DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews)
— Earning a driver’s license is a big step for many Alabama teens, but it’s not as simple as it used to be. The state now follows a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, designed to help young drivers gain experience behind the wheel while limiting risk.
Alabama’s GDL law took effect on October 1, 2020, and it applies to most new teen drivers under the age of 18. The program rolls out in three stages:
-
Learner’s Permit
: Eligible at age 15 -
Restricted License
: Eligible at age 16 -
Unrestricted License
: Eligible at age 17 or 18
Learner’s Permit
: Eligible at age 15
Restricted License
: Eligible at age 16
Unrestricted License
: Eligible at age 17 or 18
Some individuals are exempt, including anyone 18 or older, 17-year-olds who’ve had a valid license for at least six months, those legally emancipated, and married 16-year-olds who are considered heads of household.
To receive a learner’s permit, teens must provide:
-
An original U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies)
-
A Social Security card
-
Proof of school enrollment or graduation (Form DL1/93, high school diploma, or GED)
-
A $5 testing fee (no checks)
-
A $36.25 permit fee (no checks)
An original U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies)
A Social Security card
Proof of school enrollment or graduation (Form DL1/93, high school diploma, or GED)
A $5 testing fee (no checks)
A $36.25 permit fee (no checks)
Teens must pass a written knowledge test before receiving the permit. Once issued, permit holders must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
Before moving on to a full driver’s license, teens must either log 50 hours of supervised driving over six months or complete a state-approved driver’s education course.
Families can download the
Alabama Driver’s License Handbook
by visiting the
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s
website.
