Where to take the written test in Mobile

In Mobile, you take the written knowledge test at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office. The main office serving Mobile is located at 951 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. You can also visit satellite offices in the Mobile area if that location is inconvenient — call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by location.

You do not need an appointment for the written test. Walk in during business hours, bring the documents listed below, and you can test the same day. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is; mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons.

The DPS office is open Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available for testing. If you cannot make it during the week, plan ahead — you may need to take time off work or school to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Mobile DPS office is at 951 Government Street; you can walk in without an appointment during business hours.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) — requirements vary slightly by age and citizenship status.
  • The written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass; it covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Alabama Driver Manual.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to wait and pay the retest fee again.
  • Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you are unsure.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the DPS office, gather these documents. You will not be allowed to test without them, and going back home to retrieve something wastes your trip.

Proof of identity: a valid passport, birth certificate, or military ID. A school ID alone is not enough. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original or a certified copy.

Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current Mobile address. A bank statement or government mail also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

Your Social Security number: you will need to provide this, but you do not have to bring a card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well.

What the written test covers and how it is scored

The Alabama written knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — that is 80 percent — to pass. The test is based on the Alabama Driver Manual, which you can read online at the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office.

Questions cover road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and safe driving practices like following distance and how to handle skids or hydroplaning. Some questions ask about Alabama-specific laws, such as the state's open container law or seatbelt requirements.

You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The test is taken on a computer at the DPS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, though you will have to pay the test fee again and wait for the next available testing slot.

Test fees and payment methods

The written knowledge test fee in Alabama is $5. If you fail and retake the test the same day, you pay $5 again. This fee is separate from the cost of your driver license itself, which you pay only if you pass the written test and move on to the road test.

The Mobile DPS office accepts cash and debit cards. Some locations also accept credit cards, but this varies. Call 951 Government Street ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they accept so you do not arrive without the right way to pay.

If you cannot afford the $5 fee, contact the DPS office directly to ask about fee waivers or payment plans. Some offices work with applicants in financial hardship, though this is handled case by case.

How to prepare for the test

The Alabama Driver Manual is your study guide. You can read it as a PDF from the Alabama DPS website, or pick up a printed copy at the DPS office. Read through it at least once before you test. Focus on the sections on road signs, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules — these make up a large portion of the test.

Many people use practice tests online to get used to the format. Search for "Alabama driver knowledge test practice" to find free quizzes. These are not official, but they give you a sense of how questions are worded and what topics appear most often.

Get a good night's sleep before your test day. Arrive at the DPS office at least 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and calm your nerves. Bring a pen or pencil if the office allows you to take notes during the test — ask when you arrive.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, you move on to the road test (also called the driving test). You do not take this the same day — you schedule it for a later date. The DPS office will give you information about scheduling and what to bring.

For the road test, you need a vehicle that is registered and insured, and you need someone with a valid driver license to accompany you to the testing location. The road test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Alabama, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours before retesting on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Alabama offers the written test in English only at most locations. If you need language support, contact the Mobile DPS office directly at the number on their website to ask about options. Some applicants bring a translator, though the DPS office must approve this in advance.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day by paying the $5 fee again and waiting for the next available testing slot. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test in Alabama. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the manual more carefully.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to show the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead.

Can I reschedule my test if I cannot make it?

Since you do not need an appointment for the written test, you straightforward come back another day. There is no cancellation or rescheduling process — just show up when you are ready. If you have already paid and cannot test that day, ask the DPS office about refunds or credits.

How long does the written test take?

You have 30 minutes to answer the 50 questions. Most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. After you submit your test, the computer scores it when ready and tells you whether you passed or failed.