If you’re here, you’re probably really eager about taking Arizona drivers ed, right? Okay, maybe not so eager about the drivers ed part, but you’re definitely eager about getting your driver license -- we can tell. But before you can get to the whole “cruising down the Arizona highways” part, you first must enroll in a drivers education program or complete 30 hours of driving practice. You’ve also gotta pass a written test, hold an instruction permit, take some documents to the DMV office and do few other things that we’ll describe in more detail throughout this post. Ready to get started on the road from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma? Let’s get started then!
Obtain Your Arizona Driver License in Three Steps
- Earn Your Learner's Permit
- Complete Drivers Ed
- Pass the Arizona MVD Road Test
Step 1: Get Your Learner’s Permit
Let’s take it from the top. At age 15 and 6 months you’re eligible to get an instruction permit, also known as a learner’s permit. All you need to do to get started is gather some documents that prove your identity and bring them to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office nearest you. Easy. Check out this list of all the documents you need to bring .
Once at the Arizona MVD office, you’ll need to have your parent or legal guardian sign a learner permit application in front of an Arizona MVD agent. Then you’re ready to take the vision exam and learner permit test. For the former, all you need is a solid pair of eyeballs. For the latter, you need to know some basic driving knowledge, which you easily prepare for by taking DMV practice tests and using an Arizona learner permit test prep course . The permit test itself is composed of multiple-choice questions, so it’ll be no sweat for you, young scholar, especially after taking a practice test or two. In total, the instruction permit process costs $7. So like, basically the same amount as a Starbucks Frappuccino. You got this.
Step 2: Take Drivers Ed
With your instruction permit in hand you’re now legally allowed to drive (with an adult in the passenger seat, of course.) But before you can can your driver’s license and kick mom and dad to the curb (not literally, okay?), you’ll need to get plenty of practice first. In Arizona, you can fulfill the requirement to get an Arizona driver license by logging 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice or by taking a state-approved drivers education course.
So why should you take drivers ed if it isn’t required? Several reasons. 1) Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident than any other age group, and those who have not taken drivers ed are even more at risk . 2) Drivers ed can actually save you money on car insurance. That’s right; many auto insurance companies give big, fat discounts to young drivers with driver education on their record. 3) Why not? Drivers ed can help you learn some driving skills and safe driving practices that you probably didn’t know from watching mom or dad drive as well as prepare you for events like breaking down on the highway, buying your first car and talking to friends about the dangers of drinking and driving. All good stuff. Nowadays, you don’t even have to sit in a classroom to complete a drivers education class. There are plenty of online drivers education programs accompanied by behind-the-wheel training See here for a list of approved driving schools in Arizona .
If you choose to have a parent certify that you’ve completed 30 hours of driving practice instead, make sure you use this form .
Step 3: Pass the Road Test
Yes, there’s lots of forms and education requirements in order to get an Arizona driver license, but they’re all for naught if you can’t pass the driving test. This exam is administered by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and is the final step before getting your license. It’s a skills test that will evaluate you on your ability to handle certain traffic situations, like changing lanes, slowing down and turning. Piece o’ cake. Remember, before you can take the road test, you have to be at least 16 years old and have held a learner permit for at least 6 months.
When you to the Arizona DMV to take the road test, make sure you don’t go empty handed. Check out the list of items you need to bring with, including your own car. (Well, mom’s car … let’s be real.) You’ll need to cough up a grand total of $25 to get your driver license, but after that, freedom is yours!
Step 4: Drive On
Freedom … FREEDOM … FREEDOM …. You’ve gotta give for what you take. Welcome to the road, my friend.