Alabama Driver’s License: Requirements and Ways to Get It! 

Are you ready to get your driver’s license in Alabama? Getting a driver’s license is kind of a step into adulthood. The procedure differs from state to state, though. Obtaining your Alabama driver’s license can seem difficult when reading the Alabama Driver’s Manual. However, it can be a simple task if you know which license you want to apply for. 

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After all, you cannot drive on Alabama roads without having a government-issued driver’s license. You must be 16 years to obtain an Alabama driver’s license. A driver must also present two pieces of a legitimate ID. This should include one with a photo or three pieces of ID without a photo and two address proofs. Before receiving a driver’s license, you must pass written, vision, and driving tests. 

So, how can you obtain an Alabama driver’s license? How much does a driver’s license in Alabama cost? We’ll break it down for you. 

Do I need to get an Alabama driver’s license? 

Mostly yes! You need a valid driver’s license in Alabama to drive on public roads. However, you will get exceptions in a few specific situations like the following.  

• Anyone driving farming machinery if they are transporting it from one place to another. 
• A non-resident older than 16 who holds a legitimate driver’s license from another state or nation. 
• Anyone using a car that belongs to the state. 

What do you need to get your driver’s license in Alabama? 

In Alabama, you must be between 16 and 18 to obtain a driver’s license. You must also have a restricted driver’s permit for at least six months before applying for an unrestricted license. However, if you are over 18, you can apply for an unrestricted Alabama driver’s license after holding the learner’s permit for around least six months. It will help you avoid the restricted portion of the licensing process. 

You must obtain the following documents before scheduling an appointment at your neighborhood driver’s license office. 

• Proof of US citizenship. It can either be your passport or birth certificate.  
• A document proving your Alabama residency. 
• Two kinds of legal ID, one of which must be a genuine photo ID.  
• If you don’t have a photo ID, you must present three non-photo forms of identification, at least one of which must be from the ones listed below.  

Primary list IDs 

• Your US passport. 
• A certified US birth certificate. 
• Your Social Security Number (SSN).  
• Alabama ID card. 
• Your resident alien card.  
• A certificate of citizenship. 
• Car registration and insurance info.  
• A legal foreign passport with immigration documents of the US.  

What are the three stages of getting an Alabama driver’s license? 

The state has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. You must show high school graduation or enrollment documentation if you are under 19 to apply. Age has an impact on the type of license you can get. These are the three stages of getting a driver’s license in Alabama. 

• Learner’s Permit 
• Restricted License 
• Unrestricted Alabama Driver’s License 

Getting a Learner’s Permit 

You must satisfy these requirements to get a learner’s permit.  

• You must be at least 15 years of age or older.  
• There will be knowledge and vision tests that you must pass. In addition, you must correctly answer at least 24 of the 30 questions to pass the written test. The test will feature questions on traffic regulations and road signs in Alabama.  
• You can only drive with a passenger aged at least 21 years old, a qualified driver, or a driving instructor. 

Getting a Restricted License 

You must satisfy these requirements to get a restricted license. 

• Anyone aged 16 years or older who can drive safely will be eligible for this license.  
• The driver must pass a driving test. 
• Restricted drivers are authorized to drive unaccompanied. But there are still some restrictions, such as a cap on the number of passengers and driving hours permitted.  

Restrictions 

1. You cannot drive a car with more than one non-family passenger in it. 

2. It won’t be possible for you to drive a car between midnight and 6 AM unless: 

• You’re on your way to or from your job. 
• You are en route to or from an activity organized by the school. 
• Due to a fire, medical, or law enforcement situation, you are driving. 
• You are en route to or from a religious-sponsored event.  

3. Under no circumstances may you use a handheld communication device while driving. 

Getting an Unrestricted Alabama Driver’s License 

A driver aged between 16 and 18 years, who has had a driver’s license for at least six months, including a license from another state, is eligible to apply for an unrestricted license. In addition, the road skills examination (behind-the-wheel exam), a requirement for getting a learner’s permit, must be passed immediately. 

