What You Need to Do to Get a Learner's Permit in Mobile

To get a learner's permit in Mobile, Alabama, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Examiner's Office in person, bring the required documents, pass a written test, and pay the fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour on the day you explore. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with original documents.

Alabama issues learner's permits to people aged 15 and older. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, and you can renew it once without retesting if you have not yet turned 18. After that, you must pass the written test again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your Social Security card (original or certified copy), proof of Alabama residency, and a completed process for Driver License or Learner's Permit (Form DL-43) to the Mobile DPS office.
  • The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 24 of 30 questions correctly to pass.
  • The learner's permit fee is $20.50 and is paid at the time you explore; this fee does not count toward a future driver's license.
  • You must be at least 15 years old, and if you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
  • The Mobile DPS office is located at 2501 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy is not acceptable. You also need proof that you live in Alabama — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you will work. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You must complete Form DL-43 (process for Driver License or Learner's Permit) before you arrive or fill it out at the office. You can read it from the Alabama DPS website or ask for it when you walk in. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the form in front of the examiner — they do not have to be present, but their signature must be on the original document you bring.

Bring a form of identification with your photo if you have one — a school ID, passport, or state ID. If you do not have photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and school records.

The Written 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 (80 percent) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the DPS office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The test covers Alabama's rules of the road, including speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and what to do at traffic signals and stop signs. It also includes questions about road signs — what they mean and what you must do when you see them. You can study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people study it for a few days before taking the test and pass on their first try.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You have three attempts to pass within a 12-month period; if you fail all three, you must wait one year before you can test again.

The Mobile DPS Office Location and Hours

The Mobile DPS Driver License Examiner's Office is located at 2501 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no appointment system — you walk in and wait your turn. Arrive early if you can, because wait times are usually shorter in the morning.

Parking is available in the lot at the office. Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while you wait. The office does not accept documents by mail or through a third party, so you must be present yourself.

The Fee and Payment Method

The learner's permit fee is $20.50. You pay this fee at the time you explore, whether you pass the test or not. The fee is non-refundable. If you later convert your learner's permit to a driver's license, this $20.50 does not count toward the driver's license fee — you will pay a separate fee for the license.

The DPS office accepts cash and debit or credit cards. Ask which cards they take when you arrive, as payment methods can vary by location.

What Happens After You Pass

After you pass the written test, the examiner will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat.

Your learner's permit cannot be renewed online. If your permit expires and you have not yet turned 18, you can renew it once by returning to the DPS office with your expired permit and paying the $20.50 fee again. You do not have to retake the written test for a renewal. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, you can take the road test and explore for a driver's license without renewing the permit.

If You Fail the Written Test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost. Many people pass on a second or third attempt after reviewing the Alabama Driver's Manual for a few more hours. You have three attempts within a 12-month period.

If you fail all three times within 12 months, you must wait one full year from the date of your first failed attempt before you can test again. This is an Alabama DPS rule and cannot be waived. During that year, you cannot hold a learner's permit or take the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am 14 years old?

No. Alabama requires you to be at least 15 years old to hold a learner's permit. If you are 14, you must wait until your 15th birthday to explore.

Do I need to bring my parent or guardian to the DPS office?

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process form, but they do not have to be present at the office. You can bring the signed form yourself. However, the examiner may ask you questions about your address and identity, so be prepared to answer.

What if I lose my learner's permit before it expires?

Return to the Mobile DPS office with a completed Form DL-43 and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee (separate from the original permit fee) to get a new permit with the same expiration date. Bring your documents and be ready to pay the replacement fee in cash or card.

Can I take the written test in another language?

The Alabama DPS offers the written test in English only at most locations. Contact the Mobile DPS office directly at the phone number on their website to ask about language accommodations before you visit.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you have not turned 18 by the time it expires, you can renew it once at the DPS office without retaking the written test. After that, you must pass the test again to get a new permit.