Category: Arizona

Photo: Roy Serafin, Pexels

In Arizona, a driver under 21 commits an offense by driving with any alcohol in their body. For everyone, DUI covers impairment to the slightest degree or a 0.08 alcohol concentration, and extreme DUI starts at 0.15. This explainer, based on the Arizona statutes, is for new drivers and their parents. It is not legal advice.

Key facts (Arizona law, as of November 2026)

• Under 21: any alcohol in your body while driving or in physical control of a vehicle is a class 1 misdemeanor.
• DUI: impaired to the slightest degree, or 0.08 or more within 2 hours of driving.
• Drugs: DUI also covers driving with certain listed drugs or their metabolites in your body.
• Extreme DUI: 0.15 to under 0.20, and a higher tier at 0.20 or more.
• Refusing a test after arrest: 12-month suspension (2 years for a repeat within 84 months).

Arizona’s under-21 “not a drop” rule

State law makes it an offense for anyone under 21 to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle with any spirituous liquor in their body. There is no 0.02 allowance. One drink can be enough.

License consequences on conviction:

Your age at the offense	MVD action on conviction
Under 18	License suspended (or refused) for 2 years
18, 19 or 20	License suspended (or refused) for 2 years; a court may allow restricted driving to home, school and work with an ignition interlock license

An arrest for this offense can also trigger a separate administrative suspension from MVD, below. National picture: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.

Arizona DUI vs extreme DUI: first offense minimums

Offense	Threshold	Minimum jail	Minimum fine
DUI	Impaired to the slightest degree, or 0.08+	10 consecutive days (judge may suspend all but 1 day after a court-ordered alcohol or drug program)	$250
Extreme DUI	0.15 to under 0.20	30 consecutive days	$250
Extreme DUI, higher tier	0.20 or more	45 consecutive days	$500

On top of fines, Arizona law adds assessments. For a first DUI that is two $500 assessments. For extreme DUI it is two $1,000 assessments plus a $250 assessment. All of these convictions also mean:

• a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive (where alcohol was involved)
• Traffic Survival School
• 8 points on your record

Drivers under 18 convicted of DUI or extreme DUI also get the 2-year suspension in the table above. Repeat offenses within 84 months carry much heavier penalties.

The suspension that starts before court

If you are arrested for DUI, extreme DUI or the under-21 offense and a test shows 0.08 or more, a listed drug, or no result yet, the officer reports it to MVD. MVD then suspends your license for at least 90 days. This is separate from any court case. It takes effect 30 days after the order is served. You have 30 days to request a hearing. Some first-time drivers can serve 30 days suspended and 60 days restricted instead.

Refusing a breath or blood test in Arizona

By driving in Arizona you are treated as having consented to testing after a DUI arrest. Refusal means a 12-month suspension, or 2 years for a second refusal within 84 months. More: implied consent and DUI in the US.

Drugs and driving

Arizona DUI covers being impaired to the slightest degree by any drug. It also covers driving with certain listed drugs or their metabolites in your body. Taking a drug as prescribed by a licensed practitioner is a defense to the metabolite charge, but not if you are impaired. Being legally entitled to use a drug is no defense to impairment. See drugged driving and cannabis.

Common questions

What is extreme DUI in Arizona?

Driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within 2 hours of driving. At 0.20 or more the minimum penalties rise again.

What is the legal limit for under 21 in Arizona?

There is no limit above zero. Any alcohol in your body while driving is an offense.

Can I lose my Class G license for one drink?

Yes. A conviction for driving with any alcohol while under 18 means a 2-year suspension.

Can I be charged sitting in a parked car?

The laws cover “actual physical control” of a vehicle, not only driving. Do not sit in the driver’s seat after drinking.

Is mouthwash or medicine a problem?

The under-21 driving offense has no minimum level, so any alcohol counts. Avoid driving after anything containing alcohol.

How many points is a DUI in Arizona?

8 points, the same as extreme DUI, reckless driving and aggressive driving.

Related guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona Class G graduated license rules
• Points systems and license suspensions in the US

Sources

• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-244 Unlawful acts” (paragraphs 34 and 41) (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-246 Violation; classification” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1381 Driving or actual physical control while under the influence” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1382 Driving or actual physical control while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1385 Administrative license suspension” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1321 Implied consent; tests; refusal” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3320 Suspension of license for persons under eighteen years of age” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3322 Suspension of license for persons eighteen, nineteen and twenty years of age” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Points Assessment” (azdot.gov)

Photo: Ms. Phoenix from Phoenix, Arizona, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you see a dust storm ahead in Arizona, ADOT’s rule is “Pull Aside, Stay Alive”: do not drive into it. Exit the highway or pull completely off the road, turn off all your lights, set the parking brake, take your foot off the brake and wait with your seat belt on. This explainer is for new Arizona drivers who have never met a monsoon dust storm (haboob) from behind the wheel.

Pull Aside, Stay Alive: the steps

1. Do not drive into the storm. If you see dust ahead, exit the highway early if you can.
2. Act before visibility drops. Do not wait until it is hard to see the edge of the road.
3. Check traffic around you and slow down.
4. Pull completely off the paved road. Do not stop in a travel lane. ADOT says not to stop on the shoulder either if you can get fully off the pavement.
5. Turn off all lights: headlights, emergency flashers and dome lights.
6. Set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
7. Stay buckled up and wait for the storm to pass.

Why turn your lights off in a dust storm?

It feels wrong, but ADOT explains that drivers behind you, who cannot see the road, may follow your lights. If your car is parked off the road with its lights on, they can steer toward you and hit it. With lights off and your foot off the brake (so the brake lights are dark), nobody mistakes your parked car for a moving one to follow.

Older advice was to keep lights on after pulling over. The current ADOT advice is lights off.

If you cannot pull off the road

Sometimes there is nowhere to go. ADOT’s guidance for that case:

• Keep your lights on (you are still moving, so others need to see you).
• Slow to a speed that fits the limited visibility.
• Use the painted lane lines as a guide.
• Sound your horn now and then.
• Never stop in a travel lane.
• Look for the first safe place to exit or pull fully off, then follow the steps above.

Lights on or off? Quick reference

Situation	Lights
Parked completely off the road, waiting	All off, foot off the brake
Still driving, cannot pull off yet	On

When are dust storms most likely in Arizona?

During the summer monsoon. ADOT runs its Pull Aside, Stay Alive campaign every year ahead of the season. Check forecasts and ADOT’s traffic alerts before long summer drives, especially on desert stretches of interstate.

Practice it before you need it

• With your supervisor, talk through the steps on a calm day, so they are automatic.
• Notice where exits and wide pull-offs are on routes you drive often.
• Know where your parking brake and hazard light switch are without looking.

Other weather conditions: driving in snow, fog and rain.

Common questions

Should you use hazard lights in a dust storm?

Not once you have pulled off and stopped. ADOT says turn off emergency flashers too.

Is it safe to stop on the shoulder?

ADOT says pull completely off the paved road where possible, not on the shoulder or in a lane.

Should I get out of the car?

No. ADOT says stay buckled up inside and wait for the storm to pass.

Why take my foot off the brake?

So your brake lights go dark. Lit brake lights can lead other drivers toward you.

