How to Get an Alabama Driver's Permit

In order to legally drive on the roads of Alabama, anyone who lives in the state must have an Alabama driver’s license. There are two types of driver’s licenses in Alabama: a driver’s license, and a learner’s license, or permit. In order to get either, you must follow certain steps. Here is a simple guide to getting an Alabama driver’s permit or license:

Learner’s license

A learner’s license, or permit, is part of the Graduated Driver Licensing program in Alabama. This permit allows holders to drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, and is sitting in the front seat next to you.

In most cases, the only citizens who must first have a learner’s license in Alabama are teens under the age of 18 who are still considered dependents. These are the specific age requirements for obtaining a learner’s permit:

  • A 15-year-old may obtain a learner’s permit if they are enrolled in a Driver’s Education or training program, and can successfully pass a written test administered by the Alabama DPS.

  • A 16-year-old may obtain a learner’s permit by successfully passing a written test administered by the Alabama DPS.

If a teen meets any of the following requirements, they do not need to obtain a learner’s license before obtaining a regular Alabama driver’s license:

  • At least 18 years old
  • At least 17 years old, and has held a valid driver’s license for six months
  • At least 16 years old, and is married and considered the head of household
  • Has been legally declared an adult by the state of Alabama

Items to bring

When you arrive at the Alabama DPS to take a driver’s license exam, you must bring certain documents with you. If you are 16 years old or older, you must bring the following items in order to apply for a driver’s permit in Alabama:

Two forms of identification, including one with a photograph. One must be one of the following items:

  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Alabama identification card
  • Certificate of naturalization or of citizenship
  • Resident alien card
  • Valid foreign passport with U.S immigration documentation
  • A social security card.
  • Proof of graduation or a school enrollment form.
  • A $5 testing fee and a $36.25 license fee.

If you are 15 years old, you must bring the following items in order to apply for a driver’s permit in Alabama:

  • A certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • A social security card
  • Proof of school enrollment or graduation
  • A $5 testing fee, and a $36.25 license fee

Passing the exam

The driver’s permit test is made up of questions about the state-specific traffic laws, safe driving rules, and road signs. The Alabama Driver License Manual covers all the information that a student needs in order to pass the exam. In order to get extra practice, there is an online practice test available

Students will also be required to pass a vision screening at this time. Passing these steps will earn a student their Alabama driver’s permit.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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