MVD offers tips for taking the road test

PHOENIX – Is a road test in your future? Maybe you know someone seeking their first driver license?

This can feel like a daunting process, but there’s good news because the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is offering tips and reminders to help the road test run smoothly. ADOT’s No. 1 piece of advice? Practice, practice, practice.

Driving is a huge responsibility that carries real life-or-death consequences. According to national crash data, more than 90% of crashes are caused by driver behavior -- that includes drivers who choose to speed, drive recklessly, impaired or distracted. To make Arizona’s roads safer, every motorist needs to make better decisions behind the wheel.

And that starts with the driving test.

On the day of the road test, drivers will be observed and graded on specific actions and their general ability to operate the vehicle safely. Studying the Arizona Driver License Manual is a great place to learn and memorize the rules of the road.

The vehicle used for the road test must be in working order and have operational brakes, speedometer, turn signals, seat belts, doors, windows, mirrors, horn and an unobstructed windshield. The applicant must also show proof of insurance and valid vehicle registration.

Only the driver taking the road test and the test administrator are allowed in the vehicle during the test.

In addition to practicing for the road test, make sure that you’re eligible and prepared for the big day. For people older than 18, they must have passed the written test. For applicants younger than 18, they must have had the instruction permit for at least six months and authorization is required from a parent or legal guardian.

Next, fill out a driver license application. You have two choices: the Arizona Travel ID and the non-Travel ID. Both IDs are a driver license, but only the Arizona Travel ID will satisfy REAL ID standards and can be used at TSA checkpoints in airports when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID deadline goes into effect on May 3, 2023.

While many MVD services can be completed online, including the written instruction permit test, road tests must be done in-person and are appointment-only. To make an appointment, log in to your account at AZMVDNow.gov or call MVD. Additionally, some Authorized Third Party locations offer road tests.

Because of extreme summer temperatures, ADOT encourages those taking the road test in a vehicle without air conditioning to consider making an early-morning appointment for their safety and the safety of the examiner.

Teens can also earn their driver license by passing the final road skills test at an MVD-certified professional driving school or high school driver education program. Visit azdot.gov/mvd for a complete list of locations.