Where to book your Alabama permit test appointment

You schedule your Alabama permit test appointment through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which runs the state's driver licensing system. You cannot book online — you must call or visit in person at an ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office in your county.

Call the ALEA Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to reserve a time slot. Have your full name, date of birth, and the county where you want to test ready when you call. The office staff will tell you available dates and times at the location nearest you.

If you prefer to book in person, visit any ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch. Bring your learner's permit and a form of identification to schedule your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must call 334-242-4437 or visit an ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office in person to book your permit test appointment — there is no online booking system.
  • Most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you should bring your learner's permit and ID when you visit.
  • Wait times for appointments vary by location and season, so calling ahead tells you how far out the next available slot is.
  • You must bring specific documents on test day, including your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
  • If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your fee and have to reschedule, so contact the office if plans change.

What documents you need to bring on test day

Bring your learner's permit and at least one form of government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or state ID. You also need proof of your current Alabama address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If your name has changed since you got your learner's permit, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring the original documents, not copies, because the examiner will need to see them in person.

Some offices ask for a Social Security card or number. Call ahead to confirm what your specific office requires, since requirements can differ slightly by location.

How to prepare between scheduling and test day

The Alabama permit test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which ALEA publishes free online at alea.gov. The manual contains all the information the test draws from.

Practice tests help you see the format and types of questions you will face. Many free practice tests online use questions from the official manual. Take several practice tests in the weeks before your appointment so you know which topics need more study.

The actual test is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is given on a computer at the examiner's office, so if you are not comfortable with computers, practice using a keyboard and mouse beforehand.

What happens if you fail or need to reschedule

If you do not pass the permit test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day before scheduling another appointment. Call 334-242-4437 to book your next test date. There is a fee each time you test, so studying thoroughly before your first attempt saves money.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, contact the ALEA office where you booked as soon as you know. Canceling in advance usually lets you keep your fee and reschedule without penalty. If you miss your appointment without calling to cancel, you may forfeit your fee.

Fees and payment for your permit test

Alabama charges a fee for the permit test. The exact amount varies, so ask when you call to schedule. Most ALEA offices accept cash, check, and card payments, but call your local office to confirm what payment methods they take on test day.

If you cannot afford the fee, ask the office staff whether any fee waivers or reductions are available. Some counties have programs for low-income residents, though availability varies.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so staff can check your documents and enter your information into the system. Bring all required documents — if you are missing anything, the office may not let you test that day and you will need to reschedule.

You will sit at a computer terminal in a quiet testing area. The examiner will explain how to use the system and answer any questions before the test starts. Once you begin, you cannot leave the testing area or use your phone. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

After you finish, the examiner will tell you when ready whether you passed. If you pass, you will receive your permit on the spot. If you do not pass, ask the examiner which topics gave you trouble so you know what to study before your next attempt.

Finding the ALEA office nearest you

ALEA has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most Alabama counties. Visit alea.gov and look for the office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437 and ask for the address and hours of the office closest to you.

Some smaller counties do not have their own office, so residents test at the nearest county's location. The staff on the phone can tell you which office serves your county if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book my permit test appointment online?

No. Alabama does not offer online booking. You must call 334-242-4437 or visit an ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office in person to schedule your appointment.

How long does it usually take to get an appointment after I call?

Wait times vary by county and season. Some offices have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. The staff will tell you available dates when you call, so you know exactly when you can test.

What if I fail the permit test — do I have to wait before I can retake it?

You must wait at least one business day before scheduling another test. Call to book your next appointment as soon as you are ready. You will pay the fee again for each attempt.

Do I need to bring my learner's permit to my appointment?

Yes. Your learner's permit is required to take the test. Bring it along with government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Alabama address.

What if I cannot make my scheduled appointment?

Call the ALEA office where you booked as soon as you know you cannot go. Canceling in advance usually lets you reschedule without losing your fee. If you miss the appointment without calling, you may forfeit your fee.