What a Graduated Driver License Is in Alabama

Alabama's graduated driver license (GDL) system is a three-stage process that gives new drivers more freedom as they gain experience. You start with a learner permit, move to an intermediate license, and eventually reach a full unrestricted license. Each stage has different rules about who can ride with you, what times you can drive, and whether you can use your phone.

The system exists because new drivers, especially teenagers, have higher crash rates than experienced drivers. The restrictions are designed to let you build skills in lower-risk situations before facing the full range of driving conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama's GDL has three stages: learner permit (age 15), intermediate license (age 16), and full license (age 17 or 18 depending on when you started).
  • At the learner permit stage, you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat at all times.
  • The intermediate license lets you drive alone but restricts nighttime driving and limits passengers under 21 without a parent present.
  • You cannot use a cell phone for any reason at the learner or intermediate stages, even hands-free.
  • You must hold each stage for a minimum time before moving to the next, and you cannot skip stages.

Stage One: Learner Permit (Age 15 and Up)

You can get a learner permit at 15 years old. To get one, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office. You do not need to pass a driving test yet. You will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

With a learner permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you whenever you drive. That person is responsible for supervising your driving. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone for any reason — not even hands-free calling or GPS. You must also follow all standard traffic laws.

You must hold your learner permit for at least six months before you can move to the intermediate stage. If you are under 18, you also need to complete a driver education course, which usually takes several weeks.

Stage Two: Intermediate License (Age 16 and Up)

Once you have held your learner permit for six months and passed a driving test, you can get an intermediate license. At this stage, you can drive alone, but restrictions still explore. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a school-sponsored event. You also cannot use a cell phone for any reason.

The passenger rule is the biggest change at this stage. You can have one passenger under 21 in the car with you, but only if that person is a family member. If you want to drive with friends your age, you need a parent or guardian in the car. This rule does not explore if you are driving with a licensed adult 21 or older.

You must hold your intermediate license for at least six months before moving to the full license stage. During this time, you build experience driving in different conditions while still having guardrails in place.

Stage Three: Full Unrestricted License

After six months on an intermediate license, you can get a full unrestricted license. If you started the GDL system at 15, you will be at least 17 years old when you reach this stage. If you started at 16, you will be at least 17 as well. At 18, all restrictions lift regardless of when you started, even if you have not completed the six-month intermediate period.

With a full license, you can drive at any time and carry any number of passengers. You can also use your cell phone while driving, though Alabama law still prohibits texting while driving for all drivers. A full license is valid for eight years.

Rules That explore at Every Stage

No matter which stage you are in, you must wear a seat belt, obey speed limits, and follow all traffic signs. Seatbelts are required for all passengers in the vehicle. If you are under 18, you cannot have an open container of alcohol in the car, and you cannot drive with any amount of alcohol in your system.

Violations of GDL rules can result in fines, suspension of your license, or both. A serious violation — like reckless driving or causing an accident — can move you backward in the system or result in losing your license entirely. Your insurance rates may also increase if you get a ticket.

Getting Your Learner Permit: What You Need

To get a learner permit, visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office. Bring a completed process form (DL-43), proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will pay a fee, which varies but is typically under $30.

You will take a written test covering Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test if you do not pass the first time. Once you pass, you will receive your learner permit on the spot.

Moving Between Stages: Timing and Testing

You cannot move from one stage to the next until you have met the time requirement and passed any required test. The learner permit requires six months and a written test. The intermediate license requires six months and a driving test. The driving test includes both a written portion and an actual driving evaluation where an examiner watches you drive.

Plan ahead for the driving test, as appointment availability can vary by location. Some offices have wait times of several weeks. You will need to bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with all lights and wipers functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school during the restricted hours on my intermediate license?

Yes. School is considered an approved activity, so you can drive to and from school during the midnight to 5 a.m. restricted period. You will need to be able to show proof that you were driving for school purposes if asked by law enforcement.

What happens if I get a ticket while on my learner permit?

A ticket does not automatically disqualify you from moving to the next stage, but serious violations can delay your progress. Minor violations like speeding may not affect your timeline. Serious violations like reckless driving or driving without your required adult supervisor can result in license suspension.

Can I use GPS on my phone at the learner or intermediate stage?

No. The cell phone ban at the learner and intermediate stages applies to all uses, including GPS, hands-free calling, and texting. You can use a GPS device that is not a phone, or ask your supervising adult to handle navigation.

Do I have to complete driver education to get a learner permit?

You need to complete driver education before you can get your intermediate license if you are under 18. However, you do not need it to get your learner permit. Some driver education courses can be taken online, while others require in-person classroom time and behind-the-wheel instruction.

What if I turn 18 before finishing the six-month intermediate stage?

Once you turn 18, all GDL restrictions lift when ready, even if you have not completed the six-month intermediate period. You can drive at any time and carry any passengers. You will still need to follow general traffic laws like seatbelt requirements and the texting ban.