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Arkansas driving lesson · Your License

Learner's, Intermediate & Class D licenses

A 3-minute lesson from the Arkansas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
15, 16

Arkansas started its graduated driver's license program on July 1, 2001. It lets new drivers build experience in steps: permit, then a restricted Learner's or Intermediate License, then the unrestricted Class D at 18.

Graduated licenses at a glance

Graduated licenses at a glance
LicenseAgesKey limit
Instruction Permit14 and olderLicensed driver 21+ in the seat beside you
Learner's License14 to 16Licensed driver 21+ must accompany you
Intermediate License16 to 18Restricted 6 months; passenger and night limits
Class D License18 and olderNon-restricted
Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

For a Learner's, Intermediate or Class D license you need a valid instruction permit showing you completed the knowledge, vision and skills tests; then you go to any Arkansas Revenue Office.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

A Learner's License stays restricted until BOTH your 16th birthday AND 6 months of restricted driving are complete.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

You can't get a Learner's License if you were in any traffic crash or convicted of a serious traffic violation in the 6 months before you apply.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

An Intermediate License is restricted for 6 months from the permit issue date or until your 16th birthday; if the 6 months are already met when you turn 16, no restriction is applied.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

While restricted, an Intermediate driver needs a licensed driver 21 or older along. The restricted period is recorded on the back of the license.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Learner's and Intermediate drivers: all passengers must wear seat belts, and cell phone use (talking or texting) is illegal except in an emergency.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
1

Most unrelated minor passengers an Intermediate driver may carry, unless a licensed driver 21+ is in the front seat

Handbook p. 16 ↗
11:00 pm – 4:00 am

Hours an Intermediate driver may not drive, unless an exception applies

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Intermediate night-driving exceptions:

  • Accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older
  • Driving to or from a school activity
  • Driving to or from a church activity
  • Driving to or from a job
  • An emergency
Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

A Class D driver who is at least 18 but under 21 may use a hands-free phone or device; a hand-held phone is for emergencies only. Texting is not allowed at any age.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 17 with an Intermediate License. Driving home from your restaurant shift at 11:30 pm is allowed (job exception). Driving two friends from school to the movies is not allowed, unless a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is the age range for an Arkansas Learner's License?
  1. 15 to 17
  2. 16 to 18
  3. 14 to 18
  4. 14 to 16

Answer: 14 to 16

The Learner's License is a restricted license for persons between fourteen (14) and sixteen (16) years of age.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
A Learner's License stays restricted until which point?
  1. The driver turns 16 and completes 6 months of restricted driving
  2. The driver turns 16, regardless of driving time
  3. The driver completes 3 months of restricted driving
  4. The driver passes a second skills test

Answer: The driver turns 16 and completes 6 months of restricted driving

The Learner's License restriction lasts until the sixteenth birthday AND completion of six (6) months of restricted driving.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
A Learner's License application can be denied if the applicant had a crash or serious violation within how many months before applying?
  1. 3 months
  2. 12 months
  3. 24 months
  4. 6 months

Answer: 6 months

The applicant cannot have been in a crash or convicted of a serious traffic violation in the preceding six (6) months.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
How many unrelated minor passengers may ride with an unsupervised Intermediate License driver?
  1. 0
  2. 2
  3. 1
  4. 3

Answer: 1

An Intermediate License driver may not carry more than one (1) unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
An Intermediate License holder generally may not drive alone between which hours?
  1. 10:00 pm and 5:00 am
  2. Midnight and 5:00 am
  3. 9:00 pm and 6:00 am
  4. 11:00 pm and 4:00 am

Answer: 11:00 pm and 4:00 am

Intermediate License holders cannot drive between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am without an adult 21 or older, absent an exception.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
An Intermediate License driver may carry more than one unrelated minor passenger if a licensed driver 21 or older sits in the front seat.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

The one-unrelated-minor-passenger limit does not apply when a licensed driver 21 or older occupies the front seat.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
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