Obtaining a learner's license is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Alabama. Alabama follows a Graduated Drivers License Program since October 1, 2002. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Alabama who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S LICENSE

1. Download a copy of the Alabama Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. Visit your local Driver License Center and bring with you:
3. Proof of identity, age and Alabama residency, as specified by the \n _blankDepartment of Public Safety. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name. If you are below 19, you need to provide proof of graduation or school enrollment.
4. Your Social Security card.
5. The correct fee payable in cash only.
6. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for four years and which can be renewed only once.

When driving with a learner's license you must be accompanied by a licensed driver or instructor age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION LICENSE

If you are under 18 but over 16, you must wait at least six months after being issued your learner's license, and complete a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before being issued a temporary instruction license. The temporary instruction license in Alabama includes the following restrictions:

1. Temporary Instruction License drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 pm and 6 am (unless going to or from work, school event, religious event or an emergency; or accompanied by a parent or a guardian).
2. You need a parental consent for driving without any supervision, and need to have had at least 30 hours of hands-on driving experience, as certified by a parent, guardian or licensed instructor on the Graduated Driver License Form.
3. A temporary instruction license driver can take a maximum of five passengers at a time including the accompanying adult.
4. The temporary instruction license is valid for four years and will be suspended for the same reasons as a regular license.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. If, however, you license was issued before October 1, 2002, it will be considered an unrestricted license. A restricted driver's license (temporary instruction license) may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held the temporary instruction license for at least six months.
2. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
4. You have successfully taken the driver's license road test.
5. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Alabama State Department of Education.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Learn more about Alabama's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Alabama, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.