Getting your Arkansas learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the three items an under-18 applicant must bring before the written test can begin.
• You can explain how a parent or guardian gives consent, including the ASP-33 form.
• You can state the Arkansas vision standards.
• You can book a test appointment and know what to watch first.
• You can explain what the permit lets you do and how long it lasts.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 14 to apply for an instruction permit.
• Tests are booked through the ASP statewide driver testing scheduler, and you must watch a short video on what to do during a traffic stop first.
• Minors who are US citizens must show an original or certified US birth certificate. Hospital certificates, photocopies and laminated copies are not accepted.
• A parent or legal guardian must sign, either in person with their state license or ID, or by using the ASP-33 affidavit.
• A $5 fee applies to each written exam attempt. It is added to the cost of your license and collected by DFA.
• You need at least 20/40 vision without lenses for an unrestricted license, or 20/70 with glasses or contacts for a restricted one.
• The permit lasts two years from the day you pass and cannot be renewed.

The under-18 checklist, item by item

No laminated, scanned or photocopied documents are accepted for any item. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

1. Proof of who you are: an original or certified US birth certificate, or a Birth Abroad Certificate if you were born outside the US to US citizens. A US passport cannot be used as the primary document by a minor who is a US citizen. Non-citizens bring immigration documents such as a passport with visa and I-94 or a Permanent Resident Card.
2. A parent or legal guardian signature: the parent comes in with a state driver's license or ID, or signs an ASP-33 affidavit. A stepparent cannot sign without proof of adoption, and guardians bring court papers.
3. A secondary item: the ASP-33 affidavit, signed in front of the examiner or notarized and handed in within 30 days.

Applicants aged 18 and older

Adults bring two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document. Primary examples include a US birth certificate, a US passport or passport card, or a Permanent Resident Card. Secondary examples include a state ID, a certified school transcript, a marriage certificate or an IRS tax return from the last two years (a W-2 is not accepted). If names do not match across documents, bring the marriage, divorce or adoption paper that links them.

Passing the vision screening

Every applicant takes a vision test. You also need a field of vision of 140 degrees with two working eyes, or 105 degrees with one. If you fail, you may be referred to an eye doctor using form ASP-90. ASP accepts that form only from an Arkansas optometrist, not an out-of-state or online one, and it stays valid for one year.

Once you hold the permit

Drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older beside you, with everyone belted. Our deeper guides on the Arkansas permit test and learning to drive in Arkansas cover fees and next steps.

Common mistakes

• Bringing a photocopy or the hospital souvenir birth certificate. Only an original or certified copy is accepted.
• Sending a stepparent to sign without adoption papers. Consent must come from a parent or legal guardian.
• Getting a vision form from an out-of-state or online optometrist. ASP only accepts Arkansas optometrists.
• Turning up without booking or without watching the required traffic stop video.

Test yourself: Getting your Arkansas learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Arkansas Permit Test
• Arkansas Permit Practice Test
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Arkansas