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

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas?

Arkansas intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Arkansas?

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

Arkansas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Arkansas 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

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14
Holding period: 6 months
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: No more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not a family member
Cell phone use banned: Yes

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

Violations may result in fines and license suspension; cell phone ban for teens under 18 is secondary enforcement

Arkansas-Specific Information

Arkansas does not require a minimum number of supervised driving hours. Exceptions to curfew for work, school, church, and emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Arkansas 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 Arkansas at age 14. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Arkansas restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Arkansas, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: No more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not a family member.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Arkansas 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.