Will dust storms be on the Arizona permit test?

Weather and emergency driving are part of the Arizona Driver License Manual, which the test is drawn from. Know the steps.

Related guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log
• Freeway driving for new drivers
• What to do after a car crash

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Dust Storms: Pull Aside, Stay Alive” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Why you should turn off your vehicle’s lights when pulling aside for dust” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “When dust storms hit, Pull Aside, Stay Alive” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Dusty Roads” (azdot.gov)

Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arizona requires a teen applying for a Class G license to have a parent or guardian certify 30 hours of supervised driving, at least 10 of them at night, unless the teen completes an approved driver education program. This checklist is for Arizona parents and teens planning those hours and choosing between the options.

The three ways to meet Arizona’s practice requirement

Option	Supervised hours certified by parent	Of which at night
A. Approved driver education program (ADOT-approved; public high school programs approved with the Department of Education)	None required by law	None
B. Driver education from a certified defensive driving school (approved by the Arizona Supreme Court) or a traffic survival school	20	6
C. No driver education	30	10

Only a custodial parent or guardian can certify the hours, in writing, to MVD. Option A can also waive the road test: see Arizona road test and third party testing.

Who can supervise an Arizona permit driver?

• A licensed driver holding a Class A, B, C or D license
• Aged 21 or older
• Sitting in the seat beside you

The supervisor does not have to be a parent. Hours with a grandparent or older sibling who meets those rules count, but only your parent or guardian signs the certification.

A simple 30-hour plan (option C)

Spread the hours across your 6-month permit period. Roughly 5 hours a month gets you there with no rush.

1. Hours 1 to 5: empty parking lots and quiet streets. Controls, smooth stops, turns.
2. Hours 6 to 12: residential and business streets at 25 mph. Stop signs, signals, right of way, pedestrians.
3. Hours 13 to 20: busier roads, lane changes, left turns across traffic, curb parking.
4. Hours 21 to 30: freeways, rain if you get it, and full road test practice routes.

Fit the 10 night hours in throughout, not all at the end. Night is when inexperience shows most. Freeway tips: freeway driving for new drivers.

What to record for each drive

Arizona asks for a written certification of the total, not a set log format. Keeping a log makes the certification honest and easy. Record:

• date
• start and end time
• day or night
• road types (residential, business, highway, freeway)
• conditions (rain, dust, heavy traffic)
• supervisor’s name and initials
• skills practiced and anything to work on

Arizona-specific practice to include

• Monsoon season. Talk through what to do if dust appears ahead: Arizona dust storm driving and Pull Aside, Stay Alive.
• Summer heat. If your road test is after noon in June, July or August, the test car needs working A/C.
• No phone. Permit holders may not use a wireless device while driving except in an emergency. Set up navigation before you leave.

Common questions

Does driver’s ed replace the 30 hours in Arizona?

An ADOT-approved driver education program does. Driver education from a defensive driving school or traffic survival school still needs 20 certified hours, 6 at night.

Can a 20-year-old supervise me?

No. The supervisor must be at least 21 and licensed.

What counts as night?

The statute does not define it. Count driving after sunset and before sunrise to be safe.

Do the hours apply if I am 18?

No. The certification is part of the Class G requirements for applicants under 18.

Can driving school lessons count toward the 30 hours?

The law asks for “supervised driving practice” certified by a parent. Ask MVD if you plan to mix lessons into option C.

Related guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona Class G graduated license rules
• Arizona MVD permit test guide
• Supervised driving hours by state

Sources

• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174 Class G driver licenses; restrictions” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154 Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Road Tests” (azdot.gov)

Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For the first 6 months on an Arizona Class G graduated license, you cannot drive from midnight to 5 a.m., carry more than one passenger under 18, or use a wireless device while driving. Each rule has exceptions. This explainer is for Arizona teens aged 16 and 17 and their parents, and is based on the Arizona statute that sets the rules (A.R.S. 28-3174).

Arizona Class G restrictions at a glance

Rule (first 6 months)	What it means	Exceptions
Night limit	No driving 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.	A parent or legal guardian with a Class A, B, C or D license in the seat beside you; or driving directly to or from a sanctioned school activity, work, a sanctioned religious activity or a family emergency
Passenger limit	No more than 1 passenger under 18	Your siblings; or a parent or legal guardian with a Class A, B, C or D license beside you
Wireless devices	No use of a wireless communication device while driving	An emergency where stopping is impossible or would create more danger; audible turn-by-turn navigation if you do not type the destination or touch the device while driving

The restrictions end at 6 months, or on your 18th birthday if that comes first.

Who can get an Arizona Class G license?

You can apply if you are under 18 and:

• you are at least 16
• you have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months (not needed if you hold a valid license from another jurisdiction)
• you have met the practice requirement: approved driver education, or certified supervised hours (see the Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log)
• you pass the license exam, or have the road test waived through approved driver education

Arizona teen curfew: what counts as an exception?

The trip has to be directly to or from school-sponsored activities, work, religious activities or a family emergency. A detour to a friend’s house on the way home does not count.

If you are cited, the citation is dismissed if you bring the court a written, notarized letter by the court date. It must come from the right person:

• your parent or guardian, for any of the exceptions
• the school activity, the employer or the religious activity, for those trips

For the passenger rule, a notarized letter from your parent or guardian confirming the passengers were your siblings gets the citation dismissed.

Can a Class G driver use a phone for GPS in Arizona?

Only audible turn-by-turn navigation, and only if you set the destination before you drive and do not touch the device while moving. No calls, hands-free or not, and no texting.

The same no-device rule applies while you hold the instruction permit. Once the restriction ends, the statewide hands-free law still applies to you. See hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.

Can police pull you over just for a Class G violation?

No. Officers may not stop you or cite you for the curfew, passenger or device rules unless they have reasonable cause to believe you broke another motor vehicle law. If you are stopped for something else, the Class G violation can be added.

Penalties for breaking Class G restrictions

Violation	Maximum civil penalty	Effect on your license
First	$75	Restriction extended by 30 days
Second	$100	Restriction extended by 60 days
Third or later	$100	30-day suspension

Extensions and suspensions still have to be served even if you turn 18 in the meantime.

Other tickets as a teen driver in Arizona

Separately from Class G rules, any moving violation committed while under 18 has its own consequences:

1. First: you must complete Traffic Survival School.
2. Second: 3-month suspension.
3. Third: 6-month suspension.

Alcohol is stricter again: see Arizona DUI rules for new drivers.

Common questions

Can I drive my friends after getting my license in Arizona?

One passenger under 18 is allowed in the first 6 months. Passengers aged 18 or over do not count toward the limit.

Can I drive home from work after midnight?

Yes, if you are driving directly from your place of work.

Does the curfew apply if my older sibling is in the car?

The curfew exception is only for a parent or legal guardian with a license in the seat beside you, or one of the listed trips.

When can I upgrade to a Class D license?

On or after your 18th birthday, unless your Class G is suspended for moving violations.

Do the rules apply after 6 months?

No, unless a violation extended them. The statewide hands-free law still applies.

