Alabama has a graduated license program for teens, with varying restrictions placed on licenses for teens ages 15-18. Licenses for all drivers under the age of 21 are in a vertical format, making them easily recognizable with their red text and bold design. Pictures and signatures are now stored in a permanent digital database.

Exemptions

Graduated license rules do not apply to the following groups:

• Individuals 18 years or older

• Teens 17 years or older who've had a license for 6 months or more

• 16 year olds who are married or head of household

• Teens who have been emancipated

Learner License

The learner license is a teen's first step towards independence. A driver must be at least 15 years old and provide the following documentation to the driver's license office:

• A certified U.S. birth certificate

• Social Security card or proof of Social Security number

• Proof of school enrollment or graduation

• Cash payment for the $5 testing fee

• Cash payment for the $23 to purchase license

If the driver is 16 years old, he/she must provide:

• Two forms of identification, including one picture ID

• Social Security card or proof of Social Security number

• Proof of school enrollment or graduation

• Cash payment for the $5 testing fee

• Cash payment for the $23 to purchase license

Restrictions on Licenses

Alabama places the following restrictions on teen licenses:

• Drivers who are 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another driver 21 years of age or older. He/she must occupy the front seat next to the driver.

• Drivers who are 16 and 17 years old who've had their license less than six months cannot operate a vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a licensed adult, are going to/from work, school or a religious sponsored event, or driving for an emergency.

• There should be no more than four occupants in the vehicle, excluding the supervising parent. For example, the teen driver can transport three friends and his/her parent.

Violations will result in an extension of the restrictions by six months or until the driver reaches 18 years old.

Full Driving Privileges

A person under the age of 18 cannot apply for an unrestricted license until he/she has held a learner's license for six months or longer.

The student must also complete a minimum of 30 hours behind-the-wheel driving or an approved driver education course.

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