- What agency in Alabama provides driver licenses?
- What are the age requirements for getting an Alabama driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
- What are the restrictions for an Alabama driver’s permit or driver’s license?
- What tests must I take to obtain an Alabama learner’s permit or driver’s license?
- I recently moved to Alabama. How long do I have to get an Alabama driver’s license?
- Must I notify the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division about a change of address? What if I want to change my name?
1. What agency in Alabama provides driver licenses?
The Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division.
2. What are the age requirements for getting an Alabama driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
A learner’s license can be obtained at age 15 in Alabama. You must be 16 years old to obtain a regular driver’s license in Alabama.
3. What are the restrictions for an Alabama driver’s permit or driver’s license?
Learner's License - Fifteen year olds may obtain a restricted Learner's License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle. The examination for the license is taken from information in the Alabama Driver's Manual. Upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a "Y" restriction. The "Y" restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is 21 years of age or older and, who is duly licensed in this state or a licensed or certified driving instructor occupying the seat beside the operator. This Learner's License is valid for four years.
Learner's license - Sixteen Year Olds - Any person 16 years of age or older who, except for his lack of Instruction In operating a motor vehicle, would otherwise be qualified to obtain a driver license, may obtain a Learner's License upon satisfactory completion of the required examination. The examination for this license is taken from Information in the Alabama Driver's Manual. After satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a "Y" restriction. The "Y" restriction indicates that the holder may only operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver. This license is valid for four years. Both Learner's Licenses may be suspended or revoked in the same manner and for the same cause as a driver license and may also be revoked for any violations of the terms and conditions on which it was issued.
Learner's License -"Y" Restriction Removal - Any person 16 or 17 years of age who has held a Learner's License for a minimum of six months and has developed the necessary skills to safely operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test. He must surrender his picture Learners License at the time of the road test. Upon satisfactory completion of the road test, the applicant will be issued a new regular license for the remainder of the four- year period. This will be at no cost to the applicant.
Learner's License -"Y" Restriction Removal - Any person 18 years of age or older who has held a Learner's License for a minimum of six months and has developed the necessary skills to safely operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test. He must surrender his picture Learners License at the time of the road test. Upon satisfactory completion of the road test, the applicant will be issued a new regular license for the remainder of the four- year period. This will be at no cost to the applicant.
4. What tests must I take to obtain an Alabama learner’s permit or driver’s license?
Learners permit: Alabama requires drivers to take a vision test and a written examination for a learner’s permit.
Driver’s license: Alabama requires drivers to take a vision test, a written examination and a road test.
The written test includes questions about Alabama rules of safe driving, road signs and traffic laws, all found in the Alabama Driver License manual.
The road test includes driving maneuvers such as:
(a) Right and left turns
(b) Signaling (hand or approved electrical devices)
(c) Use of marked and unmarked lanes of traffic
(d) Backing of vehicle
(e) Observance of traffic signs and signals
(f) Making a quick stop
(g) General control of vehicle
(h) Observation
(i) Three point turn. Stop vehicle at right edge of curb. When safe, make sharp left turn; back vehicle. Move forward in right lane. Do not bump curb or use driveway.
If any of the following occur, you can fail the exam:
(a) If you violate a traffic law
(b) You commit a dangerous action
(c) You are in an accident that you could have prevented, regardless of legal fault
(d) You fail to cooperate or refuse to perform any maneuver
If you fail the road test, you will have a chance to retake it, but only one road test is allowed per day.
If you pass all exams, you will have a picture taken, pay fees, and receive a temporary license. You should receive a permanent license by mail within 30 days.
5. I recently moved to Alabama. How long do I have to get an Alabama driver’s license?
A non resident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.
6. Must I notify the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division about a change of address? What if I want to change my name?
Change of Address: You have 30 days after changing address within Alabama to notify the Driver License Division: PO Box 1471, Montgomery, Alabama, 36102. Include your driver license number, full name and new address. If you want to change the address on your license, apply to the probate judge or license commissioner’s office near you. You will be charged a duplicate fee.
Change of Name: You must present proper documents to the probate judge or license commissioner near you, such as a marriage certificate or court order to change your name, prior to license expiration. A duplicate license will be issued with the new information, and you will be charged the duplicate fee.
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