Requirements 

• If you are below18, you must have held a restricted license for at least six months before applying for an unrestricted license.  
• If you are above 18, you can proceed directly from a learner’s permit to an unrestricted license without taking the restricted license exam. 

Restrictions 

1. You cannot drive a car with more than one non-family passenger in it. 

2. It won’t be possible for you to drive a car between midnight and 6 AM unless: 

• You’re on your way to or from your job. 
• You are en route to or from an activity organized by the school. 
• Due to a fire, medical, or law enforcement situation, you are driving. 
• You are en route to or from a religious-sponsored event.  

3. Under no circumstances may you use a handheld communication device while driving. 

How to get an Alabama driver’s license 

• Initially, you need to gather all the needed documents. 
• Then get an appointment with a Driver’s License Office. 
• You must surrender your current out-of-state license to receive your Alabama license. If not, there is a $5 cost for the written exam, vision test, and behind-the-wheel test. The written test will cover state laws, road safety rules, and traffic legislation.  
• The road test is a practical examination in which you will drive with an examiner on public roads. This is to show that you are aware of local regulations and safe driving practices. Typically, it lasts about 20 minutes. You must bring your car and show proof of insurance. We recommend having your car inspected by a mechanic first. You must reschedule your driving test if the car is declared unsafe for travel. 
• After passing your driving tests, you must pay the fee based on the license type. 

Requirements for out-of-state drivers 

Suppose you have an out-of-state license and relocate to Alabama. In that case, you can surrender it within 30 days of relocating and receive an Alabama driver’s license. But some drivers may get an exception if:  

• If you work for the US government and drive their vehicle. 
• You have a valid license from your native state or nation, are enrolled full-time as a non-resident student, and are registered and enrolled in a school, university, college, or trade school. 
• You’re a non-resident who is at least 16 years old and possesses a driver’s license from their native country or state, including any service members stationed in Alabama 

Who cannot get a driver’s license in Alabama? 

A driver cannot apply for an Alabama driver’s license if they meet the following conditions. 

• The driver is under 16 years. 
• The driver has a history of chronic alcohol or drug abuse. 
• You’ve failed your mandatory written, vision, or driving exams or if your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. 
• The examiner determines that you have a medical or mental condition that will prevent you from operating a car safely. 
• The driver is younger than 19 and not a high school graduate or enrolled in high school. 
• You don’t produce evidence of your citizenship or authorized entry into the US. 

How much is a driver’s license in Alabama?  

Obtaining an Alabama driver’s license will cost you $36.25.  

How do I check the status of my driver’s license in Alabama? 

You can request a driving history from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division to find the status of your driver’s license in the state. It gives you access to a history of departmental actions you have faced. These include violations, crashes, convictions, and more, typically up to three years. 

What is a graduated driver’s license in Alabama? 

The state has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program, which you must pass to get an Alabama driver’s license. It consists of three stages – Learner’s Permit, Restricted License, and Unrestricted License.  

Do you have to take a written test for your driver’s license in Alabama? 

Yes. You must pass a written and vision exam to get an Alabama driver’s license. After all, to pass the written test, you must answer at least 24 questions out of 30 correctly.  

Can an illegal immigrant get a driver’s license in Alabama? 

No. Illegal migrants cannot apply for an Alabama driver’s license.  

Can I renew my driver’s license online in Alabama? 

Yes. It is the easiest way to renew your Alabama driver’s license. Read our blog to know more about renewing your driver’s license in Alabama.  

Getting auto insurance in Alabama 

Buying auto insurance in Alabama won’t drain your wallet much. Alabama auto insurance laws require you to have minimum liability insurance for all self-propelled motor vehicles. This includes cars, motorbikes, trucks, pickups, and motor homes. Also, driving without a license will result in hefty penalties or suspension of your Alabama driver’s license.  

But, the challenge is to find the cheapest car insurance in the state. Don’t worry! That’s where Way.com is here to help. Visit Way, compare quotes from different insurers, and buy the most affordable insurance policy. Then, why wait for more? Visit Way today to get affordable Alabama insurance quotes.  

Which cars have the cheapest car insurance quotes in Alabama? Here’s more info! 

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