Related guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona road test and third party testing
• Arizona MVD permit test guide
• GDL laws by state compared

Sources

• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174 Class G driver licenses; restrictions; civil penalties; motorcycles” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154 Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3321 Moving violations by persons under eighteen years of age” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-914 Use of portable wireless communication device while driving” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)

Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Arizona you take the road test at an MVD office or at an Authorized Third Party provider that offers road tests. Teens who complete an approved driver education program can have the MVD road test waived. This guide covers where to test, what to bring, the vehicle rules and how the waiver works.

Where can you take the Arizona road test?

• MVD office. Book by logging in to AZ MVD Now or by calling MVD.
• Authorized Third Party (ATP). Some ATP locations offer road tests. Arizona law lets MVD accept an exam given by an authorized third party, so the result counts the same. ATPs are private businesses and may charge their own fees, so ask before you book.
• Driver education program. Teens can pass the final road skills test with an MVD-certified professional driving school or a high school driver education program instead.

Does driver’s ed waive the Arizona road test?

Yes. ADOT MVD says completing an approved high school or privately run driver education program waives the road test, as long as you provide proof of completion within 12 months of it being issued. You still need to:

• be at least 16
• have held your instruction permit at least 6 months
• visit an office to have the license issued, with a parent or guardian

Completing an approved driver education program also satisfies the practice requirement, so you do not need the 30-hour certification. See the Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log for the options.

Arizona road test vehicle requirements

You supply the car. ADOT MVD requires:

• a vehicle in good operating condition: working brakes, brake lights, turn signals and horn; a windshield with no cracks; inside and outside rearview mirrors; good tires; driver and passenger windows that work; doors that open and close properly; seat belts on any 1972 or newer model
• valid registration
• current liability insurance (insurance from outside the country is not accepted)
• air conditioning if you test after 12 noon in June, July or August

Before you drive, the examiner checks that you know Arizona traffic signs and can follow simple directions in English, such as stop, slow down, change lanes, turn at the next corner and fasten your seat belt.

Driver assistance features are banned during the test. That includes auto-drive and parking assistance. Every maneuver must be done manually, so practice without them.

The examiner may ask you to show the registration and insurance. Know where they are in the car.

Arizona road test checklist

• Your valid instruction permit
• A parent or guardian, if you are under 18
• The 30-hour certification, if you are not using driver education
• Registration and current insurance in the vehicle
• A vehicle in good operating condition, with A/C for summer afternoon tests
• Driver assistance features switched off

What the examiner looks for

Arizona law requires an “actual demonstration” that you can exercise ordinary and reasonable control of the vehicle. Before your test, MVD gives you a “Before You Take the Road Test” information sheet (library file 99-0138). Read it when you get it. Whatever the sheet lists, practice these basics until they are automatic:

• finding and using vehicle controls
• stopping fully at stop signs and lines
• mirror and blind spot checks before moving off, changing lanes and turning
• speed control and following distance
• yielding right of way to vehicles and pedestrians
• parking at a curb

The most common ways to fail anywhere in the US: common reasons people fail the driving test.

Common questions

Do you have to parallel park on the Arizona road test?

Check the maneuvers with MVD or on the 99-0138 sheet you are given, and practice curb parking and turning around safely either way.

Can I use a backup camera?

Driver assistance systems are prohibited, and maneuvers must be done manually. Ask the examiner what is allowed before you start.

Is a third party road test easier?

No. An Authorized Third Party gives the test MVD accepts. It may be easier to book.

Can I test in a car without air conditioning?

Not after 12 noon in June, July or August.

Do I need a parent with me?

Yes, if you are under 18. A parent or guardian must accompany a teen applying for a license.

Related Arizona guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona Class G graduated license rules
• Arizona MVD permit test guide
• Road tests in every US state

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide” (99-0117, revised September 2026) (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Road Tests” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Before You Take the Road Test” (99-0138) (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “MVD offers tips for taking the road test” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3164 Examination of applicants” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174 Class G driver licenses; restrictions” (azleg.gov)

Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Arizona MVD permit test is 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (24 correct) to pass. Most teens under 18 can take it at home with a parent supervising. This guide is for Arizona learners getting a Class G instruction permit, and the parents signing for them.

Key facts (Arizona, as of November 2026)

• 30 questions, 80% to pass.
• Minimum age for the permit: 15 years and 6 months.
• Permit Test @ Home: for most teens under 18, through a parent or guardian’s AZ MVD Now account or a participating Arizona professional driving school.
• Fail? ADOT pages conflict on the retest wait (next business day on one page, 7 days under a 2014 MVD policy), so plan for 7 days and check when you book.
• Permit fee: $7.
• The permit is valid for 12 months.

What is on the Arizona permit test?

Arizona law says the license exam must test your eyesight and your knowledge of:

• official traffic control devices (signs, signals and markings)
• safe driving practices and Arizona traffic laws, including laws on bicycles
• how phones and other distractions affect safe driving

The questions come from the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT MVD publishes free. Spend most of your time on right of way, speed limits, signs, the Class G restrictions and the alcohol rules for drivers under 21.

Can you take the Arizona permit test online?

Yes, if you are a teen under 18. ADOT MVD’s Permit Test @ Home runs through:

• a parent or legal guardian’s AZ MVD Now account, with the parent supervising, or
• a participating Arizona professional driving school.

Passing at home does not give you the permit. The permit still has to be issued in an office, and your 6-month holding period only starts from that date. Book the office visit soon after you pass.

Permit Test @ Home is a teen option. If you are 18 or older, plan to test at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.

How to get your Arizona instruction permit, step by step

1. Check you are at least 15 years and 6 months old.
2. Study the manual and take ADOT’s online practice tests.
3. Take the knowledge test at home or in an office.
4. Visit an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. If you are under 18, at least one adult signs your application. The signature is witnessed by an MVD agent or a notary.
5. Pass the vision test and pay the $7 permit fee.

Rules once you have the permit

• Carry the permit with you when you drive.
• A licensed driver (Class A, B, C or D) aged 21 or older must sit in the seat beside you.
• No wireless device use while driving, except in an emergency where stopping is impossible or would be more dangerous.
• Hold the permit at least 6 months (or until 18) before applying for a Class G license.

Next: log your hours with the Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log.

Common questions

How many questions can you miss on the Arizona permit test?

6. You need 24 of 30 correct to reach 80%.

What happens if you fail?

ADOT MVD pages disagree: one says the next business day, while the 2014 MVD policy that is still cited says 7 days. Check with MVD when you rebook. See retake waiting periods by state.

Can I take the permit test at 15?

Not until you are 15 years and 6 months old.

Do I need an appointment?

Not for the at-home test. For the office visit, check AZ MVD Now for appointments at MVD or a nearby Authorized Third Party office.

Is there a vision test?

Yes. Eyesight is part of the exam under Arizona law, done when your permit is issued.

How long do I have to use the permit?

12 months from issue.

Related Arizona guides

• Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
• Arizona Class G graduated license rules
• Arizona road test and third party testing
• Permit tests in every US state

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide” (99-0117, revised September 2026) (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit Test (at Home or in an Office)” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Fees: Driver License” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154 Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3164 Examination of applicants” (azleg.gov)

Photo: Lindsey Willard, Pexels

To get a driver license in Arizona as a teen, you get a Class G instruction permit at 15 years and 6 months, hold it for at least 6 months, then apply for a Class G graduated license at 16. This guide is for Arizona teens, their parents and first-time adult drivers. It covers each stage, the tests, the practice hours, the restrictions and the laws that catch new drivers out.

