Alabama Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Alabama learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official ALEA pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — Graduated Driver License ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Alabama
- At 15+, pass the written exam and get the Stage I learner's permit
- Drive only with an allowed supervising driver in the front seat
- Complete either 50 verified behind-the-wheel hours or an approved driver education course
- Hold Stage I at least 6 months if under 18
- At 16+, pass the road skills exam and follow Stage II curfew, passenger, and device limits
Alabama GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Stage I permit holders may drive with a parent, legal guardian, licensed driver age 21+ in the front seat, or licensed/certified driving instructor
- Restricted curfew: Stage II drivers may not drive midnight to 6 a.m. unless an allowed school, religious, work, emergency, parent/guardian, or licensed-driver exception applies
- Restricted passenger rule: Stage II drivers may not have more than one passenger other than parents, legal guardians, or family members
- Device rule: Stage II drivers may not use handheld communication devices while driving
Documents you'll need
- Passing written examination
- Parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or certified instructor verification of 50 practice hours
- Or SDE-approved driver education completion form
- Parent, grandparent, or legal guardian permission for Stage II if under 18
The details
- Permit eligibility: Stage I learner's permit under Alabama's Graduated Driver License law
- Permit fee details: Stage I license fee; ALEA also lists a $5 exam fee
- License fee: $36.25 — Stage II restricted license fee
- Practice hour details: ALEA requires either 50 behind-the-wheel practice hours verified by an authorized adult/instructor or an SDE-approved driver education completion form
- Knowledge test: 30 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 30-question knowledge test, 24 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Alabama?
You can get a learner's permit in Alabama at 15. Stage I learner's permit under Alabama's Graduated Driver License law.
How much does a Alabama permit cost?
The Alabama permit fee is $36.25. Stage I license fee; ALEA also lists a $5 exam fee.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Alabama?
You must hold your Alabama permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Alabama require?
Alabama requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving.
Where can I practice for the Alabama permit test?
Right here — take a free Alabama practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full ALEA-format experience with a readiness score.
