Where to go and what to bring on your first visit
New Brockton does not have its own Department of Public Safety office, so you will need to visit the nearest Alabama DMV location, which is in Enterprise, about 20 miles away. Before you go, gather these documents: a completed process for Operator License or Instruction Permit (Form DL-44), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to bring your original documents — photocopies alone will not work.
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. Bring their photo ID as well. The Enterprise DMV office is located at 400 South Main Street, and you can call ahead at the Alabama DMV customer service line to confirm their hours, as they vary by location and season.
Key Takeaways
- New Brockton residents must travel to Enterprise to visit the nearest Alabama DMV office, about 20 miles away.
- You will need an original Social Security card or equivalent, proof of birth date, proof of address, and a completed DL-44 form before your visit.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process in person.
- The written test, vision test, and road test are separate appointments, and you typically take the written test first.
- Alabama charges a one-time license fee that varies based on your age and the type of license you are seeking.
The written test and what to study
Once your documents are verified, you will take the written knowledge test at the DMV office. This test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is typically 40 questions, so you need to get at least 32 right.
Alabama provides a free study guide called the Alabama Driver's Manual, available on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website or in print at the DMV office. Read through it carefully — it contains nearly all the material on the test. Pay special attention to sections on speed limits, parking rules, and what different colored signs mean. Many people miss questions about right-of-way at four-way stops and when you can turn on red, so study those sections twice.
You can retake the written test if you fail, but you will have to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the manual beforehand.
The vision test and road test scheduling
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DMV office. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DMV before you can proceed.
Once you pass the vision test, the DMV will schedule your road test. This is not done at the office — it is conducted by a separate examiner, usually at a location in or near Enterprise. The road test typically happens within one to three weeks of your written test, depending on how busy the office is. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring proof of insurance and your vehicle registration to the road test.
Costs and payment methods
Alabama charges a one-time license fee based on your age. For drivers under 21, the fee is lower than for drivers 21 and older. As of the most recent update, the fee for a four-year license (for drivers under 21) is around $20 to $25, and for a five-year license (for drivers 21 and older) it is around $25 to $30. These amounts can change, so confirm the exact fee when you call the Enterprise office or check the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.
The DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most locations. If you fail the road test, you will have to pay a retest fee to schedule another attempt, typically $10 to $15. Plan to have enough money for the initial license fee plus a potential retest fee, just in case.
Getting your temporary permit while you wait
If you are under 18 and do not yet have a driver's license, you can get an Instruction Permit first. This allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You explore for the Instruction Permit using the same documents as a full license, but you only take the written test — no vision or road test. The Instruction Permit is valid for one year and costs less than a full license.
Many new drivers in Alabama use the Instruction Permit to practice for several months before taking the road test. This is a smart approach because it gives you time to build confidence and experience. When you are ready for the road test, you straightforward return to the DMV and schedule it — you do not have to repeat the written test if you already passed it for your Instruction Permit.
What to expect on the day of your road test
Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your vehicle, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and your Instruction Permit or temporary license. Make sure your vehicle is in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors all functioning. The examiner will check these before the test begins.
During the test, you will be asked to perform a series of driving tasks in real traffic. Stay calm, follow all traffic laws, and listen carefully to the examiner's instructions. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors, speeding, and improper lane changes. If you fail, you can retake the test after paying the retest fee — there is no waiting period between attempts, though scheduling the next appointment may take a week or two.
After you pass: receiving your license
Once you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You will then return to the DMV office to finalize your license. Your photo will be taken, and your license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office's process. Ask the DMV staff which method applies at the Enterprise location.
Your new license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or five years if you are 21 or older. Keep it in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at the DMV for a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in New Brockton instead of Enterprise?
No. Road tests in Coffee County are administered in Enterprise only. You must travel there for your appointment. Some nearby towns like Elba or Ozark may have DMV offices, but Enterprise is the closest full-service location to New Brockton.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the areas they missed. The Alabama Driver's Manual is free and covers everything on the test.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes, you must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will not use a DMV vehicle. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a family member or friend, as long as it meets these requirements.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Most people complete the written and vision tests in one visit, then wait one to three weeks for a road test appointment. The road test itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. Total time from your first DMV visit to receiving your license is typically four to six weeks, depending on how quickly the office schedules your road test.
What if I move out of New Brockton after I get my license?
Your Alabama license remains valid in any state and does not need to be renewed until it expires. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a license from that state, but you can use your Alabama license until then.