What You Need to Do to Get an Alabama Driver's License

To get your first Alabama driver's license, you will visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and pay the license fee. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — Alabama requires you to appear at an office, show original documents, and demonstrate that you can drive safely.

The entire process typically takes one visit if you are prepared with the right documents and have studied for the written test. However, you may need a second visit if you fail either test, since you must wait before retesting. Most people complete their first visit in 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with original identity documents, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — no online or mail-in option exists for first-time licenses.
  • Alabama requires you to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs before you can take the driving test.
  • You must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS test vehicle before your license is issued.
  • The standard driver's license fee is $28.50 for a four-year license, and you must pay in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days before taking the driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Alabama requires you to bring original documents — not copies — to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card itself, not a printout or letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number.

For identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID, a work ID, or a hospital bracelet will not work. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Alabama address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work for residency.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, you cannot use your new name on the license.

The Written Knowledge Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. The test is taken on a computer at the DPS office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections and merges, and what to do if you are pulled over. You can study using the official Alabama Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before their test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. However, you must pay the test fee again, which is included in your overall license fee.

The Driving Test: What the Examiner Will Ask You to Do

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, changing lanes, parking, backing up, and stopping smoothly. You will also be tested on your ability to follow traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, and check your mirrors and blind spots.

You can take the test in your own vehicle or in a DPS test vehicle. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this inspection, you cannot test that day.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, not signaling before turning, speeding, and not checking mirrors before changing lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. You do not have to retake the written test.

Age Requirements and the Learner's Permit for Drivers Under 18

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. You cannot skip this step. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and show proof that you have completed a state-approved driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course.

The driver education course is typically four to six hours long and covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazard awareness. Many high schools offer this course for free, and private driving schools offer it for a fee of $100 to $300. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must bring to the DPS office when you explore for your learner's permit.

While you hold a learner's permit, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone. After 30 days, you can return to the DPS office to take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit — you can go directly to the written test and then the driving test.

License Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year Alabama driver's license costs $28.50. If you are 65 or older, a four-year license costs $10.50. A six-year license is not available in Alabama — all licenses are either four years or eight years depending on your age and whether you renew early.

You must pay at the DPS office on the day you pass both tests. Most offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards. Not all offices accept credit cards, so bring cash or a debit card to be safe. If you pay by check, it must be a personal check with your name and address printed on it.

If you fail either test, you pay only the test fee at that time — $5 for the written test or $10 for the driving test. You do not pay the full license fee until you pass both tests.

Finding Your Local DPS Driver License Office and Making an Appointment

Alabama has DPS Driver License offices in every county. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the office in your county. To find the office nearest you and its hours, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use the office locator tool, or call 334-242-4400.

Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices in larger cities now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website or call ahead to ask whether appointments are available, because wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices have extended hours or Saturday hours — check before you go. Bring all your documents and plan to spend at least one to two hours at the office, even if your actual test time is shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I have my learner's permit if I am under 18?

No. If you are under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education course and obtain a learner's permit before you can take the written test. The learner's permit is a separate document that you receive after passing the written test, and you must hold it for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.

What if I fail the driving test — do I have to retake the written test too?

No. If you fail the driving test, you only retake the driving test. You do not retake the written test. You can schedule your next driving test attempt after waiting at least one day. You will pay the $10 driving test fee again.

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. Alabama requires original documents for identity, residency, and Social Security proof. A copy will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is certified — meaning it has a raised seal and an official stamp — some offices may accept it, but call ahead to confirm. Your Social Security card must be the original card itself.

What happens if I move to a different county before my license expires?

You do not need to get a new license. Your Alabama driver's license is valid statewide regardless of where you live. You can update your address by mail, online, or in person at any DPS office if you want your license to show your new address, but it is not required.

Can someone else take the driving test for me or on my behalf?

No. You must take both the written test and the driving test yourself in person. There is no proxy or remote testing option. The examiner will verify your identity before the test begins.