Get your first driver's license in Alabama

Online or in person

No, tests and licenses are in person · At a driver license officeALEA's online services let you schedule a driver license appointment, and road skills exam appointments can be booked online up to two weeks ahead at select locations. The pages read here offer no online application for a first license. Applicants 18 or older who want to complete all testing must bring a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection. Walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.

Cost

$5 test fee + $36.25 licenseNo checks. MasterCard, Visa or Discover carry a 4% convenience fee on the total.

You leave with

Driver licenseALEA's GDL page says applicants 18 or older may apply immediately for an unrestricted license with a passing road skills score. A learner license is available if you want to practice first.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity · 2 different documents
     Age 16 and older: two forms of ID, at least one with a photo and one from ALEA's primary list (or three non-photo IDs including one primary), plus your Social Security card. Age 15 learner license: a certified U.S. birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics; no photocopies.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Certified U.S. birth certificate (Primary list.)
     • Unexpired U.S. passport (Primary list.)
     • Certificate of naturalization or citizenship (Primary list.)
     • Permanent Resident Card (Primary list.)
     • School photo ID or certified school record (Secondary list.)
     • U.S. military ID (Secondary list.)
   • Social Security number
     The original Social Security card is required; ALEA also lists other accepted proofs.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card (original)
     • DD-214
     • W-2
     • Medicare/Medicaid card (Only if the number ends in "A".)
   • Proof of Alabama residency · 2 different documents
     Two proofs of principal residence. If a bill shows a spouse's or parent's name, also bring a marriage or birth certificate that links you to that address.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Voter registration card
     • Current lease
     • Water, gas or electric bill (Less than 90 days old.)
     • Vehicle registration
     • Homeowners insurance policy
   • Proof of school enrollment
     Required if you are under 19 and applying for the first time.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Student Enrollment/Exclusion Form (DL-1/93) (From your school or any driver license office, signed by authorized school staff.)
     • Certificate of graduation
     • GED certificate
   • Road test vehicle papers · all that apply
     A rental vehicle may be used only if your name is on the rental agreement as an additional driver.
     Show accepted documents

     • Proof of insurance
     • Vehicle registration
   • Payment
     ALEA does not accept checks.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Cash
     • Money order
     • MasterCard, Visa or Discover (4% convenience fee on the total.)

2. Study the Alabama Driver License Manual

   The knowledge test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs and safe driving rules from the manual. Automated testing is available to all applicants.

   Driver License Manual (PDF) ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Alabama Permit Practice Test: 30 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Alabama practice test

4. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test

   Visit a local driver license office. Each knowledge test is $5 (no checks). If you pass, the examiner issues your learner license when you pay the license fee. Teens can apply at age 15.

   Driver license information ↗

5. Practice on your learner license

   From age 16 the learner license lets you drive with a licensed driver in the seat beside you.

6. Pass the road skills exam

   Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration. The examiner first inspects the vehicle for brake lights, turn signals and horn. Appointments can be booked online up to two weeks ahead at select locations; walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.

   Graduated Driver License ↗

7. Get your driver license

   After you pass the road test, the license is issued when you pay the required fee.