How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Arizona
Learners permits are available to eligible teen drivers in Arizona. This type of license allows young residents to operate motor vehicles while under adult supervision. Providing teens with limited rights on the road allows them to develop safe and effective driving practices. Drivers permit applicants must meet specific eligibility rules to be granted licenses. Additionally, certain steps for requesting driving privileges are established by the state. In order for permits to be approved, all necessary fees should be paid in full at the time of application.
DMV learners permits are only issued to residents who have approval from their parent or legal guardian. This stipulation ensures that adult caretakers are maintaining responsibility for new teen drivers. Both applicants and their guardians should familiarize themselves with the process of obtaining vehicle operation abilities in the state. To learn more about applying for restricted licenses in Arizona, read the following sections.
Did you know? 7 out of 10 new AZ driving license applicants fail the written drivers test on the first try. Luckily, taking a practice permit test significantly increases your chances of success, as it features questions similar to those you will encounter on test day.
Arizona Drivers Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines
In Arizona, drivers permit requirements are based on state-recognized eligibility standards for applicants. These guidelines ensure that driving privileges are only granted to appropriate residents.
First, teens must be a certain age to obtain restricted permits. Drivers must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply.
Next, specific personal information and documents must be presented at the time of request submission. These forms confirm eligibility requirements by validating the age, identity and authorized presence of AZ residents in the United States. Driver permit applicants should provide the following items:
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- One document stating date of birth and citizenship, such as:
- Birth Certificate
- Tribal Certificate
- Valid U.S. passport or foreign passport
- Alien or temporary resident form
- Work authorization form
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Birth Abroad
- An additional learning license authentication form, such as:
- Valid AZ ID card
- Social Security card
- S. military ID for dependent
- W-2
- Medical insurance ID card
- School identification card with photo
- Identification letter from a court or government agency
Only official documents should be submitted for verification. Copies of the aforementioned items are not accepted by the MVD.
Lastly, drivers must obtain DMV learner license approval from their parents or legal guardians. Application signatures should be from one of the following:
- A single natural or adoptive parent, if both parents are currently married
- A single natural or adoptive parent holding full custody
- Both natural or adoptive parents, if parents are unmarried but retain joint custody
- A legal guardian or foster parent residing with the applicant
- An employer, if both parents are deceased
Additionally, signatures must be notarized by an MVD agent or licensed notary.
How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Arizona
The process of getting a learners permit involves specific steps developed by the state. To make this procedure faster and more convenient for residents, some of the requirements can be completed electronically. However, drivers learning how to get a driving permit online should understand that some steps must be completed in person. Follow the guidelines listed below to apply for teen license privileges in Arizona:
- Fill out the online application for teen drivers by providing accurate personal details.
- Electronically save or print the barcode and information revealed upon submission of the application.
- Gather necessary documents for verifying eligibility qualifications.
- Take the knowledge test to apply for a learners permit and pay exam fees. The exam is available online or at licensing offices by appointment only. Parents and legal guardians can supervise and assist teens with the online testing process.
- Visit a verified licensing agency with a parent or guardian. Bring all required items. Applicants can determine where to get a learners permit by looking for an MVD or third party office closest to their place of residence.
- Submit documents and application information in person for approval.
- Take vision exam at the licensing location.
- Pay required fees.
Official AZ learners permit cards are dispersed when exams are passed and all submitted items are verified.
The Arizona Drivers Permit Test
All AZ residents must pass DMV permit tests in order to be granted driving abilities by the MVD. Depending on the type of license desired, different exams are taken by applicants. Examples of learners permit tests in the state include vision, knowledge and road skills assessments. To receive instructional driver cards, vision and written knowledge tests are required. In addition to passing exams, applicants should meet all other standards established in the state and pay necessary fees.
For the written knowledge assessment, online drivers permit tests are available to residents. Supervision by a parent or guardian is necessary when completing electronic exams. Additionally, processing fees are applied to online submissions. These costs should be paid online before starting the test. Alternatively, in person examinations are offered at licensing agencies.
Drivers who meet certain qualifications are eligible to take verbal knowledge tests instead of written exams. This learners permit test option is available for:
- Applicants who cannot read or have extreme difficulty reading.
- Applicants who fail written exams after attempting to take them for the second or third time.
- Applicants who can only read in a foreign languages unavailable in written exams.
For drivers wondering what to bring to permit tests in person, personal identification and a parent or guardian is required. Teens must have approval from legal guardians in order to continue the application process.
On knowledge assessments, drivers must correctly answer 30 multiple-choice questions about basic AZ road laws, safety standards and driving practices. A score of 80% is necessary to pass a test. All questions are taken from the state drivers manual. Taking DMV practice permit tests, as well as studying the drivers manual, is the best way to prepare for the assessment.
Drivers permit practice tests are available to teens online through the MVD. Drivers are able to answer similar questions in the same format as the real exam. These evaluations provide a helpful overview of the concepts covered in the state drivers manual. However, they are not the same questions on the actual test.
There are three official learners permit practice tests on the Internet. Young AZ residents can benefit from taking each one. The ability to pass a DMV permit practice test with a score of 80% or higher indicates driver readiness.
Arizona Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions
The learners permit rules in Arizona are designed to provide the most effective safety precautions for new drivers. These rules apply exclusively to young residents because they are so new at operating vehicles.
Can you drive with a permit by yourself? Except in special situations, permit holders must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the passenger seat at all times. Supervised driving provides safe and constructive practice for inexperienced teens to navigate state roadways.
Next, drivers must wear seatbelts while operating any vehicle. Failure to follow this rule could lead to traffic tickets and other penalties. Furthermore, being in a moving car without a seatbelt is extremely dangerous in the event of an unforeseen accident.
AZ learners license holders must also adhere to curfew rules. Specific permit driving hours are instated to ensure new drivers are not on the road late at night. Failure to follow curfew laws can result in negative consequences, such as tickets and/or fines from law enforcement.
How long does a learners permit last for drivers in the state? Before applicants can obtain graduated licenses, they are required to hold permits for a minimum of 6 months.
Arizona Learners Permit Fees
How much does it cost to get your permit as a new Arizona driver? License costs vary based on the type of certification needed. Additionally, processing and exam fees are sometimes applied. Instructional driving prices for new applicants in the state are listed below.
- Online permit test: $7
- DMV permit cost: $7
- Duplicate instructional permit cost: $2
To receive teen learners licenses, all necessary costs must be paid in full. Failure to submit payment results in denial of permit applications. Applicants can prepare fee payments in advance to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Adequate preparation also allows drivers to avoid being surprised by fees in the future. This is why understanding the DMV permit price before completing the application procedure is helpful for AZ residents.
Sources
- Graduated Instructional Licenses from AZdot.gov
- FAQ from AZdot.gov
- Driver Services from AZdot.gov