If you live in Arizona and you have a car, you need a driver’s license to be legally on the roads. According to its regulations, the minimum age to drive is 16 years old, but you will need to apply for a permit, and then get your license.
You can get either of them in the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), specifically contacting the Motor Vehicle Division (MDV) in any of its 40 offices across the state.
In this article, we will show you the process and requirements to get yours.
Types of licenses according to the vehicle
Class D/G
This is the most common for vehicles of daily-use. It is for two kinds of people:
- D (related to the Full Driver’s License): for adults over 18 years old.
- G (related to the Graduated License): for teenagers between 16 and 18 years old.
Class A/B/C
Also known as “Commercial Driver Licenses” or CDL; these are issued only for heavyweight vehicles. Each letter corresponds to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR):
- A: from 10,001 to 26,000 pounds.
- B: 26,001 pounds or more.
- C: when carrying 16 passengers or more, or using a “hazardous material” placard.
Class M
It is designed for drivers with motorcycles and any of its variants.
➡ READ ALSO: How to beat a traffic ticket 10 proven methods
Types of licenses according to your age
General requirements include a written knowledge test, a practice driving, and a vision-road test. However, the process might be different depending on your age.
Instruction Permit
This is generally to first-time teenagers, from 15 to 18 years old, who will be allowed to drive under supervision; must be a person of at least 21 years old with a Class D, A, B, or C license.
This is the first step if you have never driven before.
Requirements:
- Application form: You can apply in person at any local MVD office or in this portal: apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx.
- Consent: When writing down your information, there will be a space to put your parent or guardian consent; it must be signed by both parents and witnessed by an MVD agent or a notary public.
- Identification: You must provide two documents from this list, including your Social security number.
- Vision test: You need to have a 20/40 uncorrected vision score.
- Fee: Pay $7.00 (in cash, check, credit card, or money order payable to the MVD).
- Written knowledge test: You can take the test in an MVD office, and you should score at least 80% to pass it. Note that you only have three chances (in a year).
- Receive the permit: You will get it in your mail in 15 days.
Graduated License
For people from 16 to 18 years old; this license will allow you to drive unsupervised under certain conditions:
- You cannot drive with more than one person in the car who is under 18 years, unless a parent or guardian is present.
- You cannot drive from 12 am until 5 am, unless a parent or guardian is present.
Requirements:
- Have an instruction permit for six months (at least).
- Driving practice: You must provide a certification (written by your parent or guardian) saying that you have had at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night).
- Application form: Click here to fill it apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx.
- Consent: When writing down your information, there will be a space to put your parent or guardian consent; it must be signed by both parents and witnessed by an MVD agent or a notary public.
- Identification: You must provide two documents from this list, including your Social security number.
- Road test: Schedule an appointment to take the test at your nearest MVD office.
- Fee: Pay $25.00 (in cash, check, credit card, or money order payable to the MVD).
- Receive the license: You will get it in your mail in 15 days.
Full (Adult) License
This one is for people of 18 years old or over; in this case, if it is your first time requesting a driver’s license, you can skip the permit and apply directly for the Full (Adult) License.
Requirements:
- Application form: you can apply in person at any local MVD office, or in this portal: apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx.
- Identification: You must provide two documents from this list, including your Social security number.
- Written knowledge test: (Only if you do not have an Instruction Permit) You can take the test in an MVD office, and you should score at least 80% to pass it. Note that you only have three chances (in a year).
- Road test: Schedule an appointment to take the test at your nearest MVD office.
- Fee: Pay the fee according to your age (in cash, check, credit card, or money order payable to the MVD).
- Receive the license: You will get it in your mail in 15 days.
Practice test
For your convenience, here is an online free test that you can take to get prepared:
- Written knowledge test: https://driving-tests.org/arizona.