How licensing works in Alabama
Alabama uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system for new drivers under 18. You move through three stages. Each stage gives you more freedom as you gain experience. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) runs driver licensing.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I learner license | 15 | Pass the written knowledge exam. Drive only with a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver 21 or older (or a licensed instructor) in the front seat. |
| Stage II restricted license | 16 | Hold Stage I for 6 months if under 18. Pass a road test. No driving midnight to 6 a.m. (with exceptions). Only one non-family passenger. No handheld devices. |
| Stage III unrestricted license | 17 | Hold Stage II for 6 months. Drivers 18 or older can apply right away after passing the road test. |
Supervised practice
Before you can move to Stage II, you need proof of practice. That means either a signed ALEA form showing 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, or a completion form from an approved driver education course.
Stage II exceptions
The midnight to 6 a.m. limit does not apply when you drive with a parent or legal guardian, or with a licensed driver 21 or older with your parent's consent. It also does not apply when you go to or from work, a school or religious event, or a medical, fire or police emergency.
If you break a Stage II rule, your restricted period is extended by six months or until you turn 18. Applicants under 19 must also show they have graduated or are attending school.
The Alabama knowledge exam
The knowledge exam is a written test on Alabama traffic laws, road signs and safe driving. All the questions come from the Alabama Driver License Manual. You must pass it to get your Stage I learner license.
- The manual lists the exam in English and in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
- Oral and automated testing are also available.
- ALEA listed the exam fee as $5 in October 2026. The license itself costs extra.
What to bring
For a first license, ALEA asks for proof of identity from its document lists and proof of your Social Security number. Applicants under 19 also need the school enrollment form. Check the ALEA website before you go, because document rules can change.
Rules specific to Alabama
Alcohol limits
- Under 21: over the limit at 0.02% BAC.
- 21 and older: over the limit at 0.08% BAC, or when impaired.
- Commercial drivers: 0.04%.
- School bus and daycare drivers: 0.02%.
Alabama has an implied consent law. By driving on public roads, you agree to a chemical test of your breath, blood or urine. If you refuse after a DUI arrest, your license is suspended.
Phones and texting
All drivers are banned from writing, sending or reading texts, instant messages or email while driving. Each texting conviction adds 2 points. A hands-free law took effect in June 2024. It applies when a driver holds a phone and is also seen driving badly, such as swerving or changing lanes without a signal. Stage II drivers may not use any handheld device at all.
Seat belts and child seats
Every person in the vehicle must be buckled up or in a child restraint, whatever their age and seat. Children ride rear-facing until at least age 1 or 20 pounds, then forward-facing until age 5 or 40 pounds, then in a booster seat until age 6.
Points and suspensions
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 |
| Failure to yield | 5 |
| Speeding 26 mph or more over | 5 |
| Following too closely | 3 |
| Speeding 1 to 25 mph over | 2 |
| Texting while driving | 2 |
If you get 12 to 14 points in two years, your license is suspended for 60 days. Higher totals bring longer suspensions, up to 365 days for 24 or more points.
Sharing the road
Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when you pass. Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal, or 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
Test tips
- Read the Alabama Driver License Manual once from start to finish.
- Make flash cards for the numbers: ages, hours, BAC limits and point values.
- Take a practice test, then reread the parts where you missed questions.
- Practice road signs until you get them all right.
Get a good night's sleep before the exam and bring every document on the ALEA list. If you do not pass, study the topics you missed and try again.
Keep studying
This guide only covers rules that are special to Alabama. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking, and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your exam.