Licensing & State Laws

Are you legally allowed to drive without supervision now? Learn more about Alabama's three-stage licensing process.

Learner's Permit

At age 15, you can apply for a learner’s permit in the state of Alabama. You and your parent or guardian need to visit your local driver exam office with a state-certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card and acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation.  Once you pass a written driver’s knowledge test and a vision test, you receive a learner’s permit.

• DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.

A learner’s permit lets you drive only with a licensed driver age 21 or older supervising and sitting in the front seat. You are required to practice driving for at least 30 hours, with a parent or a legal guardian, or complete a state Department of Education-approved Driver Education Course, before you’re allowed a restricted license.

• Keep track of your practice driving with the AAA Driving Log.

Intermediate License 

When you turn 16, and have had a learner’s permit for at least 6 months, you can go to your local DMV to take the behind-the-wheel driving test. You’ll also need to take a second vision test and provide proof that you completed 30 hours of practice driving time or completed a state Department of Education-approved Driver Education Course. Once you do that, you can receive your intermediate license. Make sure a parent comes with you to sign the application form.

With an intermediate license, you are allowed to drive without a parent, but you must follow certain rules to help keep you safe. Alabama does not allow teens with intermediate licenses to drive between 12 p.m. and 6 a.m.—some of the riskiest driving hours for all drivers and especially teens. Exceptions are granted for travel to and from work, school or religious activities and medical reasons. You also may not drive with more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle, not including a parent or legal guardian. These restrictions, however, do not apply if you are driving with an adult (21 years of age or older) licensed passenger seated next to you.  Alabama law also prohibits the use of ANY handheld communication device while driving, such as phones, iPods, GPS systems, etc.  You and all of your passengers must wear safety belts while you’re driving.

Unrestricted License

At age 17, you are eligible for a full unrestricted license if you have held a restricted license for six months and have no violations. The state does not place night or passenger limits on those with unrestricted licenses, however, you should continue to follow your parents’ rules.

For more information on the licensing process, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Additional resources:

• Parent-Teen Driving Agreement – Signing a formal agreement with your parents helps in multiple ways.
• DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.
• Driver-ZED – Offered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Driver-ZED is a computer-based program to help you practice driving on your PC.