The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has updated the road test for new drivers, and it begins today.

Drivers will be asked to provide proof of insurance and registration prior to the road test exam starting Thursday, Sept. 29.

“These changes are intended to provide a consistent experience at any of the MVD offices or authorized third party locations across Arizona,” Mike Cryderman, MVD field operations administrator, said.

“This new process continues our vision to become the safest, most reliable transportation system in the country.”

New drivers coming to an MVD or authorized third party location to take their road test will have a new experience, according to an ADOT release.

Once they are ready to begin the driving portion of the test, the instructor will ask them to provide the registration and insurance documents for the vehicle.

MVD officials said the change is to ensure each driver knows what documents are required in each vehicle and where they are.

The next new step will include a brief vehicle inspection to make sure the vehicle is properly maintained and ready for the road.

Tire safety and turn signal lights are some of the things that will be checked.

The “customer basic safety knowledge” exam also has been added to the test. During it, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to use different aspects of the vehicle or identify the condition of the car prior to beginning the road test.

The driver will be asked to locate and demonstrate several features of the vehicle such as the windshield wipers, emergency brakes, hazard lights and the high beams.

“Once the vehicle and applicant are cleared, the road test is then ready to proceed. This portion of the test will now take approximately 15-20 minutes to cover the 5 to 8 miles that better reflects a typical commute,” the release stated.

The changes came about as part of a pilot program at 12 field offices across the state since August 2021, according to ADOT.

More information about the road tests can also be found at: azdot.gov