Key facts (Arizona, as of November 2026)

• Licensing agency: Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD).
• Instruction permit: from 15 years and 6 months. Valid for 12 months. Fee $7.
• Supervisor: a licensed driver (Class A, B, C or D) aged 21 or older in the seat beside you.
• Class G license: from 16, after holding the permit at least 6 months.
• Practice: 30 supervised hours (10 at night) certified by a parent; 20 hours (6 at night) if you also complete a defensive driving or Traffic Survival School course; or an approved driver education program.
• First 6 months on Class G: no driving midnight to 5 a.m., no more than 1 passenger under 18, no wireless devices (each with exceptions).
• Class D (full) license: you can apply on or after your 18th birthday.

How to get a driver license in Arizona: the stages

Stage	Minimum age	How you get it	Main rules
Class G instruction permit	15 years 6 months	Pass the vision and knowledge tests; parent or guardian signs the application	Supervisor 21+ beside you; no wireless device use while driving
Class G graduated license	16	Permit held 6 months; 30 hours certified or approved driver ed; road test (or driver ed waiver)	Curfew, passenger and phone limits for the first 6 months
Class D license	18	Apply on or after your 18th birthday	No teen restrictions

If you are 18 or older when you start, the teen holding period and the Class G restrictions do not apply to you. You still take the knowledge, vision and road tests.

Step by step for an Arizona teen

1. Study the Arizona Driver License Manual. ADOT MVD publishes it free (English, and a Spanish edition). The knowledge test comes from it.
2. Take the permit test. 30 multiple-choice questions; you need 80% to pass. Most teens can take it at home through a parent’s AZ MVD Now account. Details: Arizona MVD permit test guide.
3. Get the permit issued in an MVD office or Authorized Third Party office. An adult signs your application, witnessed by an MVD agent or a notary. Your 6-month hold starts when the permit is issued.
4. Practice. Log 30 hours with at least 10 at night (20 hours with 6 at night after a defensive driving or Traffic Survival School course), or complete approved driver education. See the Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log.
5. Pass the road test at MVD or an Authorized Third Party, unless an approved driver education program waives it. See Arizona road test and third party testing.
6. Drive under Class G rules for your first 6 months. See Arizona Class G graduated license rules.

Arizona driver license fees

Item	Fee (as of November 2026)
Instruction permit	$7
Driver license, age 16 to 39	$25

ADOT MVD sets license fees by age band. Check the current figures on the ADOT MVD fees page before you go.

How long an Arizona driver license lasts

Under Arizona law, a standard driver license is valid until your 65th birthday. That is why Arizona licenses issued to teens have such a distant expiry date.

What the Arizona Driver License Manual covers

The manual is the source for the knowledge test. Its main areas:

• License classes and testing. Class G (graduated, under 18), Class D (regular), Class M (motorcycle), documents and Travel ID. For the federal ID rules see REAL ID and your first US driver’s license.
• Graduated licensing. Covered in the Class G post above.
• Signs, signals and markings. Shapes and colors are national standards: US road signs by shape and color, traffic signals and pavement markings.
• Rules of the road. Right of way, turns, passing, parking and speed. Arizona’s default limits, unless signs say otherwise: 15 mph approaching a school crossing, 25 mph in business or residential districts, 65 mph elsewhere. The MVD manual’s own list is more detailed (55 mph on open highways and city freeways, 65 on designated open highways, 75 on rural freeways), so on highways follow the posted sign. You must also drive no faster than is reasonable for conditions. More: speed limits and the basic speed law.
• Safe driving and emergencies. Freeways, night driving and Arizona’s monsoon dust storms: Arizona dust storm driving and Pull Aside, Stay Alive.
• Sharing the road. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks and emergency vehicles. Arizona has a move over law for stopped vehicles showing flashing or warning lights: move over laws in the US.
• Alcohol, drugs and DUI. Drivers under 21 may not drive with any alcohol in their body. See Arizona DUI and extreme DUI rules for new drivers.
• Points, suspension, insurance and registration. Below.

Arizona figures from the MVD manual

These are the Arizona-specific numbers and rules in the Driver License Manual that the permit test and new drivers most often trip on.

Topic	Arizona rule
Seat belts	Every front-seat occupant buckles up. The driver must make sure every passenger under 16 is buckled.
Child restraints	Under 5: a child restraint system. Ages 5 to 7: a restraint until the child is at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children 12 and under are safest in the back seat.
Turn signals	Signal at least 100 feet (about 4 seconds) before you turn.
No-passing zones	No passing within 100 feet of an intersection, a railroad crossing, or a bridge, tunnel or underpass where your view is blocked.
Bicycles	Leave at least 3 feet when you pass a cyclist going your way.
Roundabouts	Yield to traffic already in the circle and to large vehicles entering with you. Designed for 15 to 20 mph; do not pass trucks inside.
Parking	Not on a sidewalk, in an intersection, in front of a driveway, on a bridge or in a tunnel, on a freeway (except emergencies), within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
Diverging diamond interchanges	At some freeway interchanges the cross street briefly switches traffic to the left side of the road. The crossovers happen at signals; follow the signals, signs and lane markings.
Freeway gore areas	Driving over or parking in the striped area between a ramp and the through lanes is illegal (3 points).
HOV lanes	At the posted weekday times, at least 2 people in the vehicle (or a motorcycle or bus). Cross the solid white line with care and a signal.
Railroad crossings	When a signal, gate or train warns you, stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
School buses	Stop for a bus with flashing lights and stop arm out, from either direction. The only exception is the opposite side of a road divided by a physical barrier; painted lines do not count.
Emergency vehicles	Pull right and stop. Stay at least 500 feet behind a fire truck and 300 feet behind a police vehicle on an emergency call, and do not park in the block where it stopped.
Move Over law	Move over one lane for any vehicle stopped with flashing lights, including tow trucks, road crews and private cars. If you cannot, slow down.
Funerals	Yield to a funeral procession led by an escort with a flashing red or blue light.
Work zones	Fines double where signs are posted.
Flooded roads	A driver who goes around flood barricades is liable for the cost of any emergency rescue if the vehicle stalls.
Phoenix light rail	Cross the METRO tracks only at signal-controlled crossings, and turn across them only from a marked turn lane on its signal.
Red lights	A red light conviction means mandatory Traffic Survival School. Causing serious injury: up to $500 and a 3-month suspension; causing a death: up to $1,000 and 6 months.
Low beams	Dim for oncoming traffic, and use low beams within 200 feet of a car you are following.
Open containers	No open alcohol container in the passenger area for the driver or any passenger (bus, limo, taxi and motor home living area passengers excepted).
Aggressive driving	Speeding plus two listed acts (such as running a signal, unsafe lane change or following too closely) that put others in immediate danger. First offense: Traffic Survival School and a possible 30-day suspension; a second within 24 months: 12 months.
Medical conditions	Report any condition that could affect safe driving. A seizure in the 90 days before you apply must be reported to MVD.

