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Arkansas Drivers License

ATTENTION: This information is provided as a courtesy from the Center for Global Learning & Engagement to international students at the University of Central Arkansas. If you are a domestic or American student, please refer to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicle

Navigating the process of obtaining a license in a new country can be complex, but we are here to ensure you have the guidance and support needed to drive safely and legally in Arkansas.

This section provides essential information for international students regarding the specific requirements you must meet to obtain an Arkansas drivers license and a step-by-step walkthrough of the driving test process.

Whether you have an existing drivers license with your home country or are getting behind the wheel for the first time, the below resources are designed to help you transition smoothly into the local community.

Before You Obtain Your Arkansas Drivers License

Foreign Drivers License

  • All drivers must have a valid unexpired license issued by one of the 50 states (U.S.) or territories. You may also drive legally in Arkansas with a license from your home country if you also have an international license (both are required). Other states may have different laws regarding international/foreign licenses.
  • The State of Arkansas requires that you obtain an Arkansas driver’s license if you will be in the state for more than 6 months.
  • Driving without a valid license is illegal and may affect your future visa applications.

Driving Legally

  • Driver’s licenses from different states are recognized throughout the entire country.
  • All owners of vehicles in Arkansas must have automobile insurance. Failure to present proof of coverage when stopped by a police officer can result in a fine or loss of your license.
  • Drinking and driving carry heavy penalties. You must not be under the influence of alcohol or even have an opened alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. This is true regardless of age. Any arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) will result in the cancellation of your F-1 or J-1 visa.
  • If you are involved in an accident, you must call the police immediately and your automobile insurance agent. Exchange information with the others involved in the accident. Wear your seatbelt!  It is the law.
  • Be aware of all Arkansas Motor Vehicle Laws!

I-20/DS-2019 Registration Status

  • F-1 students must have an I-20 that indicates “Continued Attendance” in the Form Issue Reason section in the upper left corner.  If your I-20 does not have this wording, you will need to get a new I-20 from the Center of Global Learning & Engagement.
  • J-1 students must confirm with staff at the Center of Global Learning & Engagement that their participation in the program has been confirmed in the government database (SEVIS).

Arkansas State Identification Card

  • If you are not getting a driver’s license but wish to have a U.S. government issued ID, you can request an Arkansas state ID card.  The purpose of a state ID card is to prove your name, age and/or address. It may be used as an ID in place of your passport when you do not want to carry your passport.
  • The state ID does not permit you to drive or work.
  • To apply for the state ID card, bring your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 to the Arkansas Department of Revenue – 2455 Washington Ave #105, Conway, AR 72032
  • See Registration Status section above for I-20 and DS-2019 requirements. 

Steps for Obtaining Your Arkansas Drivers License

1. Study the Arkansas Driver’s Manual

Study the Arkansas Driver’s Manual.  You can pick this up at the McGee Center 3800 College Ave, Conway, AR 72034. It can also be downloaded here: https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/driver-examination/

2. Written Driver’s Exam

Study the manual and take the written exam portion of the driver’s test at one of the two locations listed below:

McGee Center 3800 College Ave.
Conway, AR
Monday through Friday
Written Exam ONLY, 8 -11:00 am

Arkansas State Police Headquarters, Troop A** 1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR
Monday through Friday
Written Exam ONLY, 1- 4:30 pm (must appear by 4pm)

  • To schedule your driving written exam and driving test see the following link- https://telegov.egov.com/aspdlskills/
  • Bring your passport, I-94 and I-20/DS-2019 (I-20s showing “Initial” status are not accepted). There is no fee for the written exam.
  • You will need 2 forms of identification. One can be a plastic Bear Card. You can request from the Bear Card office in the UCA Ronnie Williams Student Center.
  • If you do not pass the written exam, you may take it again as many times as you would like. It is not unusual for people to fail the written portion on the first attempt.

3. Learner’s Permit

If you pass the written exam, you will be given a Learner’s Permit. This will allow you to drive with another licensed driver over the age of 21 in the vehicle with you. You do not have permission to drive alone yet. You will keep this permit for a minimum of 30 days.

4. Driving Test

After 30 days from the date you received your learner’s permit, you must return to one of the locations to take a driving test. Do not drive to the center by yourself. You are not allowed to drive alone until you pass this final requirement. You must have someone drive you there so that you will be able to drive his/her car for the test. The owner of the car must show their registration and proof of current automobile insurance.  The car must be clean inside. You will be asked to drive a short distance with an official from the testing center in the car with you.

5. Arkansas Drivers License

When you pass the driving portion of the test you will go to the Arkansas Revenue Department where you will receive your Arkansas driver’s license! Be sure to bring your passport, I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 when you go. You will then be legally allowed to drive anywhere in the U.S. at any time. A drivers license does not give you authorization to work off-campus.