What You Need to Know About Alabama's Learner's Permit
Alabama's learner's permit — officially called a Class DJ license — is what you get before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. You must hold it for a minimum of 30 days before you're allowed to take the driving exam. During that time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for five years. You'll get it the same day you pass the written test at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office, assuming you bring the right documents and pass the knowledge exam on your first try.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get your learner's permit in Alabama.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed process (Form DL-43) to your local Department of Public Safety office.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study the official Alabama Driver Manual online for free.
- You must wait 30 days after receiving your permit before you can take the road test for your full license.
- While you hold the permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat.
Age Requirements and When You Can Start
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Alabama. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a permit if they're learning to drive for the first time or if they're renewing after a long gap.
If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process. If you're 18 or older, you can sign it yourself. Either way, you'll need to bring that signed form to the Department of Public Safety office in person.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring these items to your local Department of Public Safety office:
- Your Social Security number (or a Social Security card)
- Proof of your Alabama residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address, dated within the last 60 days
- A completed process for Driving License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or fill out at the office
- Your birth certificate or passport
- If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with a valid ID
If you don't have a Social Security card, bring your Social Security number and be ready to show another form of ID. The office staff can help you figure out what counts as proof of residency if you're unsure whether your document qualifies.
Passing the Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions covering Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass — that's 80 percent. The test takes about 30 minutes.
You can study for free using the official Alabama Driver Manual, available as a PDF on the Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions. Many people study it for a few hours before their test and pass on the first try.
If you don't pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the $20 fee again depending on your local office's policy — ask before you leave if you fail.
Getting Your Permit the Same Day
Once you pass the written test, the Department of Public Safety office will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. You'll walk out with a physical card that day. Keep it with you whenever you drive — you must have it in your possession, and you'll need to show it to a police officer if you're stopped.
Your permit is valid for five years from the date it's issued. If you don't take your road test and get your full license within that time, you'll need to renew your permit and pass the written test again.
Restrictions While You Hold Your Permit
Alabama's supervised driving rules are straightforward: you can only drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. That person must have a valid driver's license — it doesn't have to be an Alabama license, but it must be current and not suspended.
You can drive during daylight hours and at night with no time restrictions, as long as the supervising adult is with you. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances while you hold the learner's permit. If you're caught driving without a supervising adult, you can be cited and your permit can be suspended.
The 30-Day Waiting Period Before Your Road Test
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period starts the day the Department of Public Safety issues your permit, not the day you explore. Mark your calendar so you know when you're may be able to access to schedule your test.
During these 30 days, practice driving with your supervising adult as much as possible. Focus on the skills the road test will check: smooth acceleration and braking, proper turning, parking, and following traffic laws. Most people use this time to build confidence and get comfortable with the car they'll be tested in.
Once the 30 days have passed, you can call your local Department of Public Safety office to schedule your road test. Tests are usually available within a week or two, though wait times vary by location and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my permit online or by mail?
No. You must go to a Department of Public Safety office in person to take the written test and get your permit. You cannot take the test online or submit your process by mail. Find your nearest office on the Department of Public Safety website.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or return another day with no waiting period. Study the Alabama Driver Manual again before your next attempt, focusing on the areas where you felt less confident. Most people pass on their second try.
Can someone else pick up my permit if I can't go back to the office?
No. You must be present in person to have your photo taken and receive your permit. A parent or guardian cannot pick it up for you.
Do I need a permit if I'm an adult learning to drive for the first time?
Yes. Everyone in Alabama, regardless of age, must get a learner's permit and hold it for 30 days before taking the road test. The only difference is that adults 18 and older can sign their own process without a parent or guardian present.
What happens if my permit expires before I take my road test?
Your permit is valid for five years. If it expires, you'll need to return to the Department of Public Safety office, pay the $20 fee again, and retake the written test to get a new permit. You'll then have to wait another 30 days before you can take the road test.