What you need to get an Alabama learner's permit
An Alabama learner's permit lets you drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. To get one, you must visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents and pay a fee.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — they must sign your process. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office.
The fee for an Alabama learner's permit is $20.25. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, or card; call ahead to confirm what your local office takes. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person with your Social Security card or number, birth certificate or passport, and proof of address.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and sign your process.
- You will take a vision test at the office and pay $20.25 for the permit.
- Your learner's permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- You must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license.
Finding your nearest DPS office and what to expect
Alabama has DPS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your county name. Call the office before you go — wait times vary widely, and some offices have specific hours for permit testing.
When you arrive, bring all your documents in one place. The staff will ask you to fill out an process form (DL-44), which takes about five minutes. You will then take a vision test using a machine at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. You do not take a written test or driving test to get a learner's permit — those come later.
After you pass the vision screening, you will pay the fee and receive your permit on the spot. Your permit is a paper document, not a plastic card. Keep it with you every time you drive.
Driving rules while you hold a learner's permit
Your learner's permit comes with specific restrictions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. That person must hold a valid driver's license — a permit does not count. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. These rules explore to all drivers under 18 in Alabama, but they are especially important to follow while you hold a permit because violations can delay your road test.
You can drive on any public road, including highways, as long as your supervising driver is with you. There is no restriction on the types of roads you can use during the permit stage.
How long you must hold your permit before taking the road test
You must hold your Alabama learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period gives you time to practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, busier roads, and highways — with your supervising driver.
Many people hold their permit for several months to build confidence and log more hours behind the wheel. There is no maximum length of time you can hold a permit, so take as long as you need to feel ready. Your permit remains valid for one year, so you have that full year to take your road test if you need it.
What happens when you are ready for your road test
Once you have held your permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test at your local DPS office. Call the office or check the Alabama DPS website to book an appointment. Road tests typically fill up weeks in advance, so schedule early.
Bring your learner's permit, a valid photo ID, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. Your supervising driver can accompany you to the office but will not ride along during the test itself.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you will receive your full driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a few days — call your local office to find out the exact waiting period.
Renewing or replacing your learner's permit
If your permit expires before you take your road test, you will need to get a new one. Return to your local DPS office with the same documents you brought the first time, plus your expired permit. You will pay the $20.25 fee again and take another vision test. The process is the same as getting your first permit.
If you lose your permit, report it to your local DPS office and request a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of address. A replacement permit costs $20.25 and is issued the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit online or by mail?
No. You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person to get a learner's permit. The office needs to conduct a vision test and verify your documents face-to-face. There is no online or mail-in option.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can bring a passport, a state ID, or a certificate of naturalization instead of a birth certificate. You must bring one document that proves your identity and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what other documents they will accept.
Can my supervising driver be anyone with a license, or does it have to be a parent?
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license, but it does not have to be a parent or guardian. It can be an older sibling, a friend's parent, a driving instructor, or anyone else who meets the age and license requirements. The person just needs to be sitting in the front passenger seat while you drive.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake the road test after a waiting period set by your local DPS office — typically a few days to a week. You do not need to get a new learner's permit; your current one remains valid. Call your office to schedule your next test appointment.
Do I need to take a written test to get my learner's permit?
No. You only take a vision test at the DPS office. The written test comes later, when you take your road test for a full license. Some states require a written permit test, but Alabama does not.