Getting an Alabama Learners Permit

Before you can get on the road on your own in the state of Alabama, you will have to follow a very specific set of steps to obtain your state drivers permit. Following the correct protocol for getting driving permit is instrumental in being able to operate a vehicle legally and safely. It is imperative that prospective drivers respect the permit for driving process in order to enjoy a safe driving experience. Luckily for you, we have compiled all the resources to help you obtain your Alabama learning permit in no time. Read more below.

Every kid’s dream is to be able to drive. But before you can get on the road on your own in the state of Alabama, you will have to follow a very specific set of steps to obtain your state drivers permit. Following the correct protocol for getting driving permit is instrumental in being able to operate a vehicle legally and safely. It is imperative that prospective drivers respect the permit for driving process in order to enjoy a safe driving experience.

What you need to do to get a learners permit:

• Eligibility to obtain an AL learners permit
• Required documents to get an Alabama learning permit

Eligibility to Obtain an Alabama Learners Permit

According to Alabama’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), a learners license is available to those who are at least 15 years of age who would like to learn how to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle. The examination for an Alabama learning permit is taken directly from the DMV manual.

Provided you pass the required examination, such as a written drivers test, at a DMV address, you will be issued a standard Alabama drivers license with a “Y” restriction that indicates you may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years of age, who holds a valid drivers license. Your learners permit is valid for a period of four years.

Additionally, anyone who is 16 years of age or older can also obtain a state learners permit by following the same protocol. However, any 16-year-old who holds a valid learners license and has developed the necessary skills to safely operate a motor vehicle may present his or herself to a local drivers license examiner for the road test. Upon successful completion of the drivers test, he or she will be issued a new regular AL driving license for the remainder of the four-year period at no cost.

Required Documents for Alabama Learners Permit

Getting drivers permits in the state of Alabama requires particular documentation. Read more below so you know exactly what you will need to bring to the RMV office.

If you are 15 years of age or older, you must provide the following documents with your Alabama drivers permit application:

• Your U.S. birth certificate (certified and issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics)
• Your Social Security card
• Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation
• $5 testing fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase license (no checks)

Note: All documents must be originals.

If you are 16 years of age or older, you must provide the following documents with your AL driving permit application:

• Two forms of identification, at least one of which contains a photograph (one form must be from the primary list, in addition to the Social Security card) or three forms of non-photo identification (one form must be from the primary list, in addition to the Social Security card)
• Your Social Security card
• Acceptable school enrollment form or proof of graduation (if younger than 19 and applying for the first time)
• $5 test fee (no checks)
• Applicants 18 years of age or older who wish to complete all testing for a license must have a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection
• $36.25 to purchase license (no checks)

For more information about required documents when obtaining your permit for driving in Alabama, contact the Department of Public Safety.