Getting an Alabama learner license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Study the Alabama Driver Manual; the learner license exam is based on it.
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Gather a certified U.S. birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of school enrollment and 2 proofs of residence.
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Book a visit at an ALEA Driver License office online, or walk in.
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the vision screening and the knowledge test ($5 per test, no checks).
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pay the $36.25 Stage I fee and receive your learner license.
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Drive only with a licensed adult aged 21+ or a driving instructor in the front seat.
Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for a learner license
- 15 (Stage I of the graduated license).Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner license (Stage I) fee
- $36.25, plus the $5 knowledge test fee.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test fee
- $5.00 per knowledge test; checks are not accepted.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner license validity
- Valid for four years.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner license supervision
- Drive only with a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver aged 21+ (or a licensed/certified driving instructor) in the front seat beside you.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Time on the learner license (under 18)
- At least 6 months on Stage I before applying for the Stage II restricted license.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental permission
- A parent, grandparent or legal guardian must give permission for the Stage II restricted license.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a 15-year-old learner applicant
- Certified U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies), Social Security card, proof of school enrollment, 2 proofs of principal residence, and fees.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- What the knowledge test covers
- Alabama traffic laws, road signs and safe-driving rules, all taken from the Alabama Driver Manual.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test languages
- English plus Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese; oral (automated) exams are also available.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- Road-skills test appointments can be booked online up to two weeks ahead at select offices; walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- STAR ID documents
- Four documents: one for identity and date of birth, one showing your full SSN, and two proofs of principal residence. No photocopies.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Alabama guide
Official Alabama links
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