How to Use the Arizona Driver's Handbook to Prepare for Your Driving Test
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For new drivers, it is natural to feel anxious about taking a driver's test, but proper preparation and information can increase your confidence. The Arizona driver's handbook is the driving manual for the state. It provides all essential information in an easy-to-digest format to get you ready to ace the driving test.
Understanding the Arizona Driver's Handbook
The Arizona Department of Transportation puts out the Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide. It is available for free as a PDF or paperback through the official Motor Vehicle Division website (PDF) or any MVD office (Print). Printed copies may also be available from authorized third-party providers.
The driver's manual includes sections on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It also includes information about the driver's license examination, basic customer service information about MVD procedures, and necessary documentation for license transactions.
Understanding Arizona's Traffic Laws and Regulations
There are numerous Arizona traffic laws and regulations covering everything from window tinting to speed limits. While the Arizona driver handbook goes into detail about many of the laws, new drivers should spend time familiarizing themselves with the basics, like cell phone usage and seat belt laws.
As in every state, traffic laws help manage the flow and safety of traffic. To learn more about Arizona traffic laws and regulations beyond what is in the permit book, visit the state's Department of Transportation website, a local MVD office, or a local county court.
Overview of Arizona Driving Laws
The Arizona driver's manual provides information on basic traffic laws and specific road rules for new drivers. The laws and regulations discussed help new and seasoned drivers prepare for a practice test. Some of the most essential laws include:
- The Move-Over Law: All drivers must move over one lane to allow room for emergency responders, law enforcement, and highway workers. They must also move to provide safe room for stranded drivers and roadside assistance workers.
- The Hands-Off Law: Drivers cannot use electronic devices while driving. They can use the devices in a hands-free mode for directions and conversations.
- The Seat Belt Law: The law requires all front seat occupants to wear a safety belt and mandates that occupants under 16 wear a proper belt or be in an appropriate seat setup.
According to the Arizona driver handbook, new drivers must be at least 16 to get a graduated driver's license and 18 to get an operator's permit. Younger drivers must have a class G permit for six months before taking a permit test for a GDL.
Permit practice must include at least 30 hours of supervised, safe driving practice. At least 10 of those hours must occur at night.
Drivers who receive a GDL have restrictions for the first six months. They cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM and cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in their vehicle without a parent or legal guardian present.
Structure of the Arizona Driver's Handbook
The DOT designed the Arizona Driver's License Manual for easy navigation. The table of contents makes it simple to find the required information, whether studying for a permit practice test or refreshing your memory on a safe driving practice.
The first several pages of the book describe MVD customer service options and provide details about vehicle inspections, fees, address changes, and driver's license information. In this section of the book, you'll find requirements for car insurance in Arizona.
After the introductory pages, the handbook breaks down into seven sections:
- Before You Drive
- Safe Driving Practices
- Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge
- Sharing the Road With Other Vehicles
- Actively Avoiding Crashes
- Handling Emergencies
- Law Enforcement
Each section covers an important area of driver education. For example, Section 2 details defensive driving, including steering and entering traffic.
How To Use the Arizona Driver's Handbook
The Arizona Driver License Manual is a resource to educate new and seasoned drivers about the state's motor vehicle laws and provide safe driving guidance. Beyond the manual, you can visit the Arizona DOT website to access a practice test for the examination. A score of 80 percent or higher is necessary to pass the actual exam.
If you are moving to Arizona and already have a valid license from another state, you don't need to take a written or road test for a state license. However, you do need to ensure your vehicle is registered and properly insured. The handbook has information about licensing and requirements for auto insurance in Arizona.
Stay Covered: Compare Car Insurance Options for Arizona Drivers
Every vehicle owner in the state of Arizona must maintain mandatory minimum insurance coverage. You don't have to have expensive policies. Sometimes cheap car insurance in Arizona offers enough protection to meet state mandates. Still, it is worth comparing policies to find affordable and comprehensive protection.
Check out EverQuote to compare quotes from several top insurers and find the coverage that meets your needs.