1. Alabama Driver Manual Chapter 1
Your License to Drive

2. License Requirements
Every Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle (except a farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily upon any street or highway) must have a driver license.
All applicants who have not been licensed in Alabama or those who had their license expired for over 3 years must pass the required exam.
A person with an out of state license not expired over 1 year does not have to pass a driver examination

3. An Alabama Drivers License is Not Required for:
Employees of U.S. Federal Government who drive/operate U.S. Government owned or leased motor vehicles.
Any person while driving any farm tractor of husbandry temporarily moved or operated on a highway
A 16 year resident who has possession of a valid drivers license from his own state or country. Includes military personnel and their families stationed in Alabama, regardless of how long they stay in Alabama.
A non-resident at 16 years old whose home country does not require licensing of drivers may operate a motor vehicle as a driver of not more than 90 days in any calendar year, if the vehicle operated is duly registered for the current year in the home country of the non-resident.
Any non-resident full time student properly enrolled and registered in a school, college, university, or trade school in this state, who holds a valid license from his home state or country.
A non-resident who has a valid drivers license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.

4. Who Cannot Be Licensed Persons under 16 years of age.
Any person whose driving rights or privilege is suspended or revoked in any state.
Any person afflicted with or suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, in the opinion of the Director of Public Safety or examining officer , will prevent such person from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle.
Any person failing to pass the examination when required.
Any person who is a habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.
Any person who is under the Age of 19 that is not in compliance with Alabama Act , which requires secondary school graduation or current attendance , with limited exclusions.

5. Authorized Presence Identification Requirements
Present 2 forms of identification, at least one of which contains a photograph (one must be from the primary listing)
Present three forms of non-photo identification (one form must be from the “Primary Listing”)
Applicants transferring an Out of State driver license must present their Out of State drivers license, Social Security card (or one of the other acceptable documents for social security number) AND one other form from the “Primary Listing”.

6. Legal Date of Birth Requirements
All applicants for any type of license or ID card must meet age requirements relevant to the license.
A record existing on the driver license database, as a result of a previously issued Alabama driver license or Alabama non-driver identification card may be considered proof of birth date. If no such record exist, only an original or certified copy of one of the “Primary Listed” documents could be accepted as proof of birth date.

7. Documentation Requirements
1. Only a document, which is an original or a copy certified by the issuing agency, will be accepted. If a document is a copy, the certification attached to it must be original. 2. A document would be unacceptable if:
a. Correction fluid (white-out) has been used on pertinent information.
b. Erasure markings appear on pertinent information
c. Pertinent Information is missing
d. Pertinent Information is illegible.
e. Alterations appear in pertinent information
f. A fold, crease, tear or hole obliterates or distorts pertinent information
g. A staple obliterates or distorts pertinent information.
h. The document is not properly signed.

8. DOCUMENTATION EXAMPLES
PRIMARY
US Birth Certificate**
US Passport
Alabama ID Card
Alabama Driver License
Cert. of Naturalization
Cert. of Citizenship
US Cert. of Birth Abroad
Resident Alien Card
Social Security Card***
Valid Foreign Passport
** Required for all 15 yr old
***Required for all applicants
SECONDARY
Driver License issued in US
International License
School ID with Photo
School Enrollment Form
W2 Tax Form
Court Documents: Adoption, Name Change
All applicants under the age of 19 must present a current Student Enrollment Form (DL-1-93)

9. Driver License Must be at least 16 years of age
Must have had a Valid Learner License for 6 months (180 DAYS)
Developed the skills necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle
Pass the road test of driving skills
The “Y” restriction will be removed.

10. Vessel License
Any person 12 years of age or older may obtain a vessel license upon passing the required exam.
Or present an approved certificate of completion of a Boating Safety Course.
Applicants must meet identification requirements.

11. Knowledge Test
Written test and vision screening. $5.00 Cash only. 30 multiple choice questions, can miss up to 6 questions.
Test from material in Alabama Driver Manual on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and road rules of safe driving
Tests for a Motor driven cycle license, Motorcycle License, or a boating license is $5 per test and must also be paid in cash.
A license fee of $36.25 is also required for the learner license.
Manual available in digital format at
If applying for a learners license and pass the knowledge test, you will be issued a learners license, after paying required fees.
If applying for a regular license and pass the road test, you will be issued your license, no additional fee is required, unless adding another endorsement.
If applying for motor driven cycle and learners license, both examinations are required

12. Road Test
The road test is the final step toward qualifying for the PRIVILEGE of driving on public streets and highways.
DPS officer will administer road test.
Applicant must furnish a vehicle that meets Alabama safety requirements .
16 year olds must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
17 year olds do not have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Examiner will check vehicle before road test to determine if vehicle in safe operating condition, if not, no exam.
Required equipment includes: Rear View Mirror, Horn, Windshield Wipers, Two Separate Methods of applying brakes, muffler, headlights, tail lights, valid license plate, stop light, directional signals, seatbelt, and, if applicable, window tint compliance sticker.
The license examiner may refuse to test in the event of hazardous weather, road conditions, or inability to communicate

13. Required Maneuvers for Road Test
Right and left turns
Signaling
Use of marked and unmarked lanes
Backing
Observance of traffic signs and signals
Quick stop
General control of vehicle
Observation
3 point turn
Parking on a hill

14. Causes for Immediate Failure
Violation of traffic law
A dangerous action
Any preventable accident
Lack of cooperation
Refusal to perform any maneuver
Unless you have a legal right to drive in Alabama, you must be accompanied by a license driver to drive the vehicle away if failure occurs

15. LICENSE TEST
When you have passed all tests, had your photo taken and paid the required fees, you will receive a temporary license with your photo that gives you the privilege of driving a motor vehicle.
You will receive your permanent license by mail.
The license must be carried on your person at all times while driving.

16. License Fees Subject to change and will be slightly higher in counties where local legislation permits a higher fee.
Class D Operator License
$36.25
Motor Driven Cycle License
Motorcycle License
Learner’s License
Duplicate License
$31.25
Identification Cards

17. Minimum Age Requirments for Drivers License and Non Driver Identification
Identification Card No Age Requirement
Class D Learner License 15 years old
Class D years old
Motor Driven Cycle 14 years old
Vessel License 12 years old

18. Renewing Your License Expires four years after it is issued.
Expiration date is listed on license.
May be renewed at any time within 60 days prior to expiration at a cost of $23.50.
Alabama law provides a grace period of 60 days after expiration date of a drivers license for the purpose of driver license renewal and the driver license shall be valid for this period of time.
A person can renew a license within a 3 year period after expiration without being re-examined. It is illegal to drive with this license during this period of time.

19. Duplicate License
If your license is lost, destroyed, or becomes illegible, but has not yet expired, you should apply for a duplicate license at your Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office.
No examination is necessary.
Proof of identity such as a certified birth certificate is required at time of application.
The cost for a duplicate license is $31.25.

20. Change of Name, Address
If you wish to change your name, you should present proper documents (marriage certificate or court order)
A duplicate fee will be charged for a corrected license
After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days in which to notify the Driver License Division
Confirm your correct mailing address as licenses ARE NOT forwarded.

21. VESSEL LICENSE
AS of 1994, operator certification is required of all operators of motorized watercrafts.
Persons 12 years of age and older may obtain a vessel license and operate a vessel ONLY with an adult on board who is 21 years of age or older who has a valid vessel license and can take immediate control of the vessel.
A licensed operator, 14 years of older, may operate a vessel alone.