Arkansas Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Arkansas State Police
The Arkansas Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam new drivers must pass to earn a learner's permit or driver's license in Arkansas. It covers road sign recognition, rules of the road, and safe driving practices, and is taken by teens and adult first-time applicants alike. The test is administered by the Arkansas State Police through its network of highway patrol troop commanders.
Overview
The knowledge test combines road signs with rules-of-the-road and safe driving questions in a single exam rather than testing signs on their own. Arkansas State Police does not publish the exact question count or passing score, so the safest way to prepare is to study the entire official Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which covers:
- Traffic sign shapes, colors, and meanings
- Right-of-way, speed limits, and general rules of the road
- Safe driving practices and the added restrictions that apply to young drivers
Cost and registration
Arkansas charges a $5.00 fee for each written knowledge examination, collected through the Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Driver Services. If you need to retest, check with your local testing location on whether the fee applies again, since Arkansas State Police does not publish a statewide retest fee schedule.
Exam format
Arkansas State Police has not published an official question count, time limit, or passing score for the knowledge test, so treat any specific numbers you see elsewhere as unofficial estimates rather than requirements. Knowledge and skills tests are scheduled by county through local highway patrol troop commanders and booked online, and applicants over 18 must bring two primary identity documents (or one primary and one secondary) to their appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Arkansas knowledge exam cost?
Arkansas charges a $5.00 fee for each written knowledge examination. This fee is collected by the Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Driver Services at the time of testing.
What is the minimum age to get an Arkansas learner's permit?
You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an Arkansas learner's permit. Permits issued to applicants between 14 and 16 require at least 6 months of restricted driving before the license becomes unrestricted.
What documents do I need if I'm over 18 and applying to take the knowledge test?
Applicants over 18 must present either two primary identity documents, or one primary and one secondary document, to test. Check the official Arkansas State Police checklist for the exact list of accepted documents before your appointment.
What vision standard do I need to meet for an Arkansas driver's license?
An unrestricted Arkansas license requires a minimum uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40, and your field of vision must be at least 140 degrees with two functional eyes. Applicants who don't meet these standards may still qualify for a restricted license with corrective lenses.
How long does an Arkansas learner's permit stay valid?
An Arkansas instruction permit is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the knowledge exam. If it expires before you get your license, you'll need to retest to get a new one.
Who administers the Arkansas knowledge and skills tests, and how do I book one?
Arkansas State Police highway patrol troop commanders schedule and administer knowledge and skills testing by county, and appointments are booked online. Contact your local troop or check the state police website for the testing schedule in your area.
Sources
- 1.Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide (Arkansas State Police) — Arkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Services (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Arkansas State Police Driver's Testing 1-2-3 Checklist (Applicants 18+) — Arkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Services (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Driver Examination - Arkansas Department of Public Safety — Arkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Services (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide (Arkansas State Police)Arkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Servicesmedia.ark.org
- Arkansas State Police Driver's Testing 1-2-3 Checklist (Applicants 18+)Arkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Servicesmedia.ark.org
- Driver Examination - Arkansas Department of Public SafetyArkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Servicesdps.arkansas.gov
- Driver Services - Arkansas Department of Finance and AdministrationArkansas State Police (Driver Examination), fees administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Driver Servicesdfa.arkansas.gov
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