Where to Get Your License in Opelika
In Opelika, you get your driver's license through the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS runs all driver licensing in the state, and Opelika has a local office where you can take both your written test and your road test. You cannot get a license online or by mail — you must appear in person at the Opelika DPS office to complete testing and receive your license.
The Opelika DPS office is located at 1901 Columbus Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. Before you go, check their hours on the Alabama DPS website or call ahead, because office hours can change and some locations close for state holidays. You will need to bring specific documents, and you cannot take your road test on the same day as your written test — plan for at least two separate visits.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety office in Opelika handles both written and road tests; you must visit in person and cannot test on the same day.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and a completed DL-44 form before you can take your written test.
- Your written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you must pass it before scheduling a road test.
- The road test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must pass both tests to receive your license.
- Opelika is in Lee County, so you will interact with the state DPS office, not a county-specific licensing body.
Documents You Need Before Testing
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The DPS will not issue a license without it. You also need proof of residency — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Opelika address. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Alabama.
You need proof of identity as well. A passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of these, a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (like a school ID or work badge) can substitute. You also need to bring a completed DL-44 form, which is the Alabama process for a driver's license. You can fill this out at home before you go or at the office, but bringing it completed saves time.
Finally, bring your Social Security card itself or an official document showing your number — a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement works. The DPS verifies your number directly with the Social Security Administration, so you cannot just write it on a form and leave the card at home.
Taking Your Written Test in Opelika
Your written test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass (an 80 percent score). You can take the test on a computer at the Opelika DPS office. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
Study the Alabama Driver's Manual before you test — the DPS publishes it free on their website, and it covers everything on the exam. Many people study it for a week or two before testing. If you fail, you can retake the written test, but you will have to pay the test fee again and return to the office on a different day.
Once you pass your written test, the DPS will give you a receipt showing you passed. You cannot schedule your road test until you have this receipt. Keep it safe — you will need to bring it when you return for your road test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass your written test, you schedule your road test at the same Opelika DPS office. Road test appointments fill up, so you may not get a date when ready — wait times vary by season and how busy the office is. Bring your written test receipt, your documents again, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test.
Your road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must obey all traffic laws during the test, use your turn signals, and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will pay the fee again and wait for another appointment.
You can use your own vehicle, a family member's vehicle, or a DPS vehicle for the test. If you use your own or a borrowed vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.
License Types and What You Can Drive
Alabama issues a Class D license for regular passenger vehicle driving. This is what most new drivers get. A Class D lets you drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. It does not let you drive commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or vehicles that require a commercial driver's license (CDL).
If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement. You take an additional written test and road test for this endorsement. If you want to drive a commercial truck or bus, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires different testing and medical certification.
When you first pass your road test, you receive a probationary license if you are under 18. This license has restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.
Fees and How Long Your License Lasts
The written test fee and road test fee are separate. Each test costs money, and the exact amount varies — check the Alabama DPS website or call the Opelika office for current fees. You pay each fee when you take each test. If you fail and retake a test, you pay the fee again.
Once you pass both tests and receive your license, your Alabama driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal can be done by mail or online for most people, so you will not have to return to the Opelika office unless your license is suspended or you need to change information.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
After you pass your road test, the DPS issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few days — ask the examiner which will happen. Your license is a physical card you carry with you whenever you drive. It shows your name, address, date of birth, license number, and restrictions (if any).
You are now a licensed driver in Alabama and can drive anywhere in the United States. Your license is valid proof of identity as well. Keep it in a safe place and bring it every time you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at the Opelika DPS office by paying a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my written test and road test on the same day?
No. You must pass your written test first, then schedule your road test for a different day. The DPS requires this separation to give you time to prepare for the road test after passing the written portion.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake it. You will pay the road test fee again and schedule another appointment at the Opelika DPS office. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, but each attempt costs money and requires a new appointment.
Do I have to use my own car for the road test?
No. You can use a family member's vehicle, a friend's vehicle, or a DPS vehicle. If you use your own or a borrowed car, it must be registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass both tests?
You receive your license when ready after passing your road test, or it will be mailed to you within a few days. Ask the examiner which option applies. Your license is valid as soon as you receive it.
What if I move out of Opelika after I get my license?
Your Alabama license is valid statewide and nationwide. You do not need to get a new license just because you moved. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get that state's license, but Alabama does not require you to update your address when ready.