Updated for 2026

Arizona ADOT MVD (Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

30

Passing Score

24

Standard Fee

$7.00 (Instruction Permit)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / 'Permit Test @ Home' (online)

Critical Failure Factors

A specific and common reason for failing in Arizona is the lack of knowledge regarding the 'Gore Area' (the white striped triangle at freeway ramps) and incorrect procedures for driving during a dust storm (Haboob).

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Arizona traffic laws are enforced under Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, and they contain some of the most unique liability laws in the United States. One of the most famous is popularly known as the 'Stupid Motorist Law' (ARS 28-910). This statute states that if a driver enters a flooded public road that has been blocked by barricades or emergency personnel, and that driver subsequently gets stuck and requires rescue, the driver is liable for the emergency response expenses. This is crucial in Arizona due to flash floods in washes. Another critical concept for the test is the 'Gore Area'. This is the triangular area of white diagonal stripes located between the highway travel lane and an entrance or exit ramp. It is illegal to cross or drive over this area at any time; doing so results in a 3-point penalty on your license. Arizona also enforces a strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for Class G licenses (teens 16-18). To obtain a Class G license, a teen must hold a permit for at least 6 months and complete 30 hours of supervised driving (10 of which must be at night). Once licensed, for the first 6 months, they cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM unless for school or work, and they cannot have more than one passenger under age 18 (unless they are siblings). Regarding alcohol, Arizona is a 'Zero Tolerance' state for drivers under 21; any trace of alcohol results in license suspension. For adults, while the legal limit is 0.08%, Arizona has a 'Slightest Degree' law, meaning you can be arrested for DUI with a BAC below 0.08% if the officer determines you are impaired. Furthermore, the 'Move Over' law requires drivers to move over one lane for any stationary vehicle with flashing lights (emergency, tow, or maintenance) or slow down if changing lanes is unsafe. Lastly, seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat passengers, and children under age 8 (or under 4 feet 9 inches tall) must be in a federally approved child safety seat.

Statistical Realities

Arizona poses extreme environmental challenges that are heavily featured in driver education. The most terrifying phenomenon is the 'Haboob' or massive dust storm. The procedure for driving in a dust storm in Arizona is counter-intuitive and unique: if visibility drops, you must pull completely off the pavement (as far right as possible), turn OFF your headlights, turn OFF your taillights, put the car in park, and take your foot OFF the brake pedal. This is critical because if you leave your lights on or your foot on the brake, drivers behind you in the zero-visibility dust will follow your lights, thinking you are moving in a traffic lane, and will rear-end you at high speed. Another fascinating fact about Arizona is the license expiration policy. Historically, Arizona driver licenses did not expire until the holder turned 65 years old (requiring only a new photo every 12 years). While the introduction of the federal 'Real ID' (Travel ID) has introduced an 8-year expiration cycle for those who opt-in, the standard state license can still carry an expiration date decades in the future. Arizona was also a pioneer in modernizing the testing process; it was the first state to introduce the 'Permit Test @ Home' program. This allows teenagers to take the written knowledge exam online at home with a parent or guardian proctoring the test via a verified account, removing the anxiety of the DMV office environment. Furthermore, Arizona relies heavily on High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the Phoenix metro area. Unlike some states where HOV rules apply 24/7, in Arizona, they are typically enforced only Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM–9:00 AM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM. Outside these hours, anyone can use them. Finally, be aware of the intense heat impact on vehicles; tire blowouts are significantly more common in Arizona summers due to the pavement temperature exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit, a fact that questions about vehicle maintenance often allude to.