Minimum age for a car driving licence in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A class G driver licence can be issued from age 16 after six months on an instruction permit; no other driver licence is issued under 18. A restricted permit is open from 15 for driver training and a standard permit from 15 years 6 months. A nonresident aged 16 or over with a valid home licence may drive a class D vehicle.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A driver licence cannot be issued to a person under 18, except a class G licence from age 16. A class G applicant must have held an instruction permit for at least six months (not required with a valid licence from another jurisdiction) and must have completed an approved driver education programme or certified supervised practice (20 hours with a defensive driving school or traffic survival school course, 30 hours otherwise, including 6 or 10 at night). For the first six months the holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (with exceptions) or with more than one passenger under 18 (siblings excepted) unless a parent or guardian is present. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident aged at least 16 who holds a valid driver licence issued in the person's home state or country may drive a motor vehicle requiring a class D licence. [3] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | Under 18, a class G applicant needs an approved driver education programme, or a parent's or guardian's certificate of at least 30 hours of supervised practice (10 at night); with a certified defensive driving school or traffic survival school programme, 20 hours (6 at night). [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first six months a class G licence holder may not drive from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, or driving directly to or from a school or religious activity, work or a family emergency. The restriction ends at 18. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first six months a class G licence holder may not drive with more than one passenger under 18, except siblings, unless a licensed parent or guardian sits beside the driver. The restriction ends at 18. [1] |
Notes
- This is the age for the class G licence, the earliest driver licence issued to a person under 18. The first six months carry night-time, passenger and wireless-device restrictions.
Sources
- Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 28-3174 - Class G driver licenses; restrictions; civil penalties; motorcycles (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 28-3153 - Driver license issuance; prohibitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 28-3152 - Driver license; exemptions; limitation (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 16 (class G licence) | 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit) | Class G from 16 after 6 months on a permit | Yes, 16+ with a valid home licence |
| California | 16 (provisional licence) | 15½ (instruction permit) | Provisional from 16 after 6 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | 15½ (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Provisional from 15½ after 6 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nevada | 16 (after 6+ months on a permit) | 15.5 (instruction permit) | 16 after 6 months on permit; curfew 10 p.m.-5 a.m. | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Utah | 16 (licence after 6 months on permit) | 15 (learner permit) | Permit at 15; licence at 16 with GDL limits | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed pocket knife not an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.