Alabama - Obtain a Provisional Driver License

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Procedure

1. Gather all documents you will need to submit in order to obtain a learner's/driver's license.
2. Check if you will need to book an appointment when you submit your application.
3. Pay all necessary fees.
4. You will need to pass a road skills test in order for you to obtain a regular driver's license, check the link to see if you can schedule an appointment online. Appointments will be scheduled up to two weeks in advance and may be requested by phone during regular business hours or by e-mail. All requests must be made 48 hours prior to the preferred date of test. You will receive an e-mail confirmation an appointment has been approved.
5. Once you have passed all tests, and paid the required fee, the examiner will issue your temporary/provisional license with your picture that shows you have the privilege of driving a motor vehicle in Alabama. You will receive your permanent license by mail with in 30 days. In case you have not received your license after 30 days, call the Driver License Division at 334-242-4400. Do not forget to bring you license with you whenever you are driving.

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Required Documents

Learner's License (age 15):

• U.S. birth certificate (certified and issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics (photocopoies will not be accepted).
• Social Security card. *
• Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation. **

Driver or Learner's License (age 16 and older):

• Two forms of identification, at least one of which contains a photograph (one form must be from the primary list, in addition to the Social Security card) or three forms of non-photo identification (one form must be from the primary list, in addition to the Social Security card).
• Social Security card.*
• Acceptable school enrollment form or proof of graduation (if younger than 19 and applying for the first time).**

Notes:

Social Security Verification *

• Social Security card (original).
• Certified letter on letterhead from the Social Security Administration stating applicants name and number.
• U.S. military identification card.
• U.S. military form DD 214.
• Medicare/Medicaid identification card (if Social Security number is followed by the letter A).
• W2 tax form.

School Enrollment Documents **

• Form DL1/93.
• Certificate of graduation.
• GED certificate.
• Certified letter from school officials stating student is enrolled.

Office Locations & Contacts

Alabama Department of Public Safety
301 South Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102
Phone:(334) 242-4371
Email
Website

Driver License Division
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102
Phone:(334) 242-4400
Email
Driver License Offices and Schedules

Eligibility

• Learner's License for 15 year olds: may obtain a restricted Learner's License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle.
• Learner's/Driver's License for those aged 16 year old up: may obtain a Learner's License upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, qualified to obtain a driver license.

Fees

• Testing Fee: $5.00 (no checks)
• Purchase of license: $23.50 (no checks)
• Removal of the "Y" restriction: this will be at no cost to the applicant

Note:

• The Alabama Department of Public Safetys Driver License Division does not accept checks. Cash or money orders are accepted.
• License fees are subject to change and may be slightly higher in counties where local legislation permits a higher fee.

Validity

A Learner's License is valid for four years.

Your regular driver's license is valid for four years after it is issued, you can find the expiration date on the license.

The license may be renewed at any time within 60 days prior to expiration at your Probate Judge or license Commissioner Office.

Alabama law grants a grace period of 60 days after expiration date of a driver's license for the purpose of driver license renewal and the driver license shall be valid for this time period.

Documents to Use

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Sample Documents

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Processing Time

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Instructions

Learner's License for 15 year olds

After you have completed all required examination, you will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a "Y" restriction. The "Y" restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by someone aged 21 years old or older and, who is duly licensed in the state of Alabama or a licensed or certified driving instructor occupying the seat beside the operator.

Learner's License for those aged 16 year old up

After you have completed all required examination, you will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a "Y" restriction. The "Y" restriction indicates that the holder may only operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver.

Removal of the "Y" restriction

Holders of learner's license and has developed the necessary skills to safety operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the Road Test. Once you have satisfactory completed a road test, you will be issued a new regular license for the remainder of the four - year period.

The road test is the final step towards obtaining the privilege of driving on public streets and highways. A driver license examiner of the Department of Public Safety gives all road tests.

You must furnish a vehicle for the road test, the vehicle will be checked by the examiner before the test begins. Make sure that your vehicle is in safe operating condition and have the required equipment. The equipment required for the examination includes rear view mirror, horn, windshield wipers, two separate methods of applying brakes, muffler, headlights, rear tail lights, valid license plate, stop light, and directional signals. This equipment must be in good operating condition. The license examiner may refuse to give the road test in event of hazardous weather or road conditions.

Note: Before any restrictions can be removed or any other changes in your driver license status takes place, it is mandatory that you have your permanent picture license in your possession at the time of requesting a change. If you have lost or destroyed your license, you must obtain a duplicate and wait for the permanent picture license before any changes can be made.

The Road Test

The test will determine the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle properly under traffic conditions. Ordinary maneuvers may include:

• Right and left turns
• Signaling (hand or approved electrical devices)
• Use of marked and unmarked lanes of traffic
• Backing of vehicle
• Observance of traffic signs and signals
• Making a quick stop
• General control of vehicle
• Observation
• Three point turn. Stop vehicle at right edge of curb. When safe, make sharp left turn; back vehicle. Move forward in right lane. Do not bump curb or use driveway.

You must remember that during the test, you should turn your head when you observe traffic to indicate to the examiner you are aware of conditions around you. The examiner will mark items during the test indicating "acceptable" or "needs training". You should not pay attention to the scoring, as it does not indicate you are receiving all bad marks. No passengers or pets are permitted in the vehicle during the road test. Loose items like cameras or radios should not be in the car during the road test.

Causes for immediate failure and termination of the road test are:

• Violation of a traffic law.
• A dangerous action.
• Any accident which you could have prevented, regardless of legal fault.
• Lack of cooperation or a refusal to perform any maneuver.

In case you fail the test, you will be allowed to try again after you have had time to improve your driving. Only one road test per day is permitted.

Unless you already have a legal right to drive in Alabama, you must come for the road test in a vehicle driven by a licensed driver. The licensed driver must remain to drive the vehicle away if you fall.

Required Information

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the Document

A driver's license is a legal document issued by the state. It expresses a persons capability to operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway.

Following are procedures on how you can obtain a provisional driver's license in Alabama.