Applying for a New License

Every person who drives a vehicle on Alabama streets must have a driver's license issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

The minimum ages for obtaining Alabama driver's licenses are as follows:

• Identification card: no age requirement

• Class D learner license: 15 years old

• Class D: 16 years old

• Motorcycle: 14 years old

• Vessel license: 12 years old

• CDL Class A unrestricted: 21 years old

• CDL Class B unrestricted: 21 years old

• CDL Class B restricted: 18 years old

• CDL Class C: 21 years old

To apply for a new license, you will need to present the following at your local driver's license office:

• Two forms of identification, including one picture ID. These can include a birth certificate, Social Security card, valid passport, an Alabama identification card, or naturalization papers. If a photo ID is not available, then you must present three forms of acceptable ID.

• $5 testing fee and $23 license fee.

• Proof of insurance.

• If you are transferring your license from out of state, you must present your license from that state, your Social Security card, and one other form of ID.

• If you are under 19, you must bring a completed school enrollment form or proof of graduation. You can get your school enrollment form from the Department of Public Safety Web site.

Students

Alabama offers a Graduated Driver's License for students 15 to 18 years old.

Fifteen year olds must take the written portion of the driver's test, based on information in the Alabama Driver's Manual. Upon successfully passing the test, the driver will be issued a learner's license with a "Y" restriction. The teen with this license must have a licensed driver aged 21 or older occupy the front seat next to the driver at all times.

Students 16-18 years old can apply for a driver's license after having a learner's license for a minimum of six months. Restrictions on these drivers are as follows:

• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by parent, guardian, or licensed driver 21 years of age or older.

• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless going to/from work, school, or church events.

• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless in case of emergency.

• Drivers may not have more than four occupants in the vehicle at once, excluding parents or guardians.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

You can drive in Alabama for one year, provided you have a valid foreign driver's license and an International Driver's Permit. This permit, issued by your home country, is not a substitute for the foreign license, but a translation of it that makes things easier for U.S. officials to understand. After the one year bubble expires, you must apply for an Alabama learner's permit and pass both license tests (written and road).

When applying, you must present your passport along with one of the following:

• Employment authorization document along with valid Social Security card.

• Valid I-94 arrival/departure record issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

• Original I-797 notice of action issued by the Department of Homeland Security, showing approval of change of status or extension of stay.

• Original I-797 notice of action issued by the Department of Homeland Security, exhibiting timely filing of an extension petition.

• Valid visa authorizing your presence in the U.S. for 160 days or more.

• Valid employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

Exams

Testing times vary at each location. District offices are as follows:

• Birmingham: (205) 252-7445

• Decatur: (256) 351-4665

• Dothan: (334) 983-5616

• Huntsville: (256) 539-0682

• Jacksonville: (256) 435-7006

• Mobile: (251) 660-2330

• Montgomery: (334) 242-4141

• Opelika: (334) 742-9986

• Selma: (334) 875-1341

A vision test will also be given to all driver's license applicants. If you need corrective lenses to pass the test, this will be noted on your license.

The written test, offered for a $5 fee, tests your knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, the rules of safe driving, and traffic signs. All of this information is available in the Alabama Driver's Manual.

Driver's license exams can be given in several languages throughout the state. You'll need to contact the district driver's license office for more information. Special tests are also offered for the hearing impaired or for those unable to comprehend a written exam.

The final exam will test your skills on the road. The examiner will inspect your vehicle before the test drive, checking it for safe operation. You'll be asked to turn on lights, turn signals, brakes, windshield wipers, and even to beep the horn. License plate, seat belts, and mirrors will also be examined. If your vehicle does not pass inspection, your driving portion of the test will not be conducted.

The driving portion of the test will not be given on rainy days.