Licensing & State Laws

At age 15 and 6 months, teens can apply for a graduated instruction permit in the state of Arizona. To do so, both teen and parent must visit their local driver exam office with two forms of identification. Teens must pass a written driver’s knowledge test, pay a $7 fee and pass a vision test to receive a graduated instruction permit.

• DMV Practice Questions - Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.

With a graduated instruction permit, teens may only drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older supervising and sitting in the front seat. Teens are required to practice driving for at least 30 hours, including 10 hours at night, while supervised before they’re allowed a graduated drivers license.

When teens turn 16, have had a graduated instruction permit for at least six months and have completed 30 hours of practice driving, they can apply for this graduated driver license. Teens must bring two forms of ID and a $25 application fee to the DMV. The teens also must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test and provide proof of the 30 hours of practice driving. Legal guardians must accompany their teens to sign the application form, or their signature must be notarized on the form.   

 

A teen with a graduated driver license is allowed to drive alone, but must follow certain restrictions. They may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (Some exceptions are granted.) They are also prohibited from driving with more than one non-family member passenger under age 18, unless a licensed parent or legal guardian is seated next to them in the vehicle. Teen drivers and all passengers are required to wear safety belts.

 

If the teen driver has no outstanding extensions of the restricted driving period or suspension of driving privileges while completing the first six months of restricted driving, the teen may drive without restriction until eligible to apply for a Class D driver license at age 18. AAA encourages parents to maintain their own additional rules.

 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), through its Motor Vehicle Department, is in charge of licensing for all drivers in Arizona. The ADOT conducts the written exam and road test needed to get a driver’s license. It also provides study materials to help your teen get ready for the exams.