Alabama

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 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.

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.

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.

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

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, the licensing agent will give you a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

You can apply at any driver licensing office.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your Alabama driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• Your instruction permit, if you obtained one.
• Proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle you'll be testing in.
• 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.
• 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.
• Payment the applicable testing and license fees:
  • Knowledge test: $5
  • Driver's license: $36.25

You'll need:

• 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.

To apply for an AL restricted license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license as an adult in Alabama, you must:

• Pass the knowledge skills exam.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

If you're under 18 years old, you can take your road test once you turn at least 16 and you have:

• Earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Completed your behind-the-wheel practice hours.

If you're at least 18 years old, you may take your road test at any time.

You may be able to apply for a hardship license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. All applicants will have to fill out the application form and send it to the designated address.

You can request a limited license by mailing in the appropriate application based on your offense, as well as the required additional documentation listed on the form. The ALEA will review it and contact you with the next steps.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Alabama Driver's Manual! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with AL laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing offices throughout the state.

• Instruction permit: $36.25
• Driver's license: $36.25
• Commercial driver's license:
  • Class A: $66.25
  • Class B: $56.25
  • Class C: $36.25

The Alabama Driver Manual is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

You can get a restricted driver's license once you're at least 16 years old, you've held a learner license for at least 6 months, and you've completed your required practice hours. Otherwise, you can get your license when you turn 18 years old.

• Knowledge test: $5
• Permit/learner license: $36.25
• Driver's license: $36.25

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are over 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

Bring the following items to the driver licensing office office:

• Your Social Security card.
• 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.
• A completed Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, or proof that you've graduated or earned your GED.
• Payment for the applicable fees:
  • Knowledge test: $5
  • Learner license: $36.25

You can apply for your permit once you're at least 15 years old.

To get your permit:

• Make an appointment at your local driver licensing office.
• Submit your proofs of:
  • 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.
• Pay the $5 knowledge test fee and $36.25 learner license fee.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. From 30 minutes after sundown to 30 before sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit on non-posted highways is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 60 MPH
3. 65 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Alabama practice test.

No. To obtain a learner license, you must only pass knowledge and vision tests with the DMV.

The Alabama Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit and/or license application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for an AL permit.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide their consent. If you are 18 or older, no one needs to accompany you other than the supervising driver who drove you to the licensing office.

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Driver Licensing Division by phone.

You can apply once you're 15 years old.

If you hold an instruction permit, you may only drive with your parent/guardian, or a supervising driver at least 21 years old who has your parent/guardian's permission, sitting in the front seat at all times.

If you hold a restricted 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 with your parent/guardian's permission.
  • Exceptions are only made if you're driving to/from school, work, or church, or because of an emergency situation.
• You may not have any non-family passengers in the vehicle unless your parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.
  • The lone exception is if your passengers are your siblings.
• You may not use your cell phone or any other handheld device while driving.

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

You'll need to complete a driver license application. If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a completed Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL-93) proving your school enrollment, which you can fill out ahead of time. If you've already completed your behind-the-wheel hours, you'll also need a Graduated Driver License Form (DL-31).

To get your learner license, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Driver's Ed isn't required in Alabama.

There are no prerequisites to obtaining your learner license, other than being minimum age (15 years old) and being prepared to pass your knowledge test.

To apply for your AL learner license, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass the written knowledge exam.
• 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.
• Pay the applicable fees:
  • Knowledge test: $5
  • Learner license: $36.25

No, you typically do not need to repeat your eye exam for license renewals. However, if your vision information has changed (i.e., you can now pass the vision exam without the use of corrective lenses) and you'd like the restriction removed from your license, you can retest in person at your next renewal.

You canrenew by mail if you are temporarily out of state due to your job, school, or military service. Generally, the DMV encourages you to renew online. To renew by mail, you'll need to have a photo and signature on file with the AL Driver License Division within the last 4 years.

Most drivers can renew online, and the ALEA highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal. If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a STAR ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $36.25 renewal fee.

To renew by mail or in person, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your AL driver's license online or in person. In some cases (such as being temporarily out of state, you may be able to renew by mail. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Alabama expire every 4 years. You can renew it up to 180 days before its expiration and up to 60 days after it expires before it is suspended.

License renewals in Alabama are $36.25.

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No, you must take your knowledge test in person at a driver licensing office.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity plus payment for your $5 test fee and $36.25 learner license fee. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application.

The Alabama permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Alabama Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Appointments are highly recommended to take your permit test, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if any near you has Saturday appointment openings.

You can take your test in person via a written exam.

No, learner licenses are not required for adult applicants in Alabama. However, if you want to practice driving in any way before testing for your AL license, you must hold a learner license to do so.

Schedule an appointment with your chosen testing and training location.

After passing your AL permit exam, you'll need to:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months with no traffic violations.
• Complete your 50 required practice hours of driving.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your intermediate license as long as you're at least 16 years old.

You can take your knowledge test at any driver licensing office.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

Your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again.

If you fail your exam, your examiner will let you know what the waiting period is before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Alabama, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama driver's license within 30 days.

No, you must exchange your out-of-state permit for an Alabama permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired for less than 1 year. If it has expired for more than 1 year, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

You must obtain an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.