Alabama Driver's License FAQs
- Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
- Driver’s License and Permit Fee and Renewal Cost
- Alabama Driver’s License Renewal Process and Requirements
- Driver’s License Expiry, Suspension, Replacement, and Reinstatement
- Alabama Written Knowledge and Driving Test
- Foreign or Out-of-State Driver’s License
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Getting an Alabama Motorcycle License
- Alabama Driving Records and License Points
- Miscellaneous
Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
What age can you get your permit in Alabama?
You can get your learner’s permit in Alabama at 15 years old.
Can a 16-year-old drive with passengers in Alabama?
A 16-year-old with a license can only have one passenger (who isn’t a family member) unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
Can you get your license at 18 without a permit in Alabama?
Yes, if you are 18 or older, you can apply for a driver’s license without holding a learner’s permit first. However, if you're new to driving, it's advisable to practice driving before applying for the road test.
What is a Class D license in Alabama?
A Class D license in Alabama is a standard, non-commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate passenger vehicles and light trucks.
What is a Class DV license in Alabama?
A Class DV license in Alabama is a special license for disabled veterans. It grants standard driving privileges and may offer benefits related to veteran status.
How long do you have to have your permit to get your license in Alabama?
If you are under 18, keep your learner’s permit for a minimum of six months before you’re eligible for a driver’s license.
How to get a driver's license in Alabama?
To get an Alabama driver’s license, you must get a learner’s permit and hold it for at least six months if you’re under 18. Once that period is over, take and pass the roads skills test, pay the license fee and receive your driver’s license.
How to get a learner's permit in Alabama?
For an Alabama learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at an ALEA office, provide the necessary documents, and pay the fee.
What documents are needed for Alabama driver's license?
Here’s what you’ll need to apply for your Alabama driver’s license:
- Proof of identity: Birth certificate, U.S. passport, etc.
- Social Security number: Social Security card or other proof.
- Proof of residency: Utility bills, school enrollment documents, etc.
- Proof of lawful presence: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you need to provide legal documentation of your status.
What do you need to get your permit in Alabama?
To get your permit, you’ll need proof of identity, Social Security, and residency.
Can you get your permit and license in the same day in Alabama?
No, if you are under 18, you must keep your permit for a minimum of six months before getting a license. If you are over 18, you can schedule and pass the road test on a separate day after getting your permit.
What does an Alabama driver's license look like?
The Alabama driver's license has a photo of the driver, a unique driver’s license number, and includes personal details like name, date of birth, and address. It also features state-specific images like the Alabama state seal.
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Driver’s License and Permit Fee and Renewal Cost
How much is a driver's license in Alabama?
A standard driver’s license in Alabama costs $36.25.
How much is a hardship license in Alabama?
The fee for a hardship license in Alabama is typically $36.25, but additional fees may apply depending on your situation.
How much is the permit test in Alabama?
The written test for a learner’s permit costs $5.
How much is a permit in Alabama?
The total cost for a learner’s permit in Alabama is the same as the permit, $36.25, including the test and issuance fee.
How much does it cost to renew an Alabama driver’s license online?
The cost to renew your driver’s license online in Alabama is $36.25, with an additional convenience fee of approximately $2.75.
Arkansas Driver’s License Renewal Process and Requirements
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license online?
Yes, you can renew your Alabama driver’s license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website as long as you're eligible.
How long do you have to renew your driver’s license after it expires in Alabama?
You have a 60-day grace period after your license expires to renew it without penalty. However, you should avoid driving with an expired license during this time.
What do I need to renew my license in Alabama?
To renew your license, you'll need your current driver’s license, proof of identity, and Social Security number.
Driver’s License Expiry, Suspension, Replacement, and Reinstatement
How long are Alabama driver's license good for?
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for 4 years. You can renew your license up to 180 days (6 months) before it expires.
Arkansas Written Knowledge and Driving Test
How many questions are on the Alabama permit test?
The Alabama permit test consists of 30 questions. You need to answer 24 questions correctly to pass, which is a score of 80%.
Can you take your permit test online in Alabama?
No, you cannot take the permit test online in Alabama. You must take the test in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office.
Foreign or Out-of-State Driver’s License
How do I transfer my out-of-state driver's license to Alabama?
To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Alabama, visit an ALEA office with the required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. No written or driving test is required if your out-of-state license is still valid.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
How many questions are on the Alabama CDL permit test?
The Alabama CDL general knowledge permit test consists of 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass, which is a score of 80%.
How to get a CDL in Alabama?
To get a CDL in Alabama, first, obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit by passing the CDL general knowledge test and any necessary endorsement exams. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. Next, complete a certified CDL training program to prepare for the road skills test. Afterward, pass the CDL Skills Test. Finally, pay the CDL application fee, with extra fees for endorsements.
How to get a hazmat endorsement in Alabama?
Here’s how you can apply for an Alabama hazmat endorsement:
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit or Commercial Driver's License.
- Pass the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) written test.
- Complete the TSA background check and fingerprinting process.
- Once approved, the Hazmat endorsement will be added to your CDL.
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Getting an Alabama Motorcycle License
Do you need a motorcycle license in Alabama?
Yes, to legally ride a motorcycle in Alabama, you need a Class M motorcycle license or an endorsement added to your regular driver’s license.
Can you take the Alabama motorcycle license test online?
No, you cannot take the motorcycle license test online. The written and skills tests must be taken in person at an ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) location.
How much is a motorcycle license in Alabama?
The fee for a motorcycle license in Alabama is $36.25.
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Alabama?
You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle license in Alabama.
How to get a motorcycle license in Alabama?
Pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test at an ALEA office. If you already have a driver's license, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it.
Where to take the Alabama motorcycle test?
You can take the motorcycle written and skills tests at your local ALEA Driver License Office.
Alabama Driving Records and License Points
How long do points stay on your license in Alabama?
Points stay on your license in Alabama for 2 years from the date of the violation.
How to get points off your license in Alabama?
Points will automatically be removed after 2 years. You may also take a state-approved defensive driving course, which can potentially reduce points.
How to check points on your license in Alabama?
You can check the points on your license by requesting your driving record through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website or visiting an ALEA office.
How to check Alabama driver’s license status online free?
You can check your Alabama driver's license status for free by visiting the ALEA Online Services portal and entering your driver’s license information.
Miscellaneous
Where can I get an Alabama driver's manual?
You can download the Alabama driver's manual from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.Visit a local ALEA office to get a physical copy of the manual.
How old do you have to be to ride in the front seat in Alabama?
In Alabama, children must be at least 13 years old to ride in the front seat. However, it is recommended that children remain in the back seat until they are 13 for safety reasons.
How to get a speeding ticket dismissed in Alabama?
Here’s how you can get a speeding ticket dismissed:
- Attend traffic school: You may be eligible to have a speeding ticket dismissed by completing a state-approved defensive driving course.
- Contest the ticket in court: You can request a court hearing to contest the ticket, and if the judge rules in your favor, the ticket may be dismissed.
- Negotiate with the court: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the court to reduce the fine or dismiss the ticket if you have a clean driving record.