Phones while driving in Arizona

All Arizona drivers are banned from holding or supporting a phone while driving and from writing, sending or reading texts, with hands-free and voice exceptions. Permit holders and Class G drivers in their first 6 months face a stricter ban on any wireless device use. Background: hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.

Points and Traffic Survival School in Arizona

• ADOT MVD says 8 or more points in any 12-month period can lead to Traffic Survival School or a suspension of up to 12 months.
• DUI, extreme DUI, reckless driving and aggressive driving are each 8 points. Leaving the scene of a crash is 6.
• Under 18: your first moving violation means Traffic Survival School. A second means a 3-month suspension; a third, 6 months.

How points work nationally: points systems and license suspensions in the US.

After a crash in Arizona

• Stop and stay at the scene. Help anyone injured and call 911; police must be called if anyone is hurt.
• Exchange license numbers, names and addresses, insurance details, plate numbers and witness details.
• In a minor crash with no injuries, state law requires you to move a car that can be driven safely out of the travel lanes. Moving it does not make you at fault.
• Leaving the scene: 1-year suspension if only vehicles are damaged, 3-year revocation for injury, 5 years for serious injury and 10 years for a death.

Step-by-step guidance: what to do after a car crash.

Insurance in Arizona

For policies issued or renewed since July 1, 2020, Arizona law requires liability cover of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage in any one accident. Keep proof of insurance in the car. Conviction for not having or not showing it suspends your license and registration for 3 months, 6 months for a second within 36 months, and 1 year for a third. More: car insurance for new drivers.

Paperwork after you are licensed

• Tell MVD about a change of name or address within 10 days. Address changes can be done online at AZ MVD Now.
• You cannot hold an Arizona ID card and a driver license at the same time.
• The Travel ID (the REAL ID version) costs $25 and in most cases lasts 8 years.
• The adult who signed a minor’s application can ask MVD to cancel that license at any time.
• Male applicants under 26 are registered with the Selective Service through the license application.
• The application also lets you register to vote and join the organ donor registry.

Common questions

What age can you get a permit in Arizona?

15 years and 6 months. A 2026 bill to lower it to 15 (HB2003) was vetoed, so the age is unchanged.

Can you get a license at 16 in Arizona?

Yes, if you have held your permit for at least 6 months and meet the practice or driver education requirement.

How long is an Arizona permit valid?

12 months. If it runs out before you are ready, you need a new one.

Do adults need a permit first in Arizona?

The 6-month holding period and the Class G rules apply only to applicants under 18. Adults still pass the vision, knowledge and road tests, and can get a permit to practice first.

I have a license from another state. Do I wait 6 months?

No. The 6-month permit hold does not apply if you hold a currently valid license from another jurisdiction. See moving to a new state.

When does the Class G become a regular license?

The Class G restrictions stop on your 18th birthday, and you can apply for a Class D license from then.

Compare Arizona with other states

• How to get a driver’s license in the US
• GDL laws by state compared
• Supervised driving hours by state

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit Test (at Home or in an Office)” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Fees: Driver License” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Points Assessment” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154 Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174 Class G driver licenses; restrictions” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3171 Driver license expiration and renewal” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3321 Moving violations by persons under eighteen years of age” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-701 Reasonable and prudent speed” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-914 Use of portable wireless communication device while driving” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-4009 Motor vehicle liability policy requirements” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “HB2003 (2026) House Bill Summary, Vetoed” (azleg.gov)

Photo: Christoffer G. Thomsen, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arizona’s points system adds points to your driving record for each moving violation, from 2 points for most tickets up to 8 for DUI or reckless driving. Collecting 8 or more points in 12 months can mean Traffic Survival School (TSS) or a suspension of up to 12 months. Drivers under 18 face a tougher, separate ladder: TSS after the first conviction, then 3-month and 6-month suspensions. This guide sets out the point values, the teen rules under A.R.S. 28-3321 and 28-3174, and how defensive driving school fits in.

Key facts (Arizona, as of November 2026)

• Adult threshold: 8 or more points in any 12-month period can lead to required TSS or a suspension of up to 12 months (ADOT MVD).
• Under 18: first moving violation conviction means mandatory TSS. Second means a 3-month suspension. Third means a 6-month suspension (A.R.S. 28-3321).
• Class G restriction breaches (curfew, passengers, phone) in the first 6 months: the restriction period is extended by 30, then 60 days, then a 30-day suspension on the third violation (A.R.S. 28-3174).
• Defensive driving school: once every 12 months, completing it gets an eligible citation dismissed and kept off your record (A.R.S. 28-3392 and 28-3394).
• Under 21 and alcohol: any alcohol in your body while driving is an offense in Arizona.

Arizona point values for common tickets

Violation	Points
Driving under the influence (DUI)	8
Extreme DUI	8
Reckless driving	8
Aggressive driving	8
Racing on a highway	8
Aggravated DUI	8
Leaving the scene of a crash	6
Failure to stop for a signal or stop sign, or to yield, causing death	6
Failure to stop for a signal or stop sign, or to yield, causing serious injury	4
Speeding	3
Driving over or parking in a freeway gore area	3
Wrong-way driving	2
All other moving violations	2

Points go on your record each time you are convicted of, or forfeit bail for, a moving violation. If one traffic stop produces several violations, ADOT assesses points based on the highest-value violation only. Source: ADOT MVD Points Assessment table.

When can police impound your car in Arizona?

The MVD manual says a vehicle is impounded or immobilized if the driver’s license is suspended or revoked, the driver has never been licensed (and has no out-of-state license), the driver must use an ignition interlock and the car has none, or the driver has no required insurance and is involved in a crash. Driving on a suspended license can mean up to 30 days of impound.

When does Arizona suspend your license for points?

Drivers 18 and over

ADOT says that 8 or more points within any 12-month period means you may be required to attend Traffic Survival School, or have your driving privilege suspended for up to 12 months. Under A.R.S. 28-3306, MVD can also require TSS or suspend a license when violations happen often enough to show disrespect for traffic laws.

Violations that require TSS whatever your points

ADOT lists some convictions that require TSS regardless of your point total. These include DUI, wrong-way driving and running red lights or stop signs. A first moving violation by a driver under 18 is also on the list.

What happens if you skip TSS?

ADOT says failing to complete a required TSS course leads to suspension of your license. Book it as soon as the order arrives.

Extra rules for drivers under 18

A.R.S. 28-3321 applies to a moving violation committed while you are under 18, whether you hold an instruction permit or a Class G license. It counts convictions, not points:

Conviction	What MVD does
First	Orders you to attend and complete Traffic Survival School
Second	Suspends your driving privilege for 3 months
Third	Suspends your driving privilege for 6 months

So a teen with two speeding tickets, at 3 points each, is well below the adult 8-point line but still loses the license for 3 months.

