Arkansas Instruction Permit: State Police Tests First, DFA Issues the Card

You apply for an Arkansas Instruction Permit (Class D Learner's License), also called an Arkansas DFA learner's permit, through a two-stop process. You cannot complete it at a single location.

How Do You Apply for an Arkansas Instruction Permit at ASP and DFA?

Pass the knowledge and vision tests at Arkansas State Police (ASP) first, then take your score sheet to a DFA Revenue Office to pay fees and receive your permit card. You cannot do both at the same location.

• Step 1: Pass Tests at Arkansas State Police (ASP). You must be at least 14 years old. Schedule an appointment through the ASP online scheduler. Bring original documents: a certified U.S. birth certificate, your signed Social Security card, and if under 18, the completed ASP-33 Parent Affidavit form proving school enrollment and a 2.0 GPA. A parent or guardian must accompany you with their Real ID and two proofs of Arkansas residency. Download the ASP testing checklist for under-18 applicants to verify you have everything. Pass the vision and 25-question knowledge test (score 80%).
• Step 2: Issue Permit at DFA Revenue Office. Take your ASP-issued passing score sheet to a DFA Revenue Office that offers Driver Services. Pay the $40 license fee and $5 testing fee. They will take your photo and print your physical permit. Review complete fee breakdown for exact payment details.

Review the Arkansas Driver License Manual before testing to prepare. Download it from Arkansas State Police.

What paperwork do you get after passing the Arkansas permit test?

Keep the passing test paperwork Arkansas State Police gives you. You take that proof to DFA so the Revenue Office can finish the permit transaction and issue your credential. See the ASP Driver Examination page for the current testing process.

Split Testing and Card Issuance by Agency in Arkansas

Testing happens at an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troop site; card issuance happens at a DFA Revenue Office with "Driver Services", two separate locations, always.

You apply in-person at two separate government agencies. Walk-ins for testing are rarely accepted, and frankly, showing up without an appointment is asking for disappointment.

• Testing Location: Arkansas State Police Troop Headquarters or satellite sites (e.g., county courthouses). You are not restricted to your home county. Use the ASP Scheduler to book your knowledge test appointment. Review all testing locations to find the closest site.
• Issuance Location: A DFA Revenue Office with 'Driver Services.' Verify using the DFA Office Locator filter. Do not go to a 'Title & Tag Only' office.

Most teens mistakenly think they can test and pay in one place. They can't. Book your ASP test appointment first, pass it, then visit DFA.

Can I take the Arkansas permit test in one county and get my permit in another?

Yes. Driver testing is offered statewide, and the DFA issuance step can be completed at a Revenue Office that handles Driver Services. Your ASP testing site and DFA office do not have to be in the same county.

What if I leave ASP without my passing paperwork? Contact the testing location before going to DFA. Do not make the second trip until you know what ASP wants you to bring as proof that you passed.

Document and Appointment Problems That Can Delay ASP Testing

Document errors can stop the application before testing begins. Bring the original documents and age-specific forms required for your situation; the Required Documents guide covers the full checklist.

Also confirm your ASP appointment and make sure the DFA office you plan to visit offers Driver Services. Detailed appointment timing, office hours, and cutoff guidance belong in the dedicated appointment and DFA-hours guides.