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Alabama driver's license

Get your first license in Alabama after moving to the US.

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Alabama and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A first license

$36.25

You pay this when you apply.

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

You get the same licence as everyone else: Class D, private passenger, regular operator. There is no separate licence type for your status.

Foreign documents with no expiry date

A document of a type that never expires is accepted as proof of name, date of birth, or authorized presence. Immigration documents are different: they must show at least 30 days of allowed time remaining in the United States.

Documents you need

  • Documents that are still validEach document must be current or be of a type that does not expire, unless a different rule is noted for it.

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

Your original Social Security card is required if you have been assigned a number or are eligible for one; a US military form DD 214, a Medicare or Medicaid card with the number followed by the letter A, or a W-2 tax form can stand in for the card. If you cannot get a number, a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible works instead — you get that letter from a Social Security office and bring it to ALEA.

  • Being eligible for a Social Security number counts the same as having one: you must get the number and bring the original card, or a DD 214, a Medicare or Medicaid card with the number followed by the letter A, or a W-2 tax form. Alabama does not say how the number is used or kept.

Tests you take

Eye test

If you are restricted to corrective lenses, you must wear them for the road test. If you fail the vision check, a licensed eye specialist must examine your eyes, and testing continues when the report shows enough vision to drive safely.

  • If you do not pass, you must have your eyes examined by a licensed eye specialist and return the report to the examiner.

Drive test

A road test is required. If you pass, your driver licence is issued when you pay the fee.

  • A driver licence examiner gives the road skills test, the final step toward qualifying to drive on public roads.

Tries you get on the written test

Each attempt costs $5, and checks are not accepted. Alabama publishes no waiting period between attempts.

Practice questions for the written test

You can study from the Alabama driver license manual, available in the manuals section of the ALEA website, alea.gov.

What to bring to the drive test

The car and its insurance

Flashing both turn signals, or another pair of lights, at the same time to show a vehicle hazard is permitted.

  • A car with a windshield must have windshield wipers in good working order.

  • Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration. For a rented car, the rental agreement must name you as an additional driver.

  • The car must have at least two white headlights, a rear licence-plate light, a brake light, and at least one red taillight.

  • An examiner inspects the car for safe operating condition and for working brake lights, left and right turn signals, and a horn.

  • You must show proof of insurance and the vehicle registration.

  • The headlight high beam must light up objects at least 350 feet away and be properly adjusted and aligned.

  • All lights must be visible from at least 500 feet.

  • Mirrors that let the driver see 200 feet to the rear are required on all vehicles.

  • A rented car can be used only if your name appears on the rental agreement as an additional driver.

  • An examiner inspects the car for safe operating condition and required equipment: brake lights, left and right turn signals, and a horn. You must show proof of insurance and the vehicle registration, and a rented car needs your name on the rental agreement as an additional driver.

  • The car must have two separate ways of braking: a regular foot brake and a parking brake.

Where to go

Who gives the tests

An agent of the Department of Public Safety must give every driver licence examination.

Booking an appointment

You can book an appointment at alabamadl.alea.gov.

Office locations

You can find ALEA driver licence offices at alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-offices.

Other states

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Every source, quoted27 sources

Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

Applying for a driver's license in Alabama?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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