Steps to obtain a driver’s license in Alabama

Don’t have a driver’s license in Alabama yet? If you’ve already obtained your Learner’s license, it’s time to think about getting your Phase 2 driver’s license.

Alabama is one of the states that has a Graduated Driver’s License program in place. This means that your first driver’s license will have certain restrictions. Being an interesting topic, we will talk about it later.

First, let’s look at the requirements and then the steps to follow to obtain your Alabama driver’s license.

Alabama Driver’s License Requirements

Before taking the Alabama driver’s license exam, you must first take behind-the-wheel driving lessons. Your first learner’s license will allow you to drive behind the wheel (with a licensed adult at your side) for practice and training.

While the State of Alabama does not require you to take a state-approved driver education course, taking such a course will help you complete the required 30 hours of practice.

Do you have a parent or legal guardian to teach you how to drive? No need to worry, in these cases, just complete and sign the Alabama Graduated Driver License Form (form DL-31) which will validate that you have completed the required 30 hours of driver training.

Driver’s or Learner’s license (over 16 years of age)

If you are over 16 years old, one of the main requirements will be to present 2 documents that identify you, where at least one must contain a photograph, as well as the same social security card.

• Two forms of identification, at least one of which contains a photograph (one form must be from the “primary” list, in addition to the Social Security card) or three forms of non-photo identification (one form must be from the “primary” list, in addition to the Social Security card)
• Social Security card *
• Acceptable school enrollment form or proof of graduation (if younger than 19 and applying for the first time) **
• 2 Proofs of Principal Residence ***
• $5 test fee (no checks)
• Applicants 18 or older who wish to complete all testing for a license must have a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection
• $36.25 to purchase license (no checks).

Learner license (15 years)

For those who are 15 years old, these are the requirements.

• U.S. birth certificate (certified and issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics – NO PHOTOCOPIES)
• Social Security card *
• Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation **
• 2 Proofs of Principal Residence ***
• $5 testing fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase license (no checks).

CDL or CDL Learner License Applicants

For those wishing to obtain an Alabama commercial driver’s license, these are the requirements.

• Current driver license
• Social Security card *
• 2 Proofs of Principal Residence ***
• If transferring from out of state, applicant must present one document from the “primary” list (in addition to the Social Security number document)
• Current Department of Transportation long medical form (unless medically exempt)
• $25 testing fee (no checks)
• Transportation Security Administration background check if transferring or obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement
• If not a U.S. citizen, applicant must legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama
• Skills test if upgrading a license or first-time applicant (test by appointment only; $20 skills test fee)
• Proof of insurance
• $66.25 to purchase class “A” license
• $56.25 to purchase class “B” license
• $36.25 to purchase class “C” license
• $36.25 to purchase commercial learner license.

Motor-Driven Cycle License (ages 14 and 15)

• U.S. birth certificate (certified and issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics – NO PHOTOCOPIES),
  or
  Alabama non-driver identification card or Alabama vessel license
• Social Security card *
• Third form of identification from “secondary” list (if other identification is nonphoto)
• Fifteen-year-old applicants must have acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation **
• 2 Proofs of Principal Residence ***
• $5 testing fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase motor-driven cycle license (no checks).

Out-of-State License Transfers

• Must be at an ALEA Office
• Out-of-state driver license
• Social Security card *
• One item from primary list, in addition to the Social Security card
• Proof of school enrollment or graduation (if younger than 19) **
• 2 Proofs of Principal Residence ***
• $5 transfer fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase license (no checks).

Driver’s license for foreign citizens

If you are a foreign national in Alabama, you will need to present the following documents in order to drive safely.

• A valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa or resident alien card
• Social Security number verification * or letter from Social Security stating non-eligibility
• Document from the “secondary” list authorizing presence in the U.S. for more than 30 days
• $5 test or transfer fee plus cost of license (no checks).

The Alabama Driver’s License Examination

Now that you know what the requirements are to obtain a driver’s license in Alabama, the next step is to take the test to obtain your license, before that you will need to have your Learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months and complete the necessary training requirements.

Once you are ready, you can schedule your appointment at your county DMV to take your driving test.

At that time, you will need to bring the following.

• Your valid learners permit.
• Proof of high school enrollment or graduation.
• One of the following documents:
  • A completed and signed Alabama Graduated Driver License form (Form DL-31), proving that you completed 30 hours of supervised driving.
  • Proof of completion from a state-approved drivers education course.
• Two documents proving your identity; your Social Security card and one form of primary identification.
• The registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be testing in.
• Payment for the $36.25 drivers license fee.

If you are 16 years old, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Last steps to obtain your license in Alabama

Once you have passed your exam, you will be issued your Apprentice II license. Good news, although you should note the following.

• You may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless:
• You are with your parent/guardian, or a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who has been designated by your parent/guardian.
• You are driving to or from school, work, church or due to an emergency.
• You may only have 1 passenger in the vehicle other than your immediate family.
• You are not allowed to use a cell phone or any other portable device while behind the wheel.

Finally, once you turn 17 and have held your Learner II license for at least 6 months, you may apply for your driver’s license without restrictions.