Class G restriction violations

For the first 6 months, Class G holders under 18 may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. (with exceptions), may not carry more than one passenger under 18 who is not a sibling (unless a qualifying parent or guardian is in the front seat), and may not use a wireless device except in an emergency or for audible turn-by-turn navigation. Under A.R.S. 28-3174, breaking these limits carries its own penalties:

Violation	Civil penalty	License effect
First	Up to $75	Restriction period extended by 30 days
Second	Up to $100	Restriction period extended by 60 days
Third or later	Up to $100	30-day suspension

• Police cannot stop you only for a restriction violation. They need another reason to believe a traffic law was broken.
• A curfew ticket is dismissed if you provide a notarized letter confirming the trip was allowed. A passenger ticket is dismissed if a notarized letter from a parent or guardian confirms the passengers were your siblings.
• Restrictions end on your 18th birthday, but any extension or suspension already imposed must still be completed.

The full Class G rules are in Arizona Class G graduated license rules.

Courses that keep points off your record

Defensive driving school

• Courts must allow attendance for an eligible civil moving violation (A.R.S. 28-3392).
• You can attend only once every 12 months, counted from violation date to violation date.
• If you complete it, the court dismisses the citation and MVD does not put it on your driving record (A.R.S. 28-3394). No conviction means no points.
• Not available if the violation caused death or serious physical injury.
• Arizona courts say to finish the course at least 7 days before your court date.

Because the teen ladder in 28-3321 is triggered by a record of judgment or conviction, a dismissed citation should not count as a step on it. An ADOT FAQ also says a first-time teen offender who attends defensive driving school keeps a clean record. Confirm with the court handling the ticket before you rely on it.

Traffic Survival School

TSS is the course MVD orders after points or certain convictions. ADOT says completing a required TSS course is what avoids or ends the suspension. It is not a way to dismiss a ticket.

Scenario: a 16-year-old’s first year

1. Month 2: a ticket for carrying two friends under 18 with no parent in the front seat. Civil penalty up to $75 and the passenger and curfew limits run 30 days longer.
2. Month 7: a speeding ticket. The family uses defensive driving school, the citation is dismissed, and nothing goes on the record.
3. Month 10: a second speeding ticket. Defensive driving school is not available again within 12 months. The conviction is the first under 28-3321, so MVD orders TSS.
4. Any further moving violation conviction before 18 would mean a 3-month suspension.

What to do when the ticket arrives: getting a traffic ticket as a new driver.

Common questions

How many points before your license is suspended in Arizona?

8 or more points in 12 months can lead to TSS or a suspension of up to 12 months. Under-18 drivers can be suspended after a second conviction regardless of points.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Arizona?

3 points, according to ADOT’s points table.

Does a permit holder get points?

Yes. Points apply to moving violation convictions, and the under-18 rules in 28-3321 cover anyone who commits a moving violation while under 18.

Do suspensions disappear when I turn 18?

No. A.R.S. 28-3174 says penalties and extensions already imposed must be completed even if you turn 18.

What about drinking and driving under 21?

Arizona makes it an offense for anyone under 21 to drive with any alcohol in their body. The license consequences are covered in Arizona DUI and extreme DUI rules for new drivers.

How do I check my points?

Request a copy of your driving record from ADOT MVD.

How do other states compare?

See points systems and license suspensions in the US.

Main guide: learning to drive in Arizona.

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide” (99-0117, revised September 2026) (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Points Assessment” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Suspension and Traffic Survival School” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Penalties” (Teen Drivers) (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “What are the penalties for moving violations while under the age of 18?” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174” (Class G license) (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3306” (suspension and traffic survival school) (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3321” (moving violations under 18) (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3392” (defensive driving school) and “28-3394 Successful course completion” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona Judicial Branch, “Frequently Asked Questions for Defensive Driving School” (azcourts.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-244” (under-21 alcohol offense) (azleg.gov)

Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This free Arizona permit practice test matches the length of the real thing: the ADOT MVD knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions and you need 80% (24 correct) to pass. All 30 questions here are original and unofficial. They test the same knowledge as the MVD exam, written from the Arizona Driver License Manual topics and the Arizona traffic laws (A.R.S. Title 28), but they are not MVD’s questions.

Arizona permit test at a glance

• 30 multiple-choice questions; 80% (24 correct) to pass, so you can miss 6.
• Arizona law says the exam tests traffic control devices, safe driving practices and traffic laws (including bicycle laws), and how phones and other distractions affect driving.
• Most teens under 18 can take it at home through Permit Test @ Home with a parent supervising.
• Instruction permit from age 15 years and 6 months; fee $7 (as of November 2026).

Booking, documents and retakes: Arizona MVD permit test guide.

Signs, signals and markings (questions 1 to 9)

1. A red, eight-sided sign means:

• A. Wrong way
• B. Yield
• C. Slow down
• D. Stop completely

Answer: D. The octagon is reserved for STOP signs. Manual topic: signs.

2. A yellow, diamond-shaped sign:

• A. Marks a rest area
• B. Shows a speed limit
• C. Warns of a hazard or change ahead
• D. Gives directions to a city

Answer: C. Yellow diamonds are warning signs. Manual topic: signs.

3. A five-sided sign shaped like a house means:

• A. Rest area
• B. Hospital ahead
• C. Scenic view
• D. School zone or school crossing

Answer: D. Pentagons are school signs. Arizona’s prima facie limit approaching a school crossing is 15 mph. Manual topic: signs.

4. Two wide solid white lines separate a freeway lane from an exit ramp, forming a triangle-shaped area. You may:

• A. Cross it only at night
• B. Not drive over, across or park in it
• C. Use it as a breakdown lane
• D. Cross it if you are late for your exit

Answer: B. Arizona law bans driving over, across or parking in this gore area, except for a vehicle that has broken down there. Law: A.R.S. 28-644.

5. A steady red arrow means:

• A. Do not go in the direction of the arrow until it changes
• B. You may turn after stopping
• C. Turn quickly before the light changes
• D. The lane is closed

Answer: A. A red arrow controls only the movement it points to. Manual topic: traffic signals.

6. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means:

• A. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• B. Stop, then turn without looking
• C. Left turns are banned
• D. Your left turn is protected

Answer: A. Oncoming traffic may have a green light, so wait for a gap. Manual topic: traffic signals.

7. A flashing red light at an intersection means:

• A. Slow down and continue
• B. Yield only to trucks
• C. Stop, then go when it is safe
• D. The signal is broken; keep going

Answer: C. Treat it like a STOP sign. Manual topic: traffic signals.

8. Broken yellow lines in the center of a two-lane road mean:

• A. You may pass when the way is clear and it is safe
• B. The road is one way
• C. Passing is never allowed
• D. Both lanes go the same direction

Answer: A. Yellow lines separate opposite-direction traffic. Broken lines allow passing with care; a solid line on your side does not. Manual topic: pavement markings.

9. Orange signs and cones mean you are in:

• A. A school zone
• B. A truck route
• C. A hospital zone
• D. A work zone

Answer: D. Slow down, follow flaggers and watch for workers. Manual topic: work zones.

Right of way, speed and space (questions 10 to 16)

10. Two vehicles approach an intersection from different streets at about the same time. Which must yield?

• A. Neither; both may go
• B. The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
• C. The vehicle on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
• D. The slower vehicle

Answer: B. At an uncontrolled T intersection, the driver on the ending street yields to traffic on the continuing street. Law: A.R.S. 28-771.

11. Unless otherwise posted, a speed over what limit in an Arizona business or residential district is evidence of driving too fast?

