How To Get a Driver's License in Arizona
An automobile can be drawn driven legally only when the driver possesses a driving license. You may want a driving license in Arizona when you want to apply for it and be a licensed driver for the first time, or when you want to transfer a driving license from some other state to Arizona. People of age 16 years or more can acquire an Arizona driver’s license in the state when they are a new driver. However, they are required to drive the two-wheeler and the motorcycle in Arizona before they can get the license. There are also certain steps that you should undertake when you want to get your driving license transferred from some other state.
Types of Driver’s Licences in Arizona
Class D/G Driver’s license: it is a usual license needed by drivers who want to drive a vehicle that is not commercial or a motorcycle. Class G driver’s license is for teenagers having an age between 16 years and 18 years. It is also called the graduate driver’s license. The class D driver’s license is for adults or people over 18 years of age.
Class A/B/C Driver’s license: these driver’s licenses belong to the commercial class of driving licenses. People who hold a Class B driver’s license can drive a commercial vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Those having a Class A driver’s license can drive a vehicle that is hauling a trailer of GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more, and where the combined weight is 26,001 pounds or more. People with Class C driver’s licenses can drive a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, or vehicles that are carrying hazardous materials and are placarded for it.
Class M: those who want to drive a motorcycle and hold a license for it should obtain the Class M licenses. People above 16 years of age can apply for this license.
The Basic Requirements for Applying for Driver’s Licence in Arizona
There are certain basic conditions that a person must meet to apply for a driver’s license in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires that the applicant provides his or her Social Security Number at the time of applying for the license. The applicant also needs to prove that he/she is legally authorized to be in Arizona and the United States of America. Some documents that can prove handy here include the Arizona travel ID, a license from some other state, a previous license of Arizona, or a commercial license of driving. If you want to apply for a license in Arizona, you should therefore ensure that you have your Social Security Card and number ready with you.
Applying for the Driver’s Licence
To apply for a license in Arizona, the applicant will have to undertake a road test as well as a written knowledge test. There is also a vision test done to know and judge the eyesight of the applicant.
Instruction Permit
Those between 151/2 and 18 years of age need to apply first for the instruction permit. A teenager can also apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. Under the permit, the teenager can obtain driving experience under the supervision of a driver holding the Class D license or a commercial class license (including Class A, B, or C license). The application can be completed at an authorized third-party driver license provider or a branch of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).
The application form can be filled out online as well. Certain documents are necessary and the teenager will also have to pass the vision test. The application fee for the process is $ 7. The teenager will be required to undergo the written knowledge test at the authorized third-party location, at the MVD branch, or online itself at home.
Once the permit is issued, the teenager can practice supervised driving under the supervision of someone holding a driver’s license and a minimum of 21 years of age. The license is sent to the teenager through mail within 15 days.
If you have an instruction permit and have the requisite experience in driving, you may not need to undergo the written test for other licenses like the graduated or the adult license.
Graduated Permit and Driver’s Licence
Teenagers who are between 16 and 18 years of age can obtain a Class G license. The license has some more restrictions when compared to the adult license. However, the Class G license holders can drive without any supervision. The applicant will also have to undergo the written test if he/she does not hold an instruction permit.
Adult Permit and Driver’s Licence
This is called the Class D license. Those who are at least 18 years of age can only apply for this license and can drive all the non-commercial and non-motorcycle vehicles upon obtaining it. The applicants will have to undergo tests including the written and the vision test to obtain the license.
Commercial Permit or Licence
The commercial permanent driving license is for driving commercial vehicles. This license may be classified as the Class A, B, or C license depending on the weight of the vehicle that would be driven.
Cost of Obtaining Driver’s Licence in Arizona
As stated earlier, the cost of the instruction permits or license is only $ 7. However, the cost of other kinds of licenses may vary.
- Cost of driver’s license for people having age between 16-39 years: $ 25
- Cost of driver’s license for people having age between 40-44: $ 20
- Cost of driver’s license for people having age between 45-49: $ 15
- Cost of driver’s license for people having aged 50 years or more: $ 10.
- Cost of student on military licenses: $ 10
Transferring your Driver’s license to Arizona
If you are moving from some other state to Arizona, you do not need to undertake the written test or the road test again. However, you may require some documents. These include:
- A proof of your social security number.
- The driver’s license of the other state.
- Two documents that can reveal your identity age and residency in Arizona (included in the list of accepted documents).
The application can be made online itself, or you can also go to the nearest MVD branch. However, the applicant still needs to undertake the vision test.
Conclusion
Having a driver’s license ensures that the person has enough supervision, experience, knowledge, skills, and vision to drive safely. It not only ensures the safety of the self but of the other people as well who are out on the road. Applying for a driver’s license is a hassle-free process now due to the online availability of the application process.