How to Get Your Alabama Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Alabama license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Alabama learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Alabama residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Alabama residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Alabama permit knowledge test

The Alabama knowledge test has 30 questions; you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Alabama-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Alabama knowledge test, you can usually retake it after waiting one business day. The reexamination fee applies to each attempt. Each Driver License Examining Office may have its own wait policy, so check with your local ALEA office.

The best prep path is to read the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free AL practice test and the full 30-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Alabama learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division office and pay the permit application fee (currently $5).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Alabama's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Alabama license

Schedule your Alabama road test through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $36 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Alabama steps in order

As listed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division:

1. Be at least 15 years old.
2. Gather proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or legal presence, Social Security number, and Alabama residency.
3. If under 19, have a parent or legal guardian sign your application.
4. Visit an ALEA Driver License Examining Office.
5. Pay the $5 knowledge test fee in cash and pass the vision screening.
6. Pass the 30-question knowledge test (24 correct to pass).
7. Receive your Stage I learner license and log at least 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night).
8. At age 16, with the learner license held for at least 6 months, pass the road skills test to get the Stage II Restricted License.

FAQ: Getting Your Alabama License