• A. 15 mph
• B. 25 mph
• C. 35 mph
• D. 45 mph

Answer: B. Arizona’s default limits are 15 mph approaching a school crossing, 25 mph in business or residential districts and 65 mph in other locations. You must still drive slower when conditions require. Law: A.R.S. 28-701.

12. How far before a turn must you signal continuously in Arizona?

• A. 50 feet
• B. 100 feet
• C. 200 feet
• D. 300 feet

Answer: B. Signal continuously for at least the last 100 feet before turning. Law: A.R.S. 28-754.

13. When passing a bicycle going the same direction, you must leave at least:

• A. 2 feet
• B. 3 feet
• C. 4 feet
• D. 5 feet

Answer: B. The minimum is three feet until you are safely past. Law: A.R.S. 28-735.

14. How close may you park to a fire hydrant in Arizona?

• A. No closer than 10 feet
• B. No closer than 15 feet
• C. No closer than 30 feet
• D. No closer than 20 feet

Answer: B. Other limits: 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 feet from a stop sign or signal, 50 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Law: A.R.S. 28-873.

15. You are driving slower than the speed limit on a dry road with no traffic ahead. Which is true?

• A. Any speed under the limit is always legal
• B. You must drive exactly at the limit
• C. Limits do not apply at night
• D. You can still be cited if your speed is faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions

Answer: D. Arizona’s basic speed law requires a reasonable and prudent speed, slower near intersections, curves, hillcrests and hazards. Law: A.R.S. 28-701.

16. When merging onto a freeway, you should:

• A. Stop at the end of the ramp
• B. Expect freeway traffic to stop for you
• C. Use the on-ramp to match the speed of traffic and merge into a safe gap
• D. Merge at 25 mph

Answer: C. Signal, check your mirrors and blind spot, and adjust your speed to fit in. Manual topic: freeway driving.

Sharing the road: school buses, emergencies and rail (questions 17 to 21)

17. A school bus is stopped on a two-lane road with its stop signal out and red lights flashing. You must:

• A. Pass slowly
• B. Stop before reaching the bus and wait until it moves or the signals are off
• C. Stop only if you are behind the bus
• D. Stop only if children are crossing

Answer: B. Traffic from either direction stops. Drivers on a separate roadway of a divided highway need not stop. Law: A.R.S. 28-857.

18. An ambulance with siren and red lights approaches. You must:

• A. Stop in the middle of the intersection
• B. Yield, pull to the right edge clear of intersections and stop until it passes
• C. Speed up and get out of its way
• D. Keep driving in your lane

Answer: B. Law: A.R.S. 28-775.

19. On a highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you approach a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder. You should:

• A. Move to a lane not next to it if safe; otherwise slow down and proceed with caution
• B. Stop beside it
• C. Honk to warn the driver
• D. Speed up to pass quickly

Answer: A. This is Arizona’s move-over rule. Law: A.R.S. 28-775.

20. When red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing, you must stop:

• A. Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail
• B. Only if you can see a train
• C. Within 5 feet of the rail
• D. On the tracks

Answer: A. Never go around a lowered gate, and never make a U-turn on a crossing. Law: A.R.S. 28-851.

21. You may not follow a fire truck answering an alarm closer than:

• A. 100 feet
• B. 200 feet
• C. 300 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: D. You also may not park in the block where the fire apparatus has stopped. Law: A.R.S. 28-775.

Alcohol and drugs (questions 22 to 24)

22. You are 19. How much alcohol may you have in your body while driving in Arizona?

• A. Less than 0.05
• B. Less than 0.02
• C. None
• D. Less than 0.08

Answer: C. Arizona’s under-21 rule is not a drop: any alcohol in your body while driving is an offense, with a 2-year license suspension on conviction. Law: A.R.S. 4-244.

23. At what alcohol concentration does extreme DUI begin in Arizona?

• A. 0.08
• B. 0.10
• C. 0.15
• D. 0.20

Answer: C. Extreme DUI starts at 0.15, with a higher tier at 0.20. Standard DUI covers impairment to the slightest degree or 0.08. Law: A.R.S. 28-1382.

24. Refusing a breath or blood test after a DUI arrest in Arizona leads to:

• A. A 30-day suspension
• B. A 12-month license suspension
• C. No penalty if you are later found not guilty
• D. A warning only

Answer: B. A second refusal within 84 months means 2 years. Law: A.R.S. 28-1321.

Arizona permit, Class G and phone rules (questions 25 to 29)

25. Who must sit beside an Arizona instruction permit holder?

• A. Any licensed driver 18 or older
• B. A passenger 16 or older
• C. A licensed driver (Class A, B, C or D) aged 21 or older
• D. Nobody during daylight hours

Answer: C. The permit holder also may not use a wireless device while driving except in an emergency. Law: A.R.S. 28-3154.

26. For the first 6 months on a Class G license, you may not drive between:

• A. Midnight and 5 a.m., unless an exception applies
• B. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• C. 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• D. 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Answer: A. Exceptions include a licensed parent or guardian beside you, and driving directly to or from school activities, work, religious activities or a family emergency. Law: A.R.S. 28-3174.

27. In the first 6 months on a Class G license, how many passengers under 18 may you carry (not counting siblings) without a licensed parent or guardian beside you?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: B. The limit is one passenger under 18. Siblings don’t count. Law: A.R.S. 28-3174.

28. How many supervised practice hours must a parent certify for a Class G license if you skip driver education?

• A. 20 hours, 5 at night
• B. 30 hours, 10 at night
• C. 40 hours, 10 at night
• D. 50 hours, 10 at night

Answer: B. The alternative is an MVD-approved driver education program. Law: A.R.S. 28-3174.

29. Under Arizona’s hands-free law, which is allowed while driving?

• A. Holding your phone to your ear for a quick call
• B. Reading a text at a red light
• C. Typing an address into GPS while moving
• D. A voice call using an earpiece or wrist device

Answer: D. You may not hold or support a phone with any part of your body, or read or send texts, except in a hands-free manner. Class G drivers in their first 6 months may not use a wireless device at all. Law: A.R.S. 28-914.

Adverse conditions (question 30)

30. A dust storm is coming and you have pulled completely off the road. ADOT’s Pull Aside, Stay Alive advice is to:

• A. Turn off all lights, set the parking brake, take your foot off the brake and stay buckled in
• B. Get out and walk to safety
• C. Keep your hazard lights flashing
• D. Keep your foot on the brake so others see you

Answer: A. Drivers behind you may follow your lights and hit your parked car. Manual topic: dust storms.

How did you do?

• 27 to 30: ready for the MVD test.
• 24 to 26: a pass on the real standard, but with little margin. Reread the laws you missed.
• Below 24: not yet. Study the manual chapters on signs, right of way, Class G rules and alcohol.

Next: Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log and Arizona road test and third party testing.

Common questions

How many questions are on the Arizona permit test?

30 multiple-choice questions. You need 80%, which is 24 correct.

Can I take the Arizona permit test at home?

Yes, if you are under 18, through a parent’s AZ MVD Now account or a participating driving school. The permit itself is still issued in an office.

What if I fail?

Check the current retest wait with ADOT MVD before booking: official pages have said both the next business day and 7 days. See Arizona MVD permit test guide.

