Section 27-16-802 - Instruction permits(a)(1) Any person who is at least fourteen (14) years of age may apply to the Division of Arkansas State Police for an instruction permit.(2)(A) After the applicant has successfully passed the written examination, the division may issue to the applicant an instruction permit which entitles the applicant while having the permit in his or her immediate possession to drive a motor vehicle upon the public highways for a period of twenty-four (24) months when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who is occupying a seat beside the driver, except in the event that the permittee is operating a motorcycle.(B) Six (6) months after an instruction permit is issued under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, a driver who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and has passed the driving test is no longer subject to the driving restrictions under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section.(C) A passing score on the written examination required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be valid for a period of twenty-four (24) months.(3) Any passengers riding in the motor vehicle while a permittee is driving shall wear seat belts at all times.(b)(1) The division, upon receiving proper application, in its discretion, may issue a restricted instruction permit effective for a school year or a more restricted permit to an applicant who is enrolled in a driver education program that includes practice driving and that is approved by the division even though the applicant has not reached the legal age to be eligible for a noncommercial license.(2) The instruction permit shall entitle the permittee when he or she has the permit in his or her immediate possession to operate a motor vehicle only on a designated highway or within a designated area but only when an approved instructor is occupying a seat beside the permittee.Amended by Act 2021, No. 908,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.Amended by Act 2019, No. 617,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.Amended by Act 2015, No. 1199,§ 5, eff. 7/22/2015.Amended by Act 2015, No. 1199,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015.Amended by Act 2015, No. 1049,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.Acts 1937, No. 280, § 11; Pope's Dig., § 6835; Acts 1959, No. 307, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-310; Acts 1993, No. 445, § 20; 1997, No. 478, § 1; 1999, No. 25, § 2; 2001, No. 1694, § 6.