What you need to get an Alabama learner's permit

An Alabama learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you'll need to visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, bring the right documents, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes a few hours on the day you explore.

You don't need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit in Alabama, but you do need proof of identity and proof of your Alabama residency. The state accepts a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth as identity documents. For residency, bring something like a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

You'll also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number if you have one — it's not required, but it speeds things up. If you're under 18, at least one parent or guardian must be present with you at the DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a local Alabama Department of Public Safety office in person to get your learner's permit; there is no online option.
  • Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Alabama residency (utility bill or lease), and have a parent or guardian present if you're under 18.
  • You will take a written test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; the test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly.
  • The learner's permit fee is $20 and your permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
  • Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 19 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

Finding your nearest DPS office and hours

Alabama has DPS offices in most counties, but not every town has one. The easiest way to find the office closest to you is to visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4394 to ask which office serves your area.

Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some offices close for lunch, and a few have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead before you go — wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month, and some offices may ask you to come back if they're too busy.

The written test: what to expect

The Alabama learner's permit written test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You'll answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You need to get at least 24 questions right (80 percent) to pass.

The test draws from the Alabama Driver's Manual, which you can read for free on the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. You're allowed to take the test twice in one day if you fail the first time, but if you fail both times, you'll have to wait at least one week before you can try again.

The test is given in English only. If you need the test in another language, call the DPS office in your county ahead of time to ask what options they have — some offices can arrange interpreters, but not all.

Fees and how long your permit lasts

The learner's permit fee in Alabama is $20, paid at the DPS office when you pass your test. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card — policies vary by office, so call ahead if you want to know what payment methods your local office accepts.

Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a DPS office and paying another $20 fee, but you won't have to take the written test again. If your permit expires, you'll have to take the written test a second time to get a new one.

Restrictions while you have your learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult is in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must be at least 19 years old and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age in the car.

There are no restrictions on the time of day you can practice or the roads you can drive on — you can practice on highways and at night. However, you must follow all traffic laws and speed limits, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

You must carry your learner's permit with you whenever you drive. If you're pulled over and don't have it, you can be cited. Your permit also serves as proof that you're allowed to be behind the wheel, so keep it in a safe place.

Moving from learner's permit to your road test

You can take your Alabama road test once you've held your learner's permit for at least 30 days. There's no minimum number of practice hours required by the state, but the Alabama DPS recommends at least 50 hours of practice, with 10 of those at night.

To schedule your road test, visit a DPS office or call ahead to book an appointment. The road test fee is $20. During the test, a DPS examiner will ride with you and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You'll be tested on basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

If you pass your road test, you can explore for your Class D driver's license (the standard license for regular drivers) at the same DPS office. If you don't pass, you can take the test again, but you'll have to pay the fee each time.

What to bring on the day of your test

Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. If you're under 18, bring at least one parent or guardian with you. Bring the $20 fee in cash, check, or debit card, depending on what your local office accepts.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you move easily. Bring your glasses or contacts if you need them to see — you must meet Alabama's vision requirements to pass the written test and get your permit. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test.

Don't bring your Social Security card itself if you're worried about losing it — bring a copy or just remember your number. The DPS office will record your number, but they don't need the physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?

Yes. Alabama does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You just need to meet the age requirement (usually 14 or 15, depending on the type of permit) and bring the required documents to a DPS office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again the same day if the office isn't too busy. If you fail both attempts, you must wait at least one week before you can try a third time. There's no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you'll pay the $20 fee each time you visit the office.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

No, but having one makes the process faster. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you applied for one, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Can I practice driving on the highway with my learner's permit?

Yes. Alabama has no restrictions on the types of roads you can drive on with a learner's permit. You can practice on highways, back roads, and in cities. You just need a licensed adult at least 19 years old in the front passenger seat.

What happens if I lose my learner's permit?

Visit your local DPS office and ask for a replacement. You'll pay a $20 fee for a new one. Bring your proof of identity and residency again. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original one.