How To Get a Driver's License in Arizona

An automobile can be driven legally only when the driver possesses a driver’s license. You may need a driver’s license in Arizona to apply for a license or to transfer a license from another state. People aged 16 years or older can acquire an Arizona driver’s license in the state when they are new drivers. However, they are required to drive a two-wheeler and a motorcycle in Arizona before they can get a permit. There are also specific steps that you should undertake when you want to get your driving license transferred from another state.

Arizona Driver's License

Types of Driver’s Licences in Arizona

Before we move on to the steps required to obtain a driver’s license in Arizona, below is some information on the different kinds of driver’s licenses available in the state.

Class D/G Driver’s license: This is the standard license required for drivers who wish to operate a vehicle that is neither commercial nor a motorcycle. A Class G driver’s license is for teenagers aged between 16 and 18 years. It is also called the graduate driver’s license. The class D driver’s license is for adults or people over 18 years of age.

Class A/B/C Driver’s license: these driver’s licenses belong to the commercial class of driving licenses. People who hold a Class B driver’s license can drive a commercial vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Those having a Class A driver’s license can drive a car that is hauling a trailer of GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more, and where the combined weight is 26,001 pounds or more. People with Class C driver’s licenses can drive vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials that are placarded for it.

Class M: Individuals who wish to drive a motorcycle and hold a motorcycle license should obtain a Class M license. Individuals aged 16 years or older can apply for this license.

The Basic Requirements for Applying for a Driver’s Licence in Arizona

There are certain basic conditions that a person must meet to apply for a driver’s license in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires that the applicant provide his or her Social Security Number at the time of applying for the license. The applicant must also demonstrate legal authorization to reside in both Arizona and the United States of America. Some documents that can prove handy here include the Arizona travel ID, a license from another state, a previous Arizona license, or a commercial driver’s license. If you want to apply for a license in Arizona, you should therefore ensure that you have your Social Security Card and number ready with you.

Applying for the Driver’s Licence

To apply for a license in Arizona, the applicant will have to undertake a road test as well as a written knowledge test. There is also a vision test done to assess the eyesight of the applicant.

Instruction Permit

Those between 151/2 and 18 years of age need to apply first for the instruction permit. A teenager can also apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. Under the license, the teenager can obtain driving experience under the supervision of a driver holding a Class D license or a commercial class license (including Class A, B, or C license). The application can be completed at an authorized third-party driver license provider or a branch of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).

The application form can also be filled out online. Certain documents are necessary, and the teenager will also have to pass the vision test. The application fee for the process is $ 7. The teenager will be required to undergo the written knowledge test at the authorized third-party location, at the MVD branch, or online at home.

Once the permit is issued, the teenager can practice supervised driving under the supervision of someone holding a driver’s license and at least 21 years of age. The license is sent to the teenager through the mail within 15 days.

Suppose you have an instruction permit and have the requisite experience in driving. In that case, you may not need to undergo the written test for other licenses, like the graduated or the adult license.

Graduated Permit and Driver’s Licence

Teenagers who are between 16 and 18 years of age can obtain a Class G license. The license has additional restrictions compared to the adult license. However, the Class G license holders can drive without any supervision. The applicant will also have to undergo the written test if he/she does not hold an instruction permit.

Adult Permit and Driver’s Licence

This is called the Class D license. Individuals at least 18 years of age are eligible to apply for this license, which allows them to drive all non-commercial and non-motorcycle vehicles upon obtaining it. The applicants will have to undergo tests, including the written and the vision test, to get the license.

Commercial Permit or Licence

The commercial permanent driving license is for driving commercial vehicles. This license may be classified as Class A, B, or C, depending on the weight of the car that would be driven.

Cost of Obtaining a Driver’s Licence in Arizona

As stated earlier, the cost of the instruction permit or license is only $7. However, the cost of other kinds of licenses may vary.

  • Cost of driver’s license for people aged between 16 and 39 years: $ 25
  • Cost of driver’s license for people aged between 40 and 44: $ 20
  • Cost of driver’s license for people aged between 45 and 49: $ 15
  • Cost of driver’s license for people aged 50 years or older: $ 10.
  • Cost of a student on a military license: $ 10

Transferring your Driver’s license to Arizona

If you are moving from another state to Arizona, you do not need to retake the written test or road test. However, you may require some documents. These include:

  • A proof of your social security number.
  • The driver’s license from the other state.
  • Two documents that can reveal your identity, age, and residency in Arizona (included in the list of accepted documents).

The application can be made online itself, or you can also go to the nearest MVD branch. However, the applicant still needs to undertake the vision test.