Sample Driver License

In the state of Arizona, obtaining a driver's license involves both a written test and a road test.

Written Test

To take the written test at the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division), no appointment is necessary. If you are an international student with F-1, you will need to bring your I-20, I-94, passport, visa, and two recent pieces of mail (as proof of residence). If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), it's advisable to bring it as well, as it can help in looking up your information online.

mvd

Before the exam, the staff will enter your information into the system and take a head shot. The fee for the written test is $7. The test consists of 30 questions, and you need to answer 24 of them correctly (80%) to pass. It is recommended to review the Driver License Manual before the test, or you can practice directly on the MVD official website. The official website offers three sets of questions with around 90 questions in total, so it's a good idea to complete them before the actual exam.

If you pass the written test, the MVD staff will provide you with a paper permit, allowing you to drive with a licensed driver present. However, it's important to note that the licensed driver must have held their license for at least 3 years. The official permit will be mailed to your address within 2 weeks.

Road Test

You can schedule the road test directly at the MVD or choose an MVD-authorized service center. Scheduling a road test at the MVD may take some time, but you can take the test on the same day at an authorized service center. The service center I went to was located in Mesa at 1120 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210.

route

On the day of the road test, bring the required documents(ID, I-20, VISA, etc...). Go to the window to process the Road Test and pay a $60 testing fee. The staff will inform you of the test time. About 15-20 minutes before your scheduled test time, you can wait inside for them to call your name. While the test gets started, they will first ask you to drive to a spot for a parallel parking check and inspect your lights and horn to ensure they are working correctly. Then, the examiner will explain the exam criteria.

staring-point

First, you will need to perform a parallel parking. Failing to do so will result in an immediate failure of the entire road test. If you pass the parallel parking, they will get in the car, and you will take them to drive on the designated road.

The following behaviors will also result in an immediate failure (FAIL) of the road test:

  • Passing a red light
  • Not stopping at a STOP sign
  • Getting into an accident during the test

The following behaviors will result in point deductions (a maximum score of 100 with 80 or above passing):

  • Not using turn signals or incorrectly using them while changing lanes or turning
  • Applying the brakes while the traffic light is green at an intersection
  • Not checking rearview mirrors while changing lanes
  • Stopping too early or too late at a STOP sign
  • Not observing the traffic conditions while stopping at a STOP sign
  • Crossing lane lines
  • Hard braking
  • Removing your hands from the steering wheel while driving
  • And more...

In summary, it is easy to lose points, so it's a good idea to familiarize the local road conditions before the road test. Especially paying attention to hidden STOP signs. Overall, it shouldn't be too hard to pass. If you pass the road test, you will receive a paper driver's license.

For those with an SSN, you can log in to AZ MVD NOW to access all the information about your driver's license!