Alabama learner's permits let you drive with a licensed adult, but only after you pass a written test and meet age requirements
In Alabama, a learner's permit is your legal permission to practice driving under supervision. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test at the Department of Public Safety, and have a parent or guardian sign your process. The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at your local county probate office or at a Department of Public Safety office. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Department of Public Safety website.
Once you have the permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with supervision.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test at your county probate office or Department of Public Safety office to get a learner's permit.
- A parent or guardian must sign your process, and the permit costs $20 and lasts two years.
- With a permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances while holding a learner's permit.
- You must hold the permit for at least one year and one day before you can take the road test for a full driver's license.
What you need to bring to get your permit
Bring your birth certificate or passport to prove your age. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. Bring proof of your Alabama residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter with your current address.
Your parent or guardian must be present and bring a photo ID showing their current address. If your parent or guardian cannot attend, they can sign a notarized consent form and you can bring that instead, though most offices prefer the adult to be there in person. Call your county probate office ahead of time to confirm what documents they accept, because some offices have slightly different requirements.
Studying for and taking the written test
The Alabama Driver's Manual is the official study guide and covers everything on the test. You can read it online for free at the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or pick up a printed copy at your county probate office. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before they feel ready.
The test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. You get one attempt per visit, so if you do not pass, you can return another day and pay the $20 fee again to retake it. Many people study a second time and pass on the second attempt.
The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in emergencies. It also tests your knowledge of Alabama's zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 who drink alcohol, and the state's distracted driving laws.
Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit
You cannot drive alone. A licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat at all times. That driver is responsible for supervising you, so they should be alert and able to give you feedback.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult in the car. This is a hard rule with no exceptions. If you are caught driving during those hours, you can be cited and your permit can be suspended.
You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to talk on speakerphone or use GPS. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency. You also cannot text under any circumstances. These rules explore to all drivers under 19 in Alabama, but they are especially enforced for learner's permit holders.
You must follow all other traffic laws — speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights, and parking rules. Police officers treat permit holders the same as any other driver for traffic violations. A ticket on your record can delay your road test or cause your permit to be suspended.
How long you must hold the permit before taking your road test
Alabama requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least one year and one day before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. That means if you get your permit on January 15, you cannot take the road test until January 16 of the following year at the earliest.
During that year, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavier traffic. Most driving instructors recommend at least 50 hours of supervised practice, with at least 10 hours at night. The more you practice, the more confident you will be on the road test.
If your permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to renew it. A renewal costs $20 and extends your permit for another two years. You do not have to retake the written test to renew.
What happens if you break the rules while holding a permit
If you are caught driving alone, driving during restricted hours, or violating any traffic law, you can receive a citation. A citation means a fine and a record that goes on your driving record. Your permit can also be suspended for 30 days to six months, depending on the violation.
If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all — not even with a supervising adult. You must wait until the suspension period ends before you can drive again. A suspension also delays when you can take your road test, because the one-year holding period starts over from the date your suspension ends.
If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your permit will be suspended for one year, and you may face criminal charges. Alabama has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21, which means any amount of alcohol in your system is illegal.
Renewing or replacing your permit
If your permit is about to expire, you can renew it at your county probate office or Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current permit and pay the $20 renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written test. The new permit will be valid for two more years.
If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at your county probate office. A replacement costs $20. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you did when you first applied.
If you move to a different county in Alabama, you do not need a new permit. Your permit is valid statewide. However, if you move out of Alabama, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my parents' car with a learner's permit?
Yes, as long as a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. The car does not have to be registered to your parents — you can drive any vehicle, including a borrowed car, as long as you have permission from the owner and a supervising adult is present.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day. Each attempt costs $20. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Most people who study the Alabama Driver's Manual pass on their second attempt if they did not pass the first time.
Do I have to take a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?
No, driver's education is not required in Alabama. You only need to pass the written test. However, taking a course can help you study and prepare, and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course.
Can I drive on the highway with a learner's permit?
Yes, you can drive on the highway as long as a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. There are no restrictions on where you can drive, only on when (not midnight to 5 a.m.) and who must be with you.
What if my supervising adult gets a traffic ticket while I am driving?
The ticket goes to the supervising adult, not to you, because they are responsible for the vehicle. However, if you are the one breaking a traffic law — speeding, running a red light, texting — you can receive a citation even though you are a learner's permit holder.