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 must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, and pass a vision screening. You'll also need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency to the Department of Public Safety office.
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what road signs mean. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which the Department of Public Safety publishes free online. Most people study for a few days or a week before taking the test. You get one attempt per visit, and if you don't pass, you can return and try again after waiting a set period.
The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need a letter from an eye doctor saying you've been corrected to the required standard before you can get your permit.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get an Alabama learner's permit.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or tax return, and a piece of mail showing your Alabama address to your local Department of Public Safety office.
- The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Alabama Driver's Manual online.
- Your learner's permit is valid for five years, but you must have a licensed adult 19 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
Documents to bring to the Department of Public Safety
Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies usually won't work. For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form. For proof of residency, bring a piece of mail from the last 30 days with your name and Alabama address on it, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement.
If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process. Some offices ask that they come in person; others allow a notarized signature. Call your local Department of Public Safety office before you go to confirm what they require and whether you need an appointment.
Where to go and how long it takes
Visit any Department of Public Safety Driver License office in Alabama. You can find the office nearest you on the Department of Public Safety website by entering your county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.
The whole process—turning in your documents, taking the vision test, and taking the written test—usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Bring all your documents in one trip so you don't have to return. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's policy.
What the written test covers
The Alabama knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits and when they explore, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and safe driving practices like following distance and turning.
The test also includes questions about Alabama-specific laws, such as seat belt requirements, distracted driving rules, and what to do if you're pulled over by police. You can take the test on a computer at the Department of Public Safety office. The questions are presented one at a time, and you answer by clicking your choice on the screen.
How long your learner's permit lasts
Your Alabama learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. During that time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 19 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. The adult must hold a valid driver's license.
While you hold a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws. If you get a ticket or are in an accident while driving on your learner's permit, it will be recorded on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates or your ability to get your full license.
Moving from learner's permit to your full license
After you've held your learner's permit for at least 30 days and practiced driving, you can take the road test to get your full driver's license. The road test checks your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and make safe decisions while driving. You must pass both the road test and a final written test on Alabama traffic laws.
To take the road test, you must schedule an appointment at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving for the test. The vehicle must be registered and have working lights, brakes, and wipers. The road test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging.
Costs and payment
The fee for an Alabama learner's permit varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A five-year permit costs less per year than a shorter permit. You pay the fee when you explore at the Department of Public Safety office. Most offices take cash, check, and debit or credit card, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged permit, there is a replacement fee. If you move out of state or no longer need your permit, you can surrender it at any Department of Public Safety office, but you won't get a refund of your fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschooling does not affect your ability to get a learner's permit. You must still be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and pass the vision screening. Bring the same documents as any other applicant.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test. Most offices let you try again the same day or within a few days. You'll pay the test fee again each time you take it. Study the Alabama Driver's Manual more thoroughly before your next attempt, and consider taking practice tests online to build your confidence.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
Yes, Alabama requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get your permit.
Can I drive to school on my learner's permit?
No. Your learner's permit requires a licensed adult 19 or older to be in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, even to school. Once you pass your road test and get your full license, you can drive alone during daylight hours, though Alabama has restrictions for drivers under 18.
What if I move to another state before I get my full license?
Your Alabama learner's permit is not valid in other states. You'll need to get a learner's permit in your new state and follow that state's rules for practice driving and testing. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need and how long the process takes.