarity with the controls matters.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early on test day. Bring all required documents in one folder so you do not waste time searching. Eat a light meal beforehand and get a full night of sleep — fatigue and hunger affect your performance on both the written and driving portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test if my learner's permit has expired?

Yes, as long as you are within the grace period for renewal. Arkansas allows a grace period after expiration, but contact the Office of Driver Services before your test to confirm your permit is still valid. If it has been expired too long, you may need to renew it first.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can reschedule and try again, but you must wait at least one business day. You pay the $20 test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so keep practicing and book another appointment when you feel ready.

Do I have to use my own vehicle for the driving test?

Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot test that day.

What if I cannot reach the office by phone?

Try calling during a different time of day — mornings are often less busy than afternoons. You can also visit the Little Rock office in person to schedule. The address is on the Arkansas Office of Driver Services website. Walk-in scheduling is available, though you may wait.

How long does it take to get my physical license after I pass?

Your physical license is mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass, so you can drive legally while you wait for the card to arrive.