Teen Driver Guide to Class G Permit and License

Teen Driver Guide to Class G Permit and License

Ready to start driving? We’re here to help guide you!

  • You can start the process to get your license at 15 and 6 months old by applying for a Graduated Instruction Permit (Class G Permit).
  • After 6 months, you can apply for your Graduated License (Class G License) and drive without an adult (with restrictions).
  • After you turn 18, you can get your regular license.

  1. Obtaining a Graduated Instruction Permit

    • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
    • You must pass the non-commercial knowledge test either in an office or by taking the permit test @ home.
    • Once passed, bring originals of your supporting documents and your parent/guardian(s) to sign approval (see FAQ for requirements). If approver(s) aren't available, a signed notarized application is required.
    • You must pass the vision test and have your photo taken in an office.

    Once you obtain your permit, you must hold it for 6 months or until you turn 18 before being eligible to obtain your driver's license. The instruction permit is valid for 12 months. 

    icon - red circle exclamation IMPORTANT: the 6 month period starts after the instruction permit has been issued in an office.

    If you wish to obtain your motorcycle permit, see our FAQ for motorcycle rules.

  2. Gain Some Experience

    Option 1 - Driving Practice and Road Test

    Complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night for a graduated driver license; at least 30 hours of motorcycle riding practice for a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement.

    Option 2 - Driving Practice and Road Test

    Complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice including at least 6 hours at night if the applicant completed a driver education program offered by a traffic survival school or a certified defensive driving school approved by the Arizona Supreme Court; at least 30 hours of motorcycle riding practice for a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement.

    The Road Test is required after you complete either option 1 or 2 of driving practice.

    Option 3 - Complete a Driver Education Class (Road Test Waived) 

    Complete a High School or privately operated driver education program and provide proof of completion within twelve months of issuance.

  3. Upgrading to a Graduated License

    You must be at least 16 years old.

    A parent or legal guardian signature is required in order to apply for a drivers license (see FAQ for signature requirements).

    You must hold a Graduated Instruction Permit (Class G) for six months or until your 18th birthday.

    Once obtained, you must follow the teen license restrictions.

  4. Upgrading After You Turn 18

    You do not need to visit an office to upgrade your license. Ordering a replacement license on AZMVDNow.gov will automatically switch it to the new class.

    Arizona vertical Real ID driver license

    Over 18 License

    When you turn 18, you may continue to use your Class G graduated driver license, or switch to a Class D license.

    Over 21 License

    When you turn 21, you may continue to use your vertical driver license or identification card, or switch to a horizontal one.

    Note: A $12 fee applies for replacement licenses.

 

Graduated Permit/License FAQ

What are my restrictions for driving with a Graduated Instruction Permit?

You must have a licensed driver 21 years or older in the seat beside you.

What are my restrictions for driving with a Graduated License?

For the First 6 Months With This License:

Do not drive from midnight to 5am unless a legal guardian with a valid driver license is seated beside you or you are driving from a sanctioned school, sponsored activity, place of employment, a sanctioned religious activity, or a family emergency.

Do not drive with more than one passenger under 18, unless the passengers are your siblings or you are driving with a parent or legal guardian who has a valid license and is seated beside you.

Cell phones and other wireless communication devices cannot be used while driving except in emergencies or to operate an audible navigation system (programming while driving is prohibited).

For more information, see the Teen License Restrictions flyer.

What are the penalties for violating Graduated License Restrictions?

1st conviction: $75 maximum fine and Class G restrictions extended for 30 days.

2nd conviction: $100 maximum fine and Class G restrictions extended for 60 days.

3rd conviction: $100 maximum fine and driver license suspended for 30 days.

Additional rules and penalties may apply A.R.S. 28-3174.

I’m moving from out of state. What do I need to know?

If you have an out-of-state instruction permit, you will get Arizona credit for the months you've held it. For example, if you have a California instruction permit for 3 months, you will take the Arizona permit test (Permit Test @ Home) and hold it for an additional 3 months instead of 6.

If you have an out-of-state driver license, you may transfer it to an Arizona license of the same class.  Graduated driver license holders will be required to follow the graduated license restrictions for the first six months or until you turn 18.

 

What are the rules for a motorcycle permit?

If you are at least 15 years and 6 months old, you may be issued a motorcycle instruction permit.

If you are a first-time driver, you will be required to pass both a driver license and a motorcycle operator written test.

If you already hold a driver license instruction permit or license, you need only take the motorcycle operator written test.

With a motorcycle permit, you may not carry passengers and drive on freeways or interstate highways between sunset and sunrise, or at any time when there is not enough light to clearly see people or vehicles at a distance of 500 feet.

See the Motorcycle Operator Manual for more information.

What should my parent/guardian know about the permit or license application process?

If you are younger than 18, your application for a permit or license must be signed by:

one natural parent if married to the other natural parent.

both natural parents if not married to each other but share joint custody.

one natural parent with sole custody.

If neither parent has custody, the application must be signed by:

a legal guardian (proof required).

a foster parent living with the minor (proof required).

an employer of the minor (death certificates must be shown).

The signatures must be witnessed by an MVD agent or by a notary public. Signatures obtained for an instruction permit will be required again for a driver license. This information sheet contains the laws that apply to legal guardian authority for a driver license for a minor.