Online learners permit testing proves hugely popular

PHOENIX – Teenagers hoping to get their learners permit are flocking to the Permit Test @ Home, a new online test option introduced by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division earlier this year.

About 23,000 online tests have been taken since the test’s introduction in March through May.

“To average nearly 8,000 online tests a month is phenomenal,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards. “MVD serves about 7,300 people a day at our offices, so the Permit Test @ Home effectively creates another full business day for our offices. That means fewer people in line and continued improvement of customer service as we fulfill our mission to get Arizona out of line and safely on the road.”

Since launching Permit Test @ Home an added safety message has been included in the process. Prior to taking the test, a video reminding potential teen drivers about the dangers of texting and driving is shown. The video cannot be skipped.

“Our number one priority is safety,” added Bowser-Richards. “Having thousands of teens and their parents watching this important message is a tremendous safety education tool. Parents and teenagers are having conversations about the dangers of distracted driving, which is timely because of a new state law taking effect in July that prohibits teen drivers from using a phone or smart device in a vehicle except in emergency situations. ”

The Permit Test @ Home is available to parents by setting up a free personal AZ MVD Now account, which is accessed through ServiceArizona.com. Potential drivers are still required to pass a road skills test prior to receiving a driver license, and all permit holders must drive with a licensed driver in the front seat.

For more information: www.servicearizona.com.