Free Arkansas DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed Arkansas DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Arkansas knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Arkansas DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The handbook explains posted limits reflect the maximum allowed for ideal conditions, and must be reduced for hazards like rain or fog.
The handbook references these slow-moving vehicles as traveling around 25 mph, which is context for passing caution.
Ark. Code section 27-51-201 sets 75 mph for regular vehicles (70 mph for commercial vehicles) on controlled-access highways outside urban areas.

Right of way

Drivers entering a traffic circle must yield to vehicles already traveling within the circle.
Drivers crossing a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians, since driving on a sidewalk is otherwise illegal except to cross it.
The handbook states these pedestrians have absolute right-of-way, and honking can confuse or frighten them.
At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right, per the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide.
The Arkansas guide states that at an all-way stop, the vehicle that stopped first should proceed first.
Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic going straight through the intersection, as stated in the handbook.
Drivers entering a road from a driveway or alley must yield to vehicles already on the main roadway.
If the median is 20 feet or more, only following traffic must stop; if less than 20 feet, traffic from both directions must stop.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

Arkansas law prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing or consuming alcohol at all, separate from the driving-specific underage DUI rule.
The handbook notes that alcohol purchase/possession convictions for those under 21 can also result in suspension, revocation, or disqualification of driving privileges.
Arkansas sets the per se DWI threshold for adult drivers at 0.08% BAC/BrAC.
Arkansas's underage driving under the influence law sets the threshold at 0.02% BAC/BrAC for drivers under 21.
A first-offense DWI/DUI carries a 6-month suspension starting one month after arrest, with an ignition interlock restricted license available if testing was not refused.
Arkansas DWI suspensions escalate: 24 months for a second offense, 30 months for a third, and a 4-year revocation for a fourth offense within 5 years.

Signals and markings

The handbook notes posted limits are for ideal conditions, so hazards like hills and curves require a driver to slow below the sign's number.
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop, then yield to vehicles already in or entering the intersection.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
A solid yellow line on a driver's side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited from that side of the road.
A bike box lets cyclists position ahead of traffic; drivers must stop behind the box rather than within it.
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles that are already in the intersection.
Even on a green arrow, a driver must yield to other vehicles already lawfully in the intersection.
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A law enforcement officer's directions override traffic signals, so drivers must obey the officer even if it means stopping on a green light.
Hand signals remain a legally valid backup to electric signals; a straight, extended left arm signals a left turn.
A flashing yellow signal is a caution indicator, telling drivers to slow down and proceed carefully rather than stop.
A steady yellow signal warns that the light is about to turn red, so drivers should stop if they can do so safely.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through the intersection, unlike a dark signal which is treated as a stop.
A flashing yellow signal means drivers may proceed but should slow down and use extra caution.
Double solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not permitted from either direction on that stretch of road.
A steady red signal requires a full stop; any right turn on red is only allowed after stopping and when safe and not prohibited by signage.
Broken white lines between same-direction lanes indicate that changing lanes is allowed when it can be done safely.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
Since farm tractors typically travel around 25 mph, the speed differential requires extra caution and clearance when passing.
The primary-enforcement law allows a stop based solely on a seat belt violation, with a fine not exceeding $25 plus court costs.
Ark. Code section 27-34-104 requires a child passenger safety seat for children under 6 and under 60 pounds; all children under 15 must wear appropriate restraints.
Ark. Code section 20-27-1903 makes it illegal to knowingly smoke tobacco in a vehicle carrying a passenger under age 14.
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
A several-second following distance, often cited as at least 3 seconds under normal conditions, provides reaction time to avoid rear-end collisions.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
A safe following distance gives a driver time to react and stop without a collision if traffic ahead slows or stops.
Because safety corridors have higher serious-crash rates, drivers are encouraged to use headlights on to improve visibility and safety.
The manual warns that leaving a large vehicle's wind-sheltered draft can expose your car to a sudden crosswind push, requiring a steering correction.
General right-of-way practice, reflected in the manual, is that the first vehicle to arrive and stop proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the right.
A minimum 3-second following distance gives drivers enough time to react to sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
Passengers under 2 years old must specifically be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
A driver overtaking a bicyclist may not turn right unless it can be completed at a safe distance from the cyclist and at a reasonable, proper speed.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
Drivers in both directions on an undivided road must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed.
Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment similarly to impairment, and can lead to microsleeps that cause the driver to lose control.
General safe-driving principles call for maintaining an adequate following distance that increases with speed and worsening conditions to allow safe stopping.
Handbooks generally recommend a multi-second following distance that should be increased in bad weather, at higher speeds, or in heavy traffic.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
Work zones are posted at least 10 mph under the normal maximum speed specifically to protect workers and should always be observed.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The octagon shape combined with red coloring is reserved exclusively for stop signs, requiring a full stop.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
Yellow warning signage in this context provides an advisory safe speed recommendation for hazards like curves, distinct from a legally binding limit.
The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
School zone warning signs signal drivers to reduce speed and watch for children, consistent with the guide's emphasis on adjusting speed for conditions and hazards.
The five-sided pentagon shape is reserved specifically for school-related warning signs, distinct from all other warning sign shapes.
Warning signs (typically yellow, diamond shaped) inform drivers of hazards ahead like curves or crossings, distinct from regulatory signs that state legal requirements.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
School zone and school crossing signs use a distinctive fluorescent yellow-green pentagon shape to stand out to drivers.
A stop sign requires a complete stop, regardless of whether other vehicles or pedestrians are present.
The triangular shape is uniquely reserved for Yield signs, telling drivers to slow and give way rather than come to a full stop.
A YIELD sign requires slowing down and stopping only if needed to give way to traffic or pedestrians on the intersecting road.
Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

