What you need to do to get an Alabama driver's license
To get your Alabama driver's license, you visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with the right documents, pass a vision test and written exam, take a road test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes a few visits spread over weeks — you cannot do it all in one day. You'll start by getting your learner's permit, then after holding it for a set time, you can take the road test for your full license.
Alabama does not let you skip straight to a full license. You must hold a learner's permit first, which means you can drive only with a licensed adult in the car. The waiting period between permit and road test is 30 days if you're under 18, or you can take the road test when ready if you're 18 or older.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test for a full license, and you need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to the DPS office.
- If you're under 18, you must wait 30 days after getting your permit before you can take the road test; if you're 18 or older, you can take it right away.
- The written exam covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs, and you need a score of at least 80 percent to pass.
- The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner and includes basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping; you must bring your own vehicle and proof of insurance.
- Alabama driver's licenses cost $28 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, and you pay when you pass the road test.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID as proof of identity. A state ID card counts if you already have one. The document must be current and not expired.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current Alabama address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You need one document that shows both your name and address.
You must provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring your learner's permit when you return for the road test. You'll also need proof of insurance for the vehicle you're using for the test — your insurance card or a printed policy document works.
Getting your learner's permit
Visit your local DPS office with your documents and tell them you want a learner's permit. You'll pay a fee (currently $8.50 for a permit), take a vision test, and take the written exam. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
The written exam has 30 questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. You can study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which the DPS office provides free or you can read from the Alabama DPS website. Most people study for a few days or a week before taking the test.
If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Once you pass, you get your learner's permit on the spot.
The waiting period and practice driving
If you're under 18, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. If you're 18 or older, you can take the road test when ready after getting your permit, though the DPS recommends practicing first.
While you have your learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. Use this time to practice the skills you'll need for the road test: parking, turning, stopping smoothly, merging, and driving on different types of roads. Most people practice for several weeks even if they are not required to wait.
Taking the road test
Schedule your road test appointment at your local DPS office. You can call ahead or visit in person to book a time. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you're using, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning left and right, changing lanes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), stopping smoothly, and backing up. The examiner is watching for safe habits like checking mirrors, using turn signals, maintaining a safe speed, and following traffic laws.
You must pass the road test to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but there may be a waiting period or a fee for the retest. Ask the DPS office about their retesting policy when you schedule your first test.
Paying the fee and getting your license
When you pass the road test, you pay the license fee and receive your Alabama driver's license. A four-year license costs $28. An eight-year license costs $48. You choose which one you want when you pay. The license is valid for the number of years you choose, then you must renew it.
Your license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your learner's permit until the license arrives, as long as you still have a licensed adult in the car if you're under 18.
Real ID and what it means for your Alabama license
Alabama offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for identification. You need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025.
Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document: either a certified birth certificate or a passport. If you already brought your birth certificate or passport to get your standard license, you have what you need. The fee is the same whether you choose a standard or Real ID license.
You do not have to get a Real ID license right now. You can get a standard license first and upgrade to Real ID later when you renew. However, if you know you will need to fly or enter federal buildings, getting Real ID at the same time saves you a trip to the DPS office later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be insured and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you are using.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after a waiting period set by your local DPS office. Some offices let you retake it the same week; others require you to wait a few days. Call your local office to find out when you can schedule your next attempt. You may have to pay a retest fee.
Do I need to renew my learner's permit if I do not pass the road test right away?
Learner's permits are valid for one year from the date you receive them. If you do not take the road test within that year, your permit expires and you must get a new one. You can renew it at the DPS office by paying the permit fee again.
Can I get my Alabama license if I have an out-of-state license?
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written exam or road test. You can exchange it for an Alabama license by visiting the DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of residency. You still pay the license fee.
What if I lose my learner's permit before I take the road test?
Visit your local DPS office and request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (usually around $5 to $8) and receive a new permit with the same expiration date as the original. Bring your ID and proof of residency.