How to book your Arkansas driving test appointment
You schedule your Arkansas driving test through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division — the state agency that runs the test program. You cannot book online; you must call or visit in person at a Driver Services office. When you call, have your learner's permit number ready, and the staff member will ask you which office location you prefer and what dates work for you. They will give you a specific date and time on the spot.
The phone number for Driver Services is 501-682-7060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. If you prefer to book in person, you can visit any Driver Services office in Arkansas — there are locations in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and several other cities. Bring your learner's permit and be ready to tell them your preferred test date.
You must have held your learner's permit for at least 14 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period starts the day you receive your permit, so plan your appointment accordingly. If you book a test date that falls before the 14 days are up, your appointment will be cancelled.
Key Takeaways
- Call 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to schedule your test, or visit a Driver Services office in person.
- You must have held your learner's permit for at least 14 days before the test date, so book accordingly.
- Have your learner's permit number ready when you call, and tell the staff member which office location and dates you prefer.
- Driver Services will confirm your appointment time when ready; write it down and arrive 15 minutes early on test day.
What to bring to your test appointment
Bring your learner's permit and a valid photo ID — your passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. You will also need proof of your Social Security number; a Social Security card, birth certificate, or tax return are acceptable. If you do not have these documents, call Driver Services ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept.
Bring the vehicle you will use for the test. It must be registered and insured in Arkansas, have valid license plates, and pass a safety inspection — working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you will not be able to test that day.
Where Arkansas Driver Services offices are located
Arkansas has Driver Services offices in multiple cities across the state. The main office is in Little Rock at 1900 West Seventh Street. There are also offices in Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, and Hot Springs. When you call to book your appointment, ask which location is most convenient for you, and the staff member will tell you the address and parking information.
Some smaller towns do not have a Driver Services office, so you may need to travel to the nearest city. If you live far from any office, plan extra time for travel on test day. Arriving late will result in a missed appointment, and you will have to reschedule.
How long the test appointment takes
The road test itself lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking — while they observe and score your performance. However, you should plan to be at the office for 45 minutes to an hour total, because you will need time to check in, have your documents reviewed, and do the vehicle safety inspection before the test begins.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the examiner may not test you that day, and you will lose your appointment slot. You will have to call back and reschedule.
What happens if you fail or pass your test
If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will then go back inside the office to pay the license fee (the amount varies but is typically under $30) and have your photo taken. Your driver's license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not pass, the examiner will explain which tasks you need to practice. You can reschedule another test by calling Driver Services again. There is no waiting period between failed tests — you can book your next appointment as soon as you feel ready. Many people take the test two or three times before passing, so do not be discouraged.
Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment
If you need to change your test date, call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 as soon as possible. Tell them your current appointment date and time, and they will help you pick a new one. Cancelling and rescheduling over the phone is free and takes just a few minutes.
If you cancel without rescheduling, your appointment slot opens up for another test-taker. If you miss an appointment without calling to cancel, you may be charged a no-show fee the next time you try to book. It is always better to call ahead if your plans change.
Preparing for your test appointment
Before your appointment, practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, busier roads, parking lots, and highway driving if possible. Ask a licensed adult to supervise you (this is required by your learner's permit anyway). Practice the specific skills the examiner will watch: smooth starts and stops, turning without hitting the curb, backing in a straight line, and parking in a space.
Get a good night's sleep before test day, and eat a light meal so you are not hungry or tired during the test. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you work the pedals easily. Bring a bottle of water. On test day, leave home early enough to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, even if you think you know where the office is — traffic or parking can take longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book my test appointment online?
No. Arkansas does not offer online booking for driving tests. You must call 501-682-7060 or visit a Driver Services office in person to schedule your appointment. Calling is usually faster if you know which office location you prefer.
How far in advance can I book my test?
You can book as far ahead as you want, but remember that you must have held your learner's permit for at least 14 days before the test date. Many people book 2 to 4 weeks in advance to get their preferred date and time. During busy seasons, appointments may fill up faster, so calling early is a good idea.
What if I do not have a vehicle to use for the test?
You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes the safety inspection. If you do not own a car, ask a family member or friend if you can borrow theirs for the test. Make sure the vehicle is in good working order before you book your appointment.
Can someone else take the test for me or help me during the test?
No. You must take the test yourself, and only you and the examiner are in the vehicle during the road test. The examiner is there to observe and score your driving, not to help you. If you need more practice before you feel ready, reschedule your appointment and practice more with your learner's permit.
What if I fail my test — do I have to wait before I can take it again?
No waiting period. You can reschedule your next test when ready by calling Driver Services. Many people take the test more than once, so failing does not set you back permanently. Use the feedback from the examiner to practice the skills you need to improve.