SYNOPSIS OF GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE
ACT #2010-735
EFFECTIVE JULY 2010
- Does not apply to individuals who are age 18 or older.
- Does not apply to individuals who are age 17 or older who have had valid driver licenses for six months or longer.
- Does not apply to individuals who are age 16 or older who are married and considered the head of household.
- Does not apply to individuals who have been legally relieved of minority status (the state or period of being below the legal age).
Students must have a verification form provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), signed by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or certified driving instructor verifying that the applicant has COMPLETED a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
OR
Students must submit a completion form supplied by the State Department of Education (SDE) verifying that the applicant has COMPLETED an SDE-approved driver education course.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH STAGE OF GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE
Stage I (Learner’s Permit)
- Must be age 15 or older.
- Must complete the written examination and receive a passing grade. (Exam is based on information in the Alabama Driver Manual, which is available for download on our website)
- A Stage I license (learner’s permit) authorizes teens to drive when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver who is age 21 or older and occupying the front seat beside the licensee. Teens may also drive when accompanied by a licensed or certified driving instructor occupying the front seat beside the licensee.
- Exam fee is $5.
- Stage I license fee is $36.25.
Stage II (Restricted License)
- Must be age 16 or older.
- Must have permission from parent, grandparent or legal guardian to receive a Stage II license (restricted) and drive without supervision.
- Must complete road skills examination with a passing grade. (Exam is based on information in the Alabama Driver Manual.)
- Must not drive during the hours of midnight to 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older with parent or legal guardian’s consent, going to or from an event sponsored by school or religious organization, going to or from place of employment or driving for the purpose of a medical, fire or law- enforcement related emergency.
- Must not have more than one passenger in the vehicle other than parents, legal guardians or family members.
- Must not use any handheld communication devices while driving.
- Stage II license fee is $36.25.
Stage III (Unrestricted or Regular License)
- Must be age 17 or older. Those who are age 17 must have a Stage II license for at least six months before applying for Stage III license. Individuals who are age 18 and older may apply immediately for a Stage III license (passing score on road skills exam is required).
- Stage III license fee is $31.25 for those who present a Stage II license and receive a restriction free duplicate. The fee is $36.25 for those who did not obtain a Stage II license prior to turning age 18. Important to note:
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division does not accept checks. Cash or money orders are accepted.
- To reduce wait time, appointments for the road skills examination (for Stage II license) can be scheduled online. Appointments can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance. They are available in select locations.
- Walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.
- License fees are subject to change and may be slightly higher in counties where local legislation permits a higher fee.
Enforcement:
Violations of any of the graduated driver license law restrictions will result in the restrictive period being extended by six months or until the licensee reaches age 18. Violations of the above conditions are considered traffic violations, but the licensees will not be subject to any criminal penalties or court costs. No citation will be issued unless the licensee is stopped for a separate violation of the law and issued a citation or warrant for the separate violation. No points will be assessed for violation of the above restrictions. If a licensee is convicted of a second moving traffic violation or is convicted of failure to give information, render aid, racing, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the wrong side of the road or any other offense where four or more points are assessed, his or her license will automatically be suspended for 60 days. This rule will also apply to other violations as designated by rules and regulations that may be imposed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
