How to Get Your Driver's License in Alabama

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Alabama. Alabama uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.5.

GDL Stages in Alabama

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat
2

Intermediate License

Age 16+ 18 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
  • Pass road skills test
  • Complete required supervised driving hours

Restrictions

  • No driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger under 21
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 17.5+

Requirements

  • Hold intermediate license with clean driving record
  • Turn 17 and a half

Restricted License Rules

  • Intermediate license holders may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless traveling to or from work, school, or an emergency.
  • Only one non-family passenger under 21 is allowed in the vehicle during the intermediate stage.

How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift when the driver turns 17 and a half and has maintained a clean driving record.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older skip the GDL process entirely and may take the knowledge and road tests to receive a full license directly.

Alabama-Specific Information

Alabama's GDL law was enacted in 2002 and sets the intermediate license curfew from midnight to 6 a.m., which is more lenient than many Southern states that start their curfew at 10 or 11 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 17.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Alabama.

Alabama uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • Intermediate license holders may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless traveling to or from work, school, or an emergency.
  • Only one non-family passenger under 21 is allowed in the vehicle during the intermediate stage.

Adults age 18 and older in Alabama can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older skip the GDL process entirely and may take the knowledge and road tests to receive a full license directly.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Alabama learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Alabama.

Alabama drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website for the most current information.