Arkansas driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Arkansas asks, answered in two or three sentences from Arkansas’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Arkansas law says you must hand over your driver's license, proof of insurance and registration when an officer asks for them.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 3 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Arkansas has a No Texting Law: you can't send or read texts while driving, at any age.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 46 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
With what Arkansas calls an intermediate license, you can't drive from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The exception: a licensed driver 21 or older rides along, and you're going to school, church, work or an emergency.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 4 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
With an intermediate license, you can have only 1 friend who isn't family in the car. That changes if a licensed driver 21 or older rides in the front seat.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual pp. 3, 4 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the knowledge test, the Arkansas State Police make you wait 5 calendar days before you can retest.
Sources: Arkansas State Police (Arkansas Department of Public Safety) — Division of the Arkansas State Police Non-Commercial Driver's License Testing Rules · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
Your instruction permit lasts 2 years from the day you pass the knowledge exam. Pass the skills exam and buy your license before it expires. Otherwise you must retake every part of the driver's exam.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual pp. 3, 86 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance with limits of at least $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000. You must show proof of it when an officer asks.
Sources: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services — Safety Responsibility – Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration · Arkansas driver’s manual p. 3 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop. Arkansas law says to move the car off the road so it doesn't block traffic. Get the names and addresses of everyone involved, including anyone hurt and any witnesses.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual pp. 80, 81 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 42 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not if you're under 18: no phone at all while driving, not even hands-free. From 18 you may use hands-free, and from 21 a phone, though it's never safe.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 46 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
On your instruction permit, you may only drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older sitting beside you.
Sources: Arkansas driver’s manual p. 3 · as of 4 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
Any question about Arkansas driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Arkansas’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question