The state of Alabama
introduced its Graduated Driver’s License Program in November of 2015 in order to help young drivers safely develop into competent drivers by the time they turn 18. Getting your driver’s license as a teenager can be a pretty big deal. That little card in your wallet can open up new worlds and new opportunities. But the legal driving age is different from state to state, so car insurance
app and licensed broker, Jerry
has put together this handy guide to getting your first driver's license in the state of Alabama. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is the driving age in Alabama?
In Alabama, you must be at least 15 years old to obtain a Graduated Driver’s License. You can apply for your full, unrestricted driver's license at 17 years of age.
What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Alabama?
Many states have turned to a Graduated Driver’s License Program (GDL) to combat the rising numbers of teen driver fatalities in traffic accidents. And data shows that GDL works. The IIHS reports that jurisdictions that have implemented a graduated licensing system report a reduction in teen traffic accidents
between 10–30 percent. Alabama launched its Graduated Driver’s License Program in 2015, and it breaks down into three stages:
MORE: What happens if you get caught driving without your driver’s license?
How to get your learner’s permit in Alabama
All drivers under 18 adhere to the state’s graduated licensing system by completing a period of driving with a learner’s license and a provisional license before they are allowed to apply for a full or adult driver’s license. To apply for a graduated driver’s license
, you must provide the following: Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies accepted)
Proof of enrollment in school or certificate of graduation
Proof of enrolment in a state-approved driver’s education class if you are 15 years old
Learner’s permit test fee—$5
The written test covers traffic signs and traffic laws knowledge. It is a 30-question multiple-choice test. It is not an open book, and you must get 24 answers correct to get your learner’s permit. Once you’ve passed, you’ll be required to pay a license fee of $36.25.
All the information you need to do well on the test can be found in the Alabama Driver's Handbook
and will likely be covered in any driver education classes you take. Learner’s permit restrictions
In Alabama holders of a learner’s driver’s license must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21. The accompanying person must be in the front passenger seat at all times.
How to get your provisional driver’s license in Alabama
You’ll need to hold on to your learner’s license for at least six months, and you must be at least 16 years of age before you can apply for your provisional driver’s license. In order to obtain your provisional license you’ll need to do the following:
Hold learner’s permit for a minimum of six months
Complete and provide verification of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, or
Provide verification of completion of state-approved driver education course
Provide parental, grandparental, or guardian-signed permission to drive unsupervised
Two forms of identification (one of which has a photo), or three non-photo ID
Social Security card or Medicare/Medicaid card
Proof of school enrollment or proof of graduation
When you take your road skills test, you’ll need to bring a safe vehicle in good working order, and you may need to show proof of insurance
. MORE: 8 common mistakes new drivers make right after getting their license
Key Takeaway Make sure you bring your learner’s permit with you to your road test and ensure that you have a fully insured road-ready vehicle to take your examination in.
Provisional driver’s license restrictions
During the provisional stage, drivers are allowed no more than one non-family passenger at any given time. Drivers with a provisional license are also not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m and they are not allowed to use any handheld devices, such as a smartphone while operating a vehicle.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the time restriction outlined above. In Alabama, young drivers with a provisional license may drive alone between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. if:
Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 years of age with parental consent
Driving to and from their place of work
Driving to and from a religious event
Driving to and from a school-related event
Driving due to emergency—fire, medical, or law enforcement
Driving to and from hunting or fishing activities with proper licenses in tow
How to save on car insurance in Alabama
When you finally hit the road with your full license, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected with good car insurance. You can find the best deal on car insurance
by using the Jerry app. Jerry searches the world over for the most competitive car insurance quotes
and shows you the ones that give you the coverage you need at the best price. And Jerry is a licensed broker
, so you can actually cancel your old policy and start up with your new one right in the app. And Jerry doesn’t stop there. When it’s time to renew, you’ll get another bunch of competitive quotes, so you’ll always have the best rate on car insurance.
“I’m a young adult in college. I paid overpriced insurance regularly, until Jerry
found me a fast and easy quote. It reduced my costs by 60%.” —Niveah M.
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