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Alabama

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Alabama Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Alabama License
  • Preparing For Your AL Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your AL Permit Test
  • Renewing Your AL License
  • Taking Your AL Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your AL Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Alabama or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have an Alabama instruction permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times. Once you turn 16 years old, you can drive with any licensed driver seated next to you.

You'll need to hold your AL learner's permit for at least 6 months and be at least 16 years old before you can move on to earning your restricted license.

If you have a provisional license:

  • You may not drive between 12 AM and 6 AM unless you're accompanied by your parent/guardian or a licensed driver at least 21 years old who has your parent's/guardian's permission.
    • Exceptions are for traveling to and from school functions, work, or due to a medical or safety emergency.
  • You may not have more than 1 non-family passenger in the vehicle (in addition to your parent or guardian).
    • The exception is if your passengers are your siblings.
  • You may not use your cell phone or other handheld device while behind the wheel.

What happens after I pass my AL road test?

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by your parent/guardian in the front passenger seat next to you, or a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old that has obtained your parent/guardian's permission.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

Once I get my AL permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Teen Learners Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
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Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
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Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
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$9.95
unlimited
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Drivers License Renewal

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Advanced
Our Test
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$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
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1
20
No
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New to State Drivers

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
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Number of Questions in Pool
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unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Motorcycle Permit

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$14.95
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1
15

Commercial License

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State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
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1
20

How To Get An Alabama Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for all new drivers, as well as those moving to Alabama whose licenses have expired before arrival.

The requirements to obtain an AK driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant STAR ID license.

AL Stage I Learner License Requirements

If you’re under 18 years old, you must first obtain an instruction permit—called a learner license in Alabama—before graduating to a driver’s license. If you’re at least 18 years old already, a learner license isn’t required, though it is highly recommended in order to help you pass your road test. However, you can skip down below to learn how to get your first license as a new adult driver.

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for your Alabama learner license. Visit your local driver license office with your parent or guardian—depending on your branch, you may be able to make an appointment ahead of time.

At the driver license office, be ready to:

  • Provide your Social Security card.
  • Submit proof of your:
    • Identity.
      • At least one proof must show your photo.
      • If you’re applying at 15 years old, this MUST include your original birth certificate.
    • Alabama address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant STAR ID or a non-compliant license. The AL DPS provides guides to required proofs for both standard and STAR ID licenses.
  • Provide a completed:
    • Driver license application form, available at your driver’s license office.
    • Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you’ve graduated or earned your GED.
  • Pass a vision screening.
  • Pass knowledge exam.
  • Pay the applicable fees:
    • Knowledge test: $5
    • Learner license: $36.25

Your Alabama learner license will be valid for 4 years. With your permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times. Once you turn 16 years old, you can drive with any licensed driver seated next to you.

You’ll need to hold your AL learner’s permit for at least 6 months and be at least 16 years old before you can move on to earning your restricted license.

Alabama Stage II Restricted Driver’s License Requirements

You can take apply for a restricted driver’s license in Alabama once you’ve turned 16 years old and have held a learner license for at least 6 months.

You have the option in Alabama of completing a state-approved driver’s education course or doing your behind-the-wheel practice on your own. Either way, you’ll need to complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice before you can earn an unrestricted license before you turn 18 years old.

When you’re ready, schedule your skills test at your local driver license office. Bring with you:

  • Your learner license.
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Proof of your:
    • Name and birth date.
    • Citizenship or legal presence.
    • Alabama residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant STAR ID or a non-compliant license. The AL DPS provides guides to required proofs for both standard and STAR ID licenses.
  • A completed:
    • Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you’ve graduated or earned your GED.
    • Graduated Driver License Form (DL-31) certifying your 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice hours, or your proof of completion from your driver’s education course.
    • Driver license application form, available at your driver’s license office.
  • Payment for the $36.25 license fee.

You’ll also need a reliable vehicle to take your test in, along with the registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.

With your AL restricted driver’s license, you can only drive under the following restrictions:

  • You may not drive between 12 AM and 6 AM unless you’re accompanied by one of the following drivers:
    • Your parent/guardian.
    • A licensed driver at least 21 years old who has your parent’s/guardian’s permission.
      • Exceptions are for traveling to and from school functions, work, or due to a medical or safety emergency.
  • You may not have more than 1 non-family passenger in the vehicle (in addition to your parent or guardian).
    • The lone exception is if your passengers are your siblings.
  • You may not use your cell phone or any handheld devices while driving.

Stage III Unrestricted Licenses for Minors in Alabama

You’re eligible to apply to have the restriction removed from your Alabama driver’s license once you’re at least 17 years old and you’ve held your restricted license for at least 6 months. Alternatively, you can wait until you’re 18 years old, at which time your license restrictions will fall off and you’ll automatically advance to a full, unrestricted license.

Whenever you decide to apply for your unrestricted license,  you’ll need to make an appointment at your local driver licensing office. Bring your current license with you, along with payment for the $31.25 duplicate license fee. Though not explicitly required, it’s a good idea to also bring the identity and residency documents you submitted for your initial license, in case they need to reverify your information.

License Requirements for New Adult Drivers in Alabama

If you are 18 years old or older but have never held a driver’s license before in any state, you are not required to obtain an instruction permit prior to applying for your Alabama license. However, if you want to practice at all before testing for your road skills exam, you MUST have a permit to drive on Alabama roads. Jump up to the steps to obtain an instruction permit above for details—note that because you’re not a minor, you won’t need to provide parental consent with your application.