The handbook notes that school buses must stop at every railroad crossing, not just at pickup/drop-off points.
Arkansas bans any phone use, including hands-free, for drivers under 18, making the law age-tiered rather than a blanket ban for all ages.
Adults 21 and older may legally talk on a handheld phone, though the study guide discourages it, since only texting and handheld use by younger drivers are banned outright.
The guide notes front window tint darker than 25% can be flagged or denied under the administrative tint rule.
The official handbook confirms a knowledge exam and fee requirement exist but does not state the exact number of questions asked.
While some third-party sites claim a passing score, the official Arkansas DPS study guide itself does not state a specific passing percentage.
The anti-gridlock rule requires drivers to be able to clear an intersection before entering it, even with a green light.
The guide states driving on a sidewalk is illegal except to cross it when entering or exiting a driveway, alley, or parking lot, and drivers must yield to pedestrians while doing so.
A non-restricted Class D license may be obtained at age 18, while a restricted license can be obtained at 14.
The Instruction Permit, available at minimum age 14, is valid for 2 years and requires a licensed driver 21 or older beside the driver.
The Learner's License, issued to those 14-16, stays restricted until the 16th birthday and 6 months of restricted driving, whichever comes later.
Learner's License holders must have an accompanying driver 21 or older, require all passengers buckled, and cannot use a cell phone except in emergencies.
Intermediate License holders may not carry more than one unrelated minor passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.
A Class M motorcycle license can be issued at age 16, requiring a knowledge exam and a motorcycle knowledge and skills exam (waivable with an MSF course certificate).
The Class MD license restricts operation to motorcycles displacing 250cc or less for riders ages 14-16.
The MB Certificate, in effect since July 27, 2011, limits operation to motorized bicycles/motorcycles of 50cc or less.
Ark. Code Ann. section 27-16-704 requires minimum uncorrected acuity of 20/40 for an unrestricted license, or 20/70 corrected with glasses/contacts for a restricted license.
Act 1289 of 2015 imposes a $5.00 fee for each written exam, with no limit on how many times it can be charged, added to the license cost.
A first littering conviction carries a fine up to $1,000 and up to 8 hours of community service; subsequent convictions can reach $2,000 and 24 hours.
Passing a stopped school bus is normally a misdemeanor with a minimum $250 fine, but under Isaac's Law causing a death is a Class C felony.
Arkansas requires a driver's license within 30 calendar days of becoming a resident, or within 6 months of physical presence for a nonresident.
An applicant must have a clean record of no crash involvement or serious traffic violation conviction within the 6 months before applying for a Learner's License.

Emergencies

With a median under 20 feet wide, all lanes in both directions are required to stop for the school bus.
The Move Over Law requires drivers to move to the farthest lane away from the stopped vehicle whenever possible; violators can face fines up to $1,000, jail, or license suspension up to 6 months.
Per N.J.S.A. 39:4-81, a malfunctioning or dark traffic signal must be treated as an all-way stop.
23 V.S.A. § 1050(b) requires moving over a full lane if safe, or slowing to a reasonable speed if the driver must remain in the adjacent lane.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
Standard practice is to safely move to the right and stop, clearing the path for the emergency vehicle to pass.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
General emergency guidance for brake failure is to pump the brakes and use engine braking by downshifting to slow down safely.
The lane-change requirement applies on interstates and any multi-lane highway with four or more lanes that has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction.
Steering gently in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator helps regain control during a skid.
When a safe lane change isn't possible, drivers are generally expected to reduce speed and use caution passing the stopped vehicle.
Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
Hazardous materials carriers must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of visible train activity, so drivers behind them should expect and safely wait through this stop.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
Drivers must move over a lane or slow down when passing any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside, not just law enforcement vehicles.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over and stopping, clearing the intersection first if already inside it.
Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
Drivers must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Sudden hard braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while holding a straight line is safer.
On divided highways of 4+ lanes, drivers should move over a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when it can be done safely.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
The manual specifies the stop requirement does not apply when a physical median or other barrier separates the two roadways, unlike a simple painted line.
The manual notes you only have right of way if the other vehicle isn't already in the intersection, meaning a vehicle already there should be allowed to clear first.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
The priority is to stop safely away from traffic, shut off the engine, and move away from the vehicle before dealing with the fire.
Standard emergency procedure is to move fully onto the shoulder, activate hazard lights, and, if safe, move away from the travel lanes rather than stopping in traffic or continuing to drive on damaged equipment.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Arkansas DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Arkansas DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Arkansas DMV cheat sheet