What you need to know about Arizona's learner's permit test in 2019

Arizona's learner's permit test in 2019 has two parts: a written knowledge test and a vision screening. You must pass both before you can get your permit. The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at your local Motor Vehicle Division office, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely.

The test is open to anyone at least 15 years and 6 months old. You do not need a permit before taking the test — the test itself is how you get one. Once you pass, you can drive under supervision while you practice for your road test.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona's learner's permit test has a written portion covering traffic laws and road signs, plus a vision screening at the Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • You must score at least 80 percent on the written test to pass, and you can take it again the same day if you fail.
  • The test is open to anyone 15 years and 6 months or older, and there is no waiting period between attempts.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency when you go to take the test.
  • After you pass, your learner's permit is valid for one year and comes with specific driving restrictions you must follow.

What documents to bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

Bring your Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have one), a valid photo ID, and proof that you live in Arizona. Your photo ID can be a passport, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, a bank statement, or a government document with your name and current address.

If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms. Bring them with you or ask the Motor Vehicle Division office what paperwork they need before you go. Having everything ready saves time and keeps you from making a second trip.

How the written test is structured

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety. You have one hour to finish. The questions come from the Arizona Driver License Manual, which the Motor Vehicle Division publishes free online and in print at their offices.

You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day at no extra cost. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it when ready if you want to.

The vision screening and what it checks

Before you take the written test, you will have a vision screening at the Motor Vehicle Division office. An employee will check that you can see well enough to drive. The screening tests your visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your ability to see colors and peripheral vision (what you can see to the sides).

If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You can return later after you have seen an eye doctor and have a corrective lens prescription if needed. Some offices allow you to bring a letter from your eye doctor saying you meet the vision standard.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass both the written test and vision screening, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can then drive under supervision — meaning a licensed driver 18 or older must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times.

Your learner's permit comes with restrictions beyond supervision. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules are in place to keep new drivers safe while they build experience. You must follow them or risk losing your permit.

If you fail the written test

Failing the written test does not disqualify you from trying again. You can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another day. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the Arizona Driver License Manual more carefully.

If you fail multiple times, ask the Motor Vehicle Division staff which topics gave you the most trouble. They can point you to the sections of the manual you should focus on. Some people find it helpful to take practice tests online or study with a friend before returning.

Where to take the test and what to expect

You take the test at your local Motor Vehicle Division office. Arizona has offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or going on a weekday afternoon can mean a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents, arrive with time to spare, and be ready to spend an hour or more at the office. The vision screening takes just a few minutes, but the written test takes up to an hour, and there may be a wait before they call you. Plan for a full morning or afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test if I am 15 years old?

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the learner's permit test in Arizona. If you are younger than that, you will need to wait until you reach that age. The Motor Vehicle Division will not test you before then.

What if I fail the vision screening?

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrective lens prescription or a letter from your doctor saying you meet the vision standard. You can then retake the vision screening and written test on a later visit.

Do I need to study the Arizona Driver License Manual before I take the test?

The test covers material from the Arizona Driver License Manual, so studying it before you go will help you pass. The manual is free and available online or in print at Motor Vehicle Division offices. Most people who study the manual pass the test on their first or second attempt.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Arizona offers the written test in several languages besides English, including Spanish. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office to ask which languages they offer and whether you need to request a translated test in advance.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it. You can renew at a Motor Vehicle Division office, and the process is faster than getting your first permit.