ALABAMA DMV TEST - FAQ

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GENERAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Who needs an Alabama driver license?

Every Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle must have a driver license. Exceptions:
  • Any person working for the US Federal Government while driving a motor vehicle owned or leased by the US Federal Government.
  • Any person while driving any farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily operated or moved on the highway.

Who cannot be licensed?

  • Any person suffering from a physical or mental impairment.
  • 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 93-368.

I did not pass the written knowledge test. Can I get an Alabama driver license?

No.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

What is the age requirement to obtain a driver license in Alabama?

You must be at least 16 years old.

What kind of document is accepted to prove my age?

A record existing on the driver license database (ie. a previously issued Alabama driver license / non-driver identification card) or an original or certified copy of one Primary Document (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).

I am 15 year old. Can I get a driver license?

You can get a Learner License for the purpose of learning to safely operate a motor vehicle, with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction indicates that you may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old and duly licensed in this state or by a driving instructor occupying the seat beside you.

I am 16 years old and I have a Learner License. Is the “Y” restriction still valid?

Yes, but after your sixteenth birthday, you may operate a motor vehicle with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside you. This Learner License is valid for four years, and can be renewed once.

I am between 16 and 18 years old and I have a Learner License. How can I get a regular license?

You need to present to the local driver license examiner for the road test. If you pass the test you will receive a regular license with the “Y” restriction removed for the remainder of the four year period.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Do I need a proof of authorized presence in the US to get an Alabama driver license?

Yes. You must submit a proof of authorized presence in the United States as authorized under Federal Law in order to apply for an original Alabama driver license.

Which documents do I need to prove my authorized presence in the US in order to get an Alabama driver license?

  • 2 forms of identification (one of which must contain a photograph and one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual)
  • 3 forms of non-photo identification (one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).

I am transferring an Out of State driver license. Which documents do I need to present?

  • the 5 forms of identification listed above
  • your Out of State driver license
  • 1 acceptable document for social security number (ie. your Social Security card)
  • 1 other form of identification from the 'primary' list (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).

I am a non-working authorized foreign national applicant for an Alabama driver license, what do I have to do?

You have to present documents evidencing, to the satisfaction of the Department, that your presence in the United States is authorized (see the full list of additional Secondary Documents for non-U.S. citizens on the Alabama Driver Manual).

I was deported from the United States and I want to apply for an Alabama driver license, what do I have to do?

You must present proof from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that your legal presence status has been restored.

I am a foreign-born applicant, which document do I need to prove my date of birth?

You must have your birth certificate translated into English and certified by the Embassy of your country or a US Passport.

I am lawfully present in the US as a non-immigrant. Which VISA categories make me eligible to apply for an Alabama driver license?

A, B (except B-1), E, F (F visa holders must also present Form I-20), G-4, H, I, J (J-1 and J-2 visa holders must also present Form DS-2019 or IAP-66), K, L, M (M visa holders must also present Form I-20), NATO, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TN, TD, TPS or U or V visa categories.

ALABAMA KNOWLEDGE TEST

How is the written test structured?

The test contains questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs and rules of safe driving. The written knowledge test consists of 40 questions. To pass the test, you must correctly answer at least 32 questions.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Driver license written examinations are available in: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.

I am hearing impaired. How can I take the written examination?

The test can be administered in American Sign Language using automated testing equipment and is available only at certain Driver License offices.

I am unable to read and comprehend the knowledge test. How can I take the written test?

You can take an oral examination. Oral examinations may be administered using automated testing equipment.

Where do I find the official “Alabama Driver Manual”?

The manual is available here.

I passed the written knowledge test and I am applying for a Learner License. Can I get my Learner License?

Yes, upon payment of the required fee.

I passed the written knowledge test and I am applying for a regular driver license. Can I get my driver license?

No, you have to pay the required fee and pass the road test in order to get your Alabama driver license.

I HAVE A DRIVER LICENSE, BUT...

My Alabama license has expired, what do I have to do?

If your Alabama driver license has been expired for less than three years, it can be renewed without examination. All applicants whose Alabama license has been expired for over three years must pass the required driver examination.

My Alabama driver license is lost, destroyed or illegible but has not yet expired. What do I have to do?

You should apply for a duplicate license at your Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office, showing a proof of identity.

I have a valid Alabama driver license but I want to change my address within Alabama. What do I have to do?

You need to notify the License Services Division of the new address within 30 days.

I am a non-resident and have a driver license from another state or nation. How can I get an Alabama license?

If your out of state license has not been expired over one year you do not have to pass a driver examination.

I am a non-resident and my country does not require licensing of drivers. Do I need an Alabama license?

No, if your home country does not require licensing of drivers you 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 your home country.

I am a resident and have a valid driver license issued from another state or country. Do I need an Alabama license?

No. An Alabama driver license is not required if you are a resident at least 16 years old and you have in your immediate possession a valid driver license issued in your home state or country.

I just moved to Alabama and have a valid license from another state. What do I need to do?

A non-resident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.

I am a non-resident full time student in Alabama. Do I need an Alabama driver license?

No, if you are properly enrolled and registered in a school, college, university, or trade school in Alabama and if you hold a valid license from your home state or country, you may drive in Alabama without an Alabama driver license.

My driving rights are suspended or revoked in another state or country. Can I be licensed in Alabama?

No.