CHARLESTON ARKANSAS

Information on Charleston Arkansas Licensing Procedures

We understand that learning to drive can be both exhilirating and daunting, so we've provided this information sheet containing a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Charleston Arkansas driving license is as problem-free as possible. The first thing you should know is that Charleston Arkansas has a three level graduated driver license program for Charleston Arkansas drivers ages 14-18. The three levels are: learner's license, intermediate license, and regular license. Let's delve more deeply into each of these.

Charleston Arkansas Learner's Permit

The Charleston Arkansas learner's permit will allow you to practice driving as long as you have someone 21 years or older in the seat next to you as you learn. Although you won't be able to apply for your first Charleston Arkansas driver license until you're 16, you can get a learner's license once you turn 14. So if you're 14 or older, take the required identification documents to your local revenue office.

You'll receive your Charleston Arkansas learners driver license once you pass the written exam, vision test, and dreaded road test.  However, your Alaska learner's permit, or Alaska graduated drivers license, will expire on your 16^th birthday.

Charleston Arkansas Teen Driver's License: Intermediate and Regular Licenses

If you manage to avoid accidents or serious traffic convictions while driving with your Charleston Arkansas learners permit, you're ready to move to level two, the Charleston Arkansas intermediate license! This Charleston Arkansas license will expire when you turn 18. Keep in mind that all passengers must wear seatbelts while an Charleston Arkansas intermediate license holder is driving. Also, although we know it's tempting, NO cell phones or other interactive wireless devices are allowed.

When you reach 18, your Charleston Arkansas intermediate license will expire and you'll apply for your Charleston Arkansas regular license. However, if you've had a major driving conviction, you'll have to wait exactly one year before you can apply for the Charleston Arkansas regular license. With an Charleston Arkansas regular driver license, you may use a hands-free wireless telephone while driving, but ONLY a hands-free device. 

Charleston Arkansas Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

Driving at any age is a privilege, not a right. Several rules apply regarding your Charleston Arkansas learner's license, Charleston Arkansas intermediate license, or Charleston Arkansas regular drivers license.

Charleston Arkansas learner's permit restrictions:

• ALL passengers must wear seat belts at all times (not just those in front)
  
• No cell phones while driving (except for emergencies)
• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older

Charleston Arkansas intermediate license restrictions:

The Charleston Arkansas intermediate driver license (for drivers between the ages of 16 and 18), comes with a few rules of its own. Mainly, an Charleston Arkansas intermediate license holder cannot drive a vehicle between 11:00PM and 4AM unless:

• you have a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver 21 or older with you
• you are going to or from your workplace, a school sponsored or religious event
• you are driving for reasons of a family emergency

Also, you cannot drive with more than one "unrelated minor passenger" unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.

Charleston Arkansas Auto Insurance Charleston Arkansas Financial Responsibility Laws

A big part of being a responsible driver is being able to prove financial responsibility for your vehicle. Any vehicle registered in Charleston Arkansas must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum coverage is $25,000 for personal injury and $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.  Information on fines and insurance restrictions can be found on the Charleston Arkansas insurance department website. Basically, you do not want to drive the streets of Charleston Arkansas in an uninsured vehicle!

Charleston Arkansas Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As a new Charleston Arkansas driver, it's important that you learn and take seriously the Charleston Arkansas drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws.

Charleston Arkansas drunk driving laws:

Upon your first conviction of an Charleston Arkansas DUI, you face:

• imprisonment of 24 hours to 10 days
• public service
• a fine of $150-$1000
• Your license will also be suspended a minimum of 6 months
• The court could also install an ignition interlock device on your car at your expense
• and you may have to take an Alcohol education or treatment program ($125)

Further Charleston Arkansas DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Charleston Arkansas license suspension or even Charleston Arkansas license revocation.

Cell phone and text messaging laws:

Drivers who are distracted by cell phone calls and text messaging are a proven safety hazard. Thus, as of July 2009 there are several laws in the Charleston Arkansas legislature aimed at banning or restricting the use of text messaging and cell phones while driving. These include:

• You may not use a cell phone or interactive wireless device while driving if you have an Charleston Arkansas learner's license or Charleston Arkansas intermediate license (until you obtain a regular driver's license, this applies to you)
• ALL Charleston Arkansas license holders are prohibited from using a cell phone (or hands-free device) while transporting children or in school zones
• There is also a ban on text messaging for ALL Charleston Arkansas drivers, regardless of age or license class.

Charleston Arkansas Online Driver Education

The Charleston Arkansas Department of Workforce Education oversees driver education. Their website contains a list of approved Charleston Arkansas online driver education course. You can also check with the Department of Education to find approved driver education classes.