Minimum age for a car driving licence in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A learner's licence is available at 14, and an intermediate licence at 16 under the graduated licence programme. An unrestricted licence is available at 18, or earlier by waiver for certain 16- and 17-year-olds.
| 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 | 14 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A learner's licence is available at 14 to 15 and requires a licensed driver aged 21 or over to accompany the holder. An intermediate licence is available at 16 to 17; a licensed adult aged 21 or over must ride along unless the holder has six months of driving experience. An unrestricted Class D licence is available at 18 with a clean driving record for the previous year, or earlier at 16 or 17 by waiver (emancipated at 17 or over; at 16 or over with a high school diploma or GED, married or enlisted in the US military) after six months of driving experience. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [2] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence holder (age 16 to 18) may not drive between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or over; the State Police study guide also refers to driving to and from a school activity, church activity, job or emergency. [2] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence holder may not carry more than one unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or over in the front seat. [2] |
Notes
- This is the age for the intermediate licence, the earliest licence that allows driving without a supervising adult unless the holder has under six months of experience. An unrestricted licence follows at 18.
- The pages read for Arkansas state no age rule for visitors holding a licence from another state or country.
Sources
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration: Learner's and Intermediate License (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arkansas State Police: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (revised 6 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arkansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (learner's licence) | Intermediate from 16; unrestricted at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (learner's licence) | Intermediate at 16 after 180 days and 50 hours | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Intermediate licence at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Mississippi | 16 (regular licence) | 15 (learner's permit) | Permit 12 months or to 17; hardship licence 15-17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 with driver education; otherwise 16 | Learner permit at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Tennessee | 16 (intermediate restricted licence) | 15 (learner permit) | Permit at 15; intermediate licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) | 15 (learner licence) | Learner licence at 15; Class C at 16 | Nonresident 16+ with a home licence |
More rules in Arkansas
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible Class C items only) · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Same rule; switchblades named in definition
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 15 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.