Did you know that a person under 18 must have the consent and signature of an adult to apply for a permit or driver license in Arizona? Under Arizona law, the adult who signs the application for a minor may also be financially responsible for damage or injuries caused by the minor driver. (A.R.S. § 28-3160)
Arizona’s graduated licensing system is designed to help new drivers gain experience and practice safe driving before receiving unrestricted driving privileges. The following sections explain the different types of licenses available to teen drivers in Arizona, along with the rules and restrictions that apply to each one.
Instruction Permit
Requirements & Restrictions
A person must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and must pass a vision test and written test in order to obtain an instruction permit. A person driving with an instruction permit may not drive alone. A licensed adult who is at least 21 years old must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is driving.
What Happens if the Restrictions Are Violated?
Breaking permit restrictions may lead to traffic citations, fines, points on a driving record, delays in obtaining a graduated license, or suspension of driving privileges depending on the situation.
Graduated License (Class G License)
Requirements & Restrictions
A person must be at least 16 years old, must have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months, and must pass a road test or complete an approved driver education program.
For the first 6 months of a graduated license, driving is generally not allowed between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or unless driving directly to or from work, school, religious activities, or a family emergency. Also during the first 6 months, a driver generally may not have more than one passenger under 18 unless the passengers are siblings or a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions no longer apply once the driver turns 18. (A.R.S. § 28-3164)
What Happens if the Restrictions Are Violated?
Breaking graduated license restrictions may lead to civil fines, points on a driving record, traffic school requirements, or suspension of driving privileges. Accumulating too many points on a driving record may also lead to additional license consequences.
Operator License (Full License / Class D License)
At age 18, drivers may qualify for an unrestricted operator license if all Arizona licensing requirements have been met. This license is no longer subject to the restrictions that apply to a graduated driver license.