Teen Driver Insurance in Arkansas

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

The Graduated Driver License program was developed to allow teens to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges (Act 394, 2009). This law provides for teen driver's licenses in three levels: learner's license, intermediate license and unrestricted/regular license. Arkansas's GDL system applies to drivers ages 14-18 and includes comprehensive restrictions on nighttime driving, passenger limits, and electronic device use. The GDL programs limits nighttime driving, restricts cell phone use and limits the number of passengers allowed for teen drivers.

Licensing Timeline

Learner's license is for ages 14-15. The licensee is authorized to operate a motor vehicle if accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. After holding a learner's license for six months with no serious violations or at-fault accidents, teens can advance to an intermediate license at age 16. At 18 years-of-age teens are eligible to apply for a regular, unrestricted, driver's license, contingent on a clean driving record for the previous year.

GDL Restrictions

Applicants for an intermediate driver's license issued on or after July 31, 2009 are required to sign an acknowledgement they understand these restrictions: Prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with more than one unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. Prohibited from operating a motor vehicle between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am unless the licensee is: accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older; driving to or from a school activity, church-related activity, or job; or driving because of an emergency. Cell phone use is prohibited except for emergencies. Intermediate license holders must have an adult with them in the car for the first six months of holding the license. All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Permit holding period: 6 months minimum for intermediate license eligibility. Nighttime restriction: 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM for intermediate license holders. Passenger restriction: No more than one unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by driver 21 or older. Cell phone restriction: No cellular phone or wireless communication device use while driving except for emergencies. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 21 or older required for learner's permit and first 6 months of intermediate license. Nighttime exceptions include: accompanied by driver 21 or older, driving to or from school activity, church-related activity, job, emergency. Passenger exceptions include: related minors (siblings, step-siblings, household members), driver 21 or older present.

Insurance Requirements

The minimum liability you are required to carry by law is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 to cover property damage to other's property. Arkansas operates under an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident bears financial responsibility for damages. The state's add-on no-fault system allows drivers to add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for extra protection, although it's not mandatory. Insurance companies must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, though drivers can decline this protection in writing.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: at-fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage must be offered but can be declined.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers represent a higher risk category for insurers, typically resulting in substantially higher premiums compared to experienced adult drivers. The state's minimum liability limits may prove insufficient for serious accidents involving multiple vehicles or significant injuries, as medical costs and property damage can easily exceed the $25,000 per person bodily injury limit. Teen drivers and their families typically consider higher liability limits to protect against potential financial exposure from accidents that exceed state minimums.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Standard learner's permit pathway requiring written and road tests. road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $40. License fee: $40. Additional $5 fee for written test.