Arkansas Teen Driving Laws, Insurance Requirements & Drivers License

Arkansas has an incremental licensing program for teen drivers. This article explains how this program works, including the restrictions for underage drivers and the requirements for advancing to a full, unrestricted license.

What Are the Stages of Arkansas's Graduated License Program?

Arkansas's graduated license program is for teens who are between the ages of 14 and 18. The program involves three levels:

• Level 1 – The Learners License
• Level 2 - The Intermediate License
• Level 3 - The Regular License

Below, we explain the requirements and restrictions for each license type. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-804 (2024).)

How Do I Get a Learner's License to Start Driving in Arkansas?

Generally, getting a learner's permit is the first step toward a driver's license. Keep reading to learn about the requirements for this type of license and what a learner's license lets you do.

Requirements for a Learner's License

You must be 14 years old to qualify for a learner's license. To receive a learner's license the teen driver must pass both written and road tests given by the Arkansas State Police. In addition, the teen driver must pass a vision exam and have no record of serious accidents or driving convictions within the preceding six months.

What You Can Do With a Learner's License

Once the teen driver has received the learner's license:

• a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old must accompany the learner's license holder anytime the teen driver is driving.
• all passengers must have their seat belts attached at all times.
• the use of a cellular phone or other interactive wireless device while driving is prohibited unless for emergency purposes. (Read more about Arkansas' driving laws on cell phone usage.)

A learner's license expires on the teen's 16th birthday.

When Can I Get an Arkansas Intermediate Driver's License?

An intermediate license is the second step in Arkansas's graduated license program. Below, we explain who qualifies for and the restrictions that apply to the intermediate license.

Prerequisites for an Intermediate License

A 16-year-old can apply for an intermediate driver's license if he or she has had no serious traffic convictions or accidents within the preceding six months. Otherwise, the teen must wait until six months have passed since the last conviction or accident.

Intermediate License Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to intermediate license holders:

• all passengers, including the driver must be wearing a seat belt at all times.
• the use of a cellular phone or other interactive wireless device while driving is prohibited except for emergency purposes.
• intermediate license holders must have an adult with them in the car for the first six months of holding the license.
• intermediate license holders can't have more than one "unrelated minor passenger" unless a driver who's at least 21 years old is in the front seat.
• intermediate license holders can't drive between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a driver who's at least 21 years old or the driving is related to school or church activities or employment.

Typically, intermediate licenses expire when the licensee reaches the age of 18.

When Will I be Able to Get My Full, Unrestricted Arkansas Driver's License?

Generally, Arkansas will issue a full, unrestricted license once a teen driver reaches age 18. However, the promotion is contingent on the teen having had no serious traffic convictions or serious accidents for the preceding 12 months. Otherwise, the driver's license will continue with an intermediate license until 12 months has passed since the most recent violation or accident.

Arkansas Insurance Requirements

Every driver in the State of Arkansas must be covered by minimum liability coverage.The minimum liability allowed in the State of Arkansas is:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury,
• $50,000 for each accident and
• $25,000 for property damage.

Drivers who don't carry a minimum of liability insurance will not be able to renew their licenses or register their vehicles.

For more information on Arkansas teen driving and insurance requirements please use the State of Arkansas links below.