  • A testing vehicle.
  • Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.

When you’re ready, schedule your skills test at your local driver licensing office. Be prepared to:

  • Provide your instruction permit, if you obtained one.
  • Submit your:
    • Social Security card.
    • Proof of your:
      • Name and birth date.
      • Citizenship or legal presence.
      • Name change, if applicable.
      • Alabama residency.
        • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant STAR ID or a non-compliant license. The AL DPS provides guides to required proofs for both standard and STAR ID licenses.
  • Provide a completed Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you’ve graduated or earned your GED, if you’re under 19 years old.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pass the written knowledge test and behind-the-wheel road skills exam.
  • Pay the applicable testing and license fees:
    • Knowledge test: $5
    • Driver’s license: $36.25

Once you pass your road test, you’ll receive your full, unrestricted AL driver’s license.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Alabama Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Alabama, you must apply for your AL driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

To transfer your license to Alabama, you’ll need to visit your local driver license office and:

  • Hand in your out-of-state license.
  • Pass a written knowledge exam and vision test.
    • If your out-of-state license is still valid or hasn’t been expired for more than 1 year, you won’t have to take a road skills exam.
  • Submit your:
    • Completed license application, available at the DPS office.
    • Social Security card.
    • Proof of your:
      • Name and birth date.
      • Citizenship or legal presence.
      • Alabama address.
        • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant STAR ID or a non-compliant license. The AL DPS provides guides to required proofs for both standard and STAR ID licenses.
  • Provide a completed Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you’ve graduated or earned your GED, if you’re under 19 years old when you move to Alabama.
  • Pay the applicable license fees:
    • License: $36.25
    • Transfer fee: $5

Alabama DPS Motorcycle Permit & License Info

You can apply for a motorcycle license in Alabama once you’re at least 16 years old (which is different from a motor-driven cycle/scooter license, which is available at 14 years old). The application process for an Alabama motorcycle license closely mirrors that for a regular driver’s license.

AL Motorcycle Instruction Permit

If you want to practice riding before you take your on-cycle skills exam, you must first apply for a motorcycle learner license. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

The forms, fees, and identity documents required are the same—jump up to our section on Learner License Requirements for steps and details. With your permit, you can only ride while within visual sight and under the supervision of another licensed motorcyclist at least 21 years old.

Alabama Motorcycle Safety Course

You may be able to waive your written knowledge test and on-cycle skills exam (road test) if you successfully complete a state-approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC).

Though you are NOT required to take a motorcycle training course to get your motorcycle license, it’s highly recommended, as you’ll learn the unique skills required to safely maneuver your motorcycle on the roads. Check with your local driver’s license office to confirm any exam waivers you may qualify for.

Applying for Your AL Motorcycle License

When you’re ready to apply for your motorcycle license in Alabama, make an appointment with your local driver’s license office for your required tests. Be prepared to:

  • Submit your:
    • Instruction permit, if applicable.
    • BRC completion card, if applicable.
  • Show your Social Security card.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Name and birth date.
    • Citizenship or legal presence.
    • Name change, if you’ve ever legally changed your name.
    • Alabama residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant STAR ID or a non-compliant license. The AL DPS provides guides to required proofs for both standard and STAR ID licenses.
  • Provide a completed Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you’ve graduated or earned your GED, if you’re under 19 years old.
  • Pass a:
    • Motorcycle knowledge test.
    • Vision test.
    • On-cycle skills exam.
  • Pay the applicable motorcycle licensing fees:
    • Knowledge exam: $5
    • License fee: $36.25

Alabama CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid Alabama driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

Getting Your AL Commercial Learner’s Permit

To get your CLP, bring the following to any CDL licensing office:

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test. You can only drive when accompanied by another CDL holder in the front seat next to you, who is at least 21 years old and has held their own CDL for at least 1 year. Their CDL must be of the appropriate class and have the proper endorsements for the vehicle you’re practicing in.

Applying for an AL Commercial Driver’s License

After practicing with your CLP and holding it for at least 2 weeks, you are eligible to apply for your full Alabama commercial driver’s license. First, you’ll need to take and pass a skills test for the vehicle class you’ll be driving.

  1. Schedule a road test with your closest approved location.
  2. At your test, bring:
    1. A completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
    2. Your CDL Self-Certification Affidavit (form 413).
    3. A vehicle representative of the class and type you’ll be driving, which meets all safety standards, plus its registration and insurance.
    4. A TSA HAZMAT background check, if you’re applying for a hazardous materials endorsement.
    5. Proof of your:
      1. Citizenship or legal presence—the state offers a list of acceptable documents.
      2. Alabama residency.
    6. Payment for the $20 skills test fee and applicable CDL fee:
      1. Class A: $66.25
      2. Class B: $56.25
      3. Class C: $36.25

Alabama Handbooks

Alabama CDL Handbook

Alabama CDL Handbook

Alabama CDL Handbook
Alabama Driver's License Handbook

Alabama Driver's License Handbook

Alabama Driver's License Handbook
Alabama Motorcycle Handbook

Alabama Motorcycle Handbook

Alabama Motorcycle Handbook