At what age can an Alabama driver get a full, unrestricted Stage III license?

17, after 6 months of Stage II without violations

After driving through deep water, you should:

Test your brakes gently to dry them

Alabama Permit Test Practice

In Alabama the learner's permit comes from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), not a stand-alone DMV. Its Driver License Division gives the written knowledge exam at examining offices around the state, and teens can sit it once they turn 15. The exam has 30 multiple-choice questions taken from the Alabama Driver Manual, and you need 24 right to pass.

Alabama's graduated license has three stages. The Stage I learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult beside you. A parent or guardian then signs off on 50 hours of practice before you can move to the Stage II restricted license at 16, which limits late-night driving and passengers. You can learn the manual's rules on speed limits, right-of-way and Alabama's GDL limits by practicing free on DMV Permit Prep before your appointment.

Questions: 30
To pass: 24 correct · 80%
Permit age: 15
Practice: 50 hours, certified by a parent or guardian

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Alabama permit test sample questions

Tap an answer to check yourself.

1. An Alabama Stage II driver may carry how many passengers who are not family members?
2. An Alabama Stage II driver may not drive between which hours unless an exception applies?
3. At what age can an Alabama driver get a full, unrestricted Stage III license?
4. Before driving somewhere new, it helps to:
5. After driving through deep water, you should:

How to get your learner's permit in Alabama

1Turn 15 and download the Alabama Driver Manual from ALEA.
2Gather proof of identity, Social Security number and Alabama residency, plus a school enrollment form if you're under 19.
3Visit an ALEA driver license examining office with a parent or guardian and pay the testing fee.
4Pass the vision screening and the 30-question knowledge exam (24 correct).
5Pay the license issuance fee at your county's license issuing office (often the probate judge or license commissioner) to receive your Stage I learner's permit.
6Drive with a licensed adult (21+) for at least 6 months and log 50 practice hours before applying for Stage II at 16.

Stage II drivers (16–17) face limits on driving between midnight and 6 a.m. and on carrying more than one non-family passenger. Permit holding period: 6 months (applicants under 18) before the Stage II restricted license. Fee: $5 knowledge test fee plus a $36.25 license issuance fee (as reported for 2025).

The Alabama knowledge test

Taken in person at an ALEA driver license examining office; multiple-choice questions drawn from the Alabama Driver Manual, covering road rules and signs.

Study tips for Alabama

Expect questions on Alabama's Stage II limits: no driving midnight–6 a.m. (with exceptions) and only one passenger outside the family.
Bring cash or a card for the $5 testing fee; offices don't accept checks for it.
Study the manual's section on alcohol and drugs, since Alabama's under-21 BAC limit (0.02%) is a common question.

CDL in Alabama

Alabama CDL applicants take the general knowledge test and any endorsement tests at an ALEA office to get a Commercial Learner's Permit, which must be held at least 14 days before the skills test. First-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider first.

Motorcycle in Alabama

Alabama adds a Class M endorsement after you pass a separate motorcycle knowledge test and a road skills test; a motorcycle learner's permit lets you practice first. Completing an approved Alabama motorcycle safety course is the usual way to prepare for the skills test.

Alabama permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Alabama permit test?

The Alabama knowledge exam has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass. Questions come from the Alabama Driver Manual.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Alabama?

You can take the written test and get a Stage I learner's permit at 15. You must hold it for at least six months and be 16 before moving to a Stage II restricted license.

Does Alabama require supervised driving hours?

Yes. Teens need 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, verified by a parent, guardian or certified driving instructor, before getting the Stage II license.

Where do I take the Alabama permit test?

At an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) driver license examining office. After passing, the permit itself is issued through your county's license issuing office.

Official information: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division.

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