How to Get a Provisional License in Arizona

Learn to Drive
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Arizona teens begin the GDL program when they turn 15 years and 6 months old. Teens can apply for their provisional (Class G) license when they turn 16 years old.

An Arizona provisional license (aka intermedia license) gives extra freedom for first-time AZ drivers. This is the second stage of Arizona’s graduated driver’s licensing program. Eventually, with practice and showing safety behind the wheel, the driver can get their unrestricted, adult license.

The AZ GDL program has three stages:

  • Learner’s
  • Limited / Provisional
  • Unrestricted

A provisional license (aka the “teen” license) provides months to practice so teens can get a feel for road rules and drive. It also gives the teen time to consider and take an optional driver’s education course covering 30 hours of instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.

The provisional license becomes an unrestricted, adult license if you pass the basic requirements and are 18 years old. This guide shares the complete details of getting your intermediate license in Arizona.

The AZ Provisional License: Step-by-Step

Teens then hold their learner’s permit for 6 months before they can apply for the provisional.

It’s important that teens do not cause traffic violations during this behind-the-wheel practice. Getting points on their record can delay their licensing and increase insurance rates for the vehicle owner!

Head down to your local AZ DMV (click to find one) and do the following:

  1. Present a valid learner’s permit
  2. Provide (1) proof of driving experience:
    1. 30-hour practice log signed by parent/guardian
    2. Driver’s education certificate of completion
  3. Provide (2) forms of identification
    1. ID, Passport, Birth Certificate
  4. Provide proof of AZ auto insurance
  5. Complete and file the Drivers’s License Application (40-5122)
    1. Signed by parent/guardian or notarized/witness by MVD agent
  6. Pay the $25 licensing fee

You will take a road test on location. Pass all these and you are good to go!

The DMV office will take your photo and process your new, provisional license. You’re now free to drive with one passenger under 18 (unless siblings or parents/guardians) in the front seat. You also cannot drive between 12 AM and 5 AM unless supervised or going from work/school/church/etc.

Remember: You need auto insurance whenever you’re driving!

Getting Your Full Arizona Driver’s License

Getting an unrestricted driver’s license in Arizona is a waiting game.

By now, you should have behind-the-wheel experience with the learners and provisional. If you complete these and don’t receive traffic violations, then your license becomes unrestricted once you’ve held it for 6 months from the date of getting the provisional.

Return to the DMV and:

  1. Show your provisional license
  2. File the driver’s License Application
  3. Pay the $12 duplicate license fee

This completes your steps in earning a class D operator’s license. Congrats, you’re free to drive throughout the state and country!

Need more information about this licensing? Read our Arizona License Guide for details.