How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Arizona?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to get a learner's permit in Arizona. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Arizona?

Arizona intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Arizona?

In Arizona, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Arizona Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Arizona uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15.5
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 30 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: No more than 1 passenger under 18 for first 6 months; family members exempt. Secondary enforcement.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

GDL violations are secondary enforcement; penalties include fines and potential license suspension for repeated offenses

Arizona-Specific Information

Nighttime curfew and passenger restrictions are secondary enforcement only. Supervised hours can be reduced to 20 with a defensive driving course or waived entirely with approved driver education.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Arizona gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Arizona at age 15.5. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Arizona restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Arizona, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: No more than 1 passenger under 18 for first 6 months; family members exempt. Secondary enforcement..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Arizona at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.