The Arizona driving test (MVD road test)

Do you need to take it?

Most new drivers do. The exception: teens who complete a high school or privately operated driver education program have the road test waived. See driving lessons & behind-the-wheel training. Teens must also have held their instruction permit for 6 months; drivers 18 and over need to have passed the written test first (see our permit test guide).

Booking

Fill out the driver license application and schedule the test through AZMVDNow.gov. MVD allows one road test per person per day. Private Authorized Third Party providers, including some driving schools, also give road tests, usually for a fee of their own and often with shorter waits.

What to bring

• Valid identification documents
• Current registration and proof of insurance for the test car (out-of-country insurance isn’t accepted)
• A parent or legal guardian if you’re under 18
• Your instruction permit

The car has to pass too

The examiner checks the car before you drive. Tires, speedometer, horn, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, doors and windows all have to work, and the windshield and at least two mirrors must be clear. The tank has to be at least a quarter full (don’t let an EV’s low-battery light come on). Two rules catch people out:

• Air conditioning. From June 1 to September 22, a car without working A/C can’t be used for tests after noon.
• No driver-assist features. Self-driving and parking-assist features can’t be used during the test. If the car is a rental, you must be listed on the agreement.

How you’re scored

The examiner deducts points as you drive. 21 points or more is a fail, and a dangerous action, a major violation or refusing instructions fails you on the spot. Examples from the MVD scoresheet:

• 10 points: not stopping fully at a sign or light, failing to yield, following too closely, impeding traffic, crowding the center line, going 5–9 mph over the limit.
• 4 points: no seat belt, wrong or missing signals, poor braking, wrong lane, bad lane changes, hitting the curb, parking errors.
• 2 points: hesitation, driving too slowly, poor steering, positioning and turning errors.

Before you drive, you’ll be asked to find the speedometer, hazard lights, high beams, parking brake, wipers and defroster, and to show hand signals. Each miss costs a point. You may also be asked which way to pull over for an emergency vehicle: to the right.

After you pass

• License fees by age: $25 (16–39), $20 (40–44), $15 (45–49), $10 (50+).
• For the first 6 months, teen drivers can’t drive between midnight and 5 a.m. or carry more than one passenger under 18 who isn’t a sibling. Each rule has exceptions, such as driving with a parent, or to and from school activities, work, religious activities or a family emergency.

The Arizona Driver License Manual

The official Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (PDF, revised September 2026) covers both the written and the road test. Pair it with ADOT’s practice tests and a few lessons with an instructor if you want someone to drive the test routes with you.

Rules checked against ADOT’s road test page, the MVD road test scoresheet, vehicle requirements, license fees in September 2026. Courts and MVD can change fees and procedures; confirm with them before you pay for anything.

Common questions

How many points fail the Arizona driving test?

21 points or more. Some errors, like a dangerous action or refusing instructions, fail you immediately.

Can I skip the MVD road test in Arizona?

Teens who complete a high school or privately operated driver education program have the road test waived.

Can I use a car without air conditioning for the road test?

Not after noon between June 1 and September 22.

How much does an Arizona driver license cost?

$25 for ages 16–39, $20 for 40–44, $15 for 45–49 and $10 for 50 and older.