Arkansas DMV Cheat Sheet
A condensed study guide for the Arkansas DPS written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the Arkansas-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official Arkansas driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just Arkansas? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.
25Questions
80%To Pass
Varies by license type -- see the Arkansas Revenue Office for current feesFee
- Test length varies: Arkansas's knowledge exam is 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. This site's own Arkansas practice test models the same 25-question, 80%-passing format.
- Fee: The study guide doesn't publish a specific fee table for permits or licenses -- check with an Arkansas Revenue Office directly, since fees are subject to change.
- Documents required:
- Proof of name, residential address, and date of birth
- Parent or legal guardian consent (if under 18)
- Original birth certificate (Class M applicants ages 16-17)
- Completed application
- If you don't pass: The study guide doesn't publish a fixed wait period or retest fee -- check with an Arkansas Revenue Office for current retest procedures.
- Online testing: Appointments for knowledge and skills tests can be scheduled at telegov.egov.com/aspdlskills -- different appointment types exist for driver's license/motorcycle permit tests, tests for learning differences, and skills tests, so selecting the right one matters.
Arkansas-Specific Rules
Minor & Provisional Licensing
- An instruction permit can be issued at 14, requiring the knowledge exam and vision test, and stays valid two years from the date the exam was passed.
- A Learner's License (14-16) stays restricted until the holder turns 16 AND completes six months of restricted driving -- both conditions must be met.
- An Intermediate License (16-18) is restricted six months from permit issuance or until age 16, whichever comes first -- if already met by 16, no restriction applies.
- An Intermediate License holder can't carry more than one unrelated minor passenger unless a 21+ driver is in the front seat, and can't drive 11 p.m.-4 a.m. without a 21+ driver or a qualifying activity.
- A Class D driver 18 but under 21 may use hands-free for calls (hand-held only for emergencies) -- but texting is banned outright regardless of age.
- At 18, moving from an Intermediate License to a full Class D license requires a clean driving record for the previous year.
- The Class M motorcycle skills exam is waivable by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Riders Course, certificate returned within 90 days.
- A Class MD license (ages 14-15) is capped at 250cc, with the knowledge exam valid one year.
- A Class MD license automatically expires one month after the holder turns 16.
- A Motorized Bicycle Certificate (ages 14-15) restricts the holder to 50cc or less.
- All passengers riding with an instruction permit, Learner's, or Intermediate License holder must wear seat belts -- broader than the general front-seat-only law.
Licensing Procedure & Documents
- A new resident must get an Arkansas license within 30 calendar days of becoming a resident; a nonresident present six months must also get one.
- An out-of-state license can be used in Arkansas as long as it hasn't been expired more than 30 calendar days.
- Vision requirements: 20/40 uncorrected for unrestricted, 20/70 corrected for restricted; peripheral vision 140° (two eyes) or 105° (one eye).
- A U.S. military spouse whose license expired while living abroad can get an Arkansas license without testing, under Act 235 of 2005.
DUI Laws & Penalties
- The legal BAC limit is 0.08%, but a driver in a crash or serious traffic offense can be charged with DWI at just 0.04%.
- A first alcohol-violation conviction: $150-$1,000 fine plus court costs, up to 1 year in jail, and a 120-day license suspension.
- A driver under 21 can be arrested for Underage DUI at just 0.02% BAC -- license can be revoked until they turn 21, with a fine up to $2,000.
- The officer chooses which chemical test (breath, urine, or saliva) to request -- refusal can mean losing driving privileges.
- Any driver under 21 convicted of buying or possessing alcohol -- separate from a DUI charge -- faces suspension, revocation, or disqualification.
Rules of the Road
- For an approaching emergency vehicle, pull right -- but drive through an intersection first if you're already in one.
- On a multilane highway, move to the farthest lane from a stopped law enforcement vehicle when possible; violating this can mean a fine up to $1,000, jail, or a suspension up to six months.
- Stop completely for a school bus with red lights flashing, regardless of your position -- unless a median at least 20 feet wide separates the roadways.
- Passing a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor ($250-$1,000, up to 90 days jail); under Isaac's Law, negligently causing a death this way is a Class C felony.
- Passing a stopped law enforcement officer, move to the farthest lane if possible; if unsafe, reduce speed instead.
Crashes & Insurance
- Notify police immediately for a crash causing injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage -- you can't leave until police gather the information they need.
- Hitting a parked, unattended vehicle still requires trying to locate the owner before leaving.
- A first littering conviction: up to $1,000 fine and 8 hours community service; a second within 3 years: up to $2,000 and 24 hours.
Child Passenger Safety
- A child under 6 who also weighs less than 60 pounds must be in a properly secured child safety seat; all children under 15 must wear appropriate restraints.
- The seat belt law is a primary offense -- driver and front-seat passenger unbelted, fine up to $25 plus court costs.
- It's illegal to knowingly smoke tobacco in a vehicle carrying a passenger under 14.
- On a 90-degree day, a parked car's interior reaches outdoor temperature within five minutes, then climbs about 15 degrees every nine minutes after that.
Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with Arkansas DPS before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-03.