Most new drivers in Alabama are required to successfully complete a State Department of Education approved driver's education program in order to obtain an Alabama driver's license. In fact, for many applicants, the driver's education certificate of completion is part of the actual driver's license application.

WHO MUST TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

• Alabama residents under the age of 18 must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of six months, and also complete a State-approved driver's education program or have completed at least 30 hours of behind the wheel practice before applying for a new license.

WHERE TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Driver's education courses are offered through both public and private school programs, all of which must be approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. Driving schools, licensed by the Motor Vehicle Division, cover the same course content.

WHAT'S COVERED IN A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE

While driver's education courses vary from one school to another, all licensed programs must include the following components:

• A minimum of thirty hours of instruction focusing on issues including alcohol safety and drug abuse awareness, defensive driving, motorcycle awareness, boat safety, and organ and tissue donation.
• Each student shall also be required to successfully complete a performance-based evaluation of basic driving skills in a dual control vehicle.

After the successful completion of the driver's education course, your driving school will give a completion certificate. When applying for a driver license under the Graduated Driver License Program you should indicate that you have satisfactorily completed a Driver's Education Program. Drivers under the age of 18 must have their certificate signed and authorized by a parent or legal guardian or licensed instructor, who must certify that the student has had at least 30 hours of driving practice.

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the core requirements of a driver's education course, many driving schools in Alabama offer optional programs that focus on particular aspects of driver education. Specialized courses include Auto Insurance Discount Courses or Defensive Driving courses, either of which may qualify students for a discount on auto insurance. These and other courses may also enable students to reduce points on their license, and/or get their license back sooner after a suspension. See our section on Alabama driving schools for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Learner's Permits and Driver's Handbook.
• See also Commercial Driver's Education.