How to get an Alabama Driver's License
Find out how to get a new AL driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Alabama DMV guide.
The Rules
Under AL DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Alabama Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Alabama Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license or your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to apply for a Alabama learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an AL drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months before taking the road skills test.
New AL Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Alabama driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in PA. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an AL driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired more than one year ago, you will be required to apply for an Alabama learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
International Drivers
Alabama honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of one year. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for an Alabama learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
Paperwork
Before you head to the DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Alabama Driver's Manual |