Are these the real MVD questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions written from Arizona law and the manual’s topics.

Does the test ask about DUI?

Alcohol rules are in the manual, so expect them. See Arizona DUI and extreme DUI rules for new drivers and Arizona Class G license rules.

Where are practice tests for other states?

See the US permit practice tests hub. Arizona’s full route: learning to drive in Arizona.

Sources

• Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit Test (at Home or in an Office)” and “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Dust Storms: Pull Aside, Stay Alive” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-644, 28-701, 28-771, 28-735, 28-754, 28-775, 28-851, 28-857, 28-873 and 28-914” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154, 28-3164 and 28-3174 (permits, examinations and Class G licenses)” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-244, 28-1321 and 28-1382 (under-21 alcohol, implied consent and extreme DUI)” (azleg.gov)

Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Getting your first Arizona driver’s license at 18 or older is simpler than the teen route. Adults apply for a Class D (operator) license, there is no six-month permit hold, and no 30-hour practice certificate or driver’s ed requirement. You pass the written test, practice on an instruction permit for as long as you need, then take the road test. This guide walks through each step, what to bring, costs and how to prepare.

Key facts (Arizona, as of November 2026)

• License type: Class D operator license for drivers 18 and older. Under-18s get a Class G graduated license instead (A.R.S. 28-3153).
• Permit hold: none for adults. ADOT MVD says that for applicants over 18, a passed written test takes the place of the six-month permit.
• Supervised hours and driver ed: not required at 18+. The 30-hour certification and driver ed options in A.R.S. 28-3174 apply to Class G applicants under 18.
• Permit: valid for 12 months. You drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the seat beside you (A.R.S. 28-3154).
• Written test: 80% to pass (ADOT practice test page).
• Fees (ADOT fee page, as of November 2026): $7 instruction permit; $25 license for ages 16 to 39.

Teen route vs adult route in Arizona

Requirement	Under 18 (Class G)	18 and older (Class D)
Minimum time on permit	6 months	None
Driver ed or certified practice hours	Driver ed, or 20 hours with a defensive driving school course, or 30 hours (10 at night)	Not required
Night and passenger limits after licensing	Yes, for the first 6 months	No
Written test, vision test and road test	Yes	Yes

Teen rules in full: Arizona Class G graduated license rules.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Arizona law (A.R.S. 28-3158) says every applicant must prove:

• full legal name and date of birth
• sex
• Arizona residence address, if you have one
• that your presence in the US is authorized under federal law

You also give your Social Security number, which MVD verifies. ADOT publishes the accepted documents on its DL/ID requirements list (form 40-5144). If you want an Arizona Travel ID, the REAL ID-compliant card, bring the extra documents for that. See REAL ID and your first US license.

Step 2: Pass the written and vision tests

The written (knowledge) test is based on the Arizona Driver License Manual. ADOT says you need 80% or higher to pass. By law (A.R.S. 28-3164) the exam covers:

• your eyesight
• reading and understanding traffic control devices (signs, signals, markings)
• safe driving practices and Arizona traffic law, including bicycle rules
• how phones and other distractions affect safe driving

Practice with the Arizona permit practice test, and read the Arizona MVD permit test guide. The at-home permit test is described by ADOT as an option for teens through a parent’s account, so adults should plan to test in person at an MVD office. Some Authorized Third Party providers also offer MVD services; ask before you book.

If you fail, there is a wait before you can retest. ADOT sources conflict on whether it is the next business day or 7 days, so check before you rebook. See retake waiting periods by state.

Step 3: Practice on your instruction permit

Once you pass, you can get an instruction permit. Under A.R.S. 28-3154 it lasts 12 months and lets you drive only when:

• you carry the permit, and
• a person with a Class A, B, C or D license who is at least 21 sits in the seat beside you.

You may not use a phone or other wireless device for any reason while driving on a permit, except in an emergency where stopping is impossible or unsafe.

There is no minimum practice time for adults, but you still have to show the examiner you can control the car safely. A realistic plan for a new adult driver:

1. Empty parking lot: controls, smooth braking, steering and turning.
2. Quiet residential streets: stop signs, right of way, curb parking.
3. Busier roads: lane changes, left turns at signals, speed control.
4. Freeways, night driving and summer heat, with your supervisor.

Lessons with a professional driving school are optional but help many adult beginners. Arizona law also lets MVD accept proof of an approved driver training course in place of its own road test, so ask schools whether their adult course includes this. See learning to drive as an adult in the US for tips that apply in every state.

Step 4: Take the Arizona road test

Road tests are by appointment and in person. Book by logging in to AZ MVD Now or by calling MVD, or use an Authorized Third Party that offers road tests (they may charge their own fees). Your test car needs:

• good operating condition
• valid registration
• current liability insurance (insurance from outside the country is not accepted)
• working air conditioning if you test after 12 noon in June, July or August

Driver-assist features such as self-parking and auto-drive are not allowed during the test. Details on scoring and booking: the Arizona road test and third-party testing. Bring a licensed driver to drive you to and from the test on your permit.

Step 5: Get your license

After you pass, MVD issues your Class D license. As of November 2026, ADOT lists the license fee as $25 for ages 16 to 39. Check the fee page for other ages. An Arizona license is valid until your 65th birthday under A.R.S. 28-3171.

Your first months of solo driving carry no passenger or night limits at 18+, but DUI and points rules apply in full. Read Arizona DUI rules for new drivers and Arizona driver points.

Already licensed somewhere else?

Then you aren’t a first-time driver. Moving from another state: see transferring an out-of-state license to Arizona. With a license from another country, A.R.S. 28-3164 says MVD examines you as an original applicant but may waive the driving test if you meet medical standards and your license isn’t revoked or expired more than a year.

Common questions

Do I need a permit before my road test if I’m over 18 in Arizona?

You need to pass the written test. ADOT says that for applicants over 18, a passed written test takes the place of the six-month permit requirement. You need the permit to practice legally on public roads.

Do adults have to take driver’s ed in Arizona?

No. Driver education and the 30-hour certificate are part of the Class G rules for under-18s.

How long is an Arizona instruction permit valid?

12 months.

Who can supervise me on my permit?

A person aged 21 or older with a Class A, B, C or D license, sitting beside you.

Can I take my road test the day after I get my permit?

Arizona sets no minimum permit time for adults, so you can book as soon as you are ready and an appointment is available. Most beginners need weeks of practice first.

Can I use my phone on GPS while driving on a permit?

No. Permit holders may not use a wireless device for any reason while driving, except in a true emergency.

What if I’m 18 and still in high school driver ed?

You can finish the course, but at 18 you apply for a Class D license under the adult rules.

Start with the full Arizona license guide for everything else.

Sources

• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3153: Driver license issuance; prohibitions” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154: Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3158: Driver license or instruction permit application” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3164: Original applicants; examination” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3171: Driver license expiration and renewal” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174: Class G driver licenses; restrictions” (azleg.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Road Tests” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Practice Tests” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Driver License Classes and Types” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Fees: Driver License” (azdot.gov)
• Arizona Department of Transportation, “Arizona DL/ID Requirements” form 40-5144 (azdot.gov)