Alabama Driver Education FAQs

You can apply for a Stage I learner's license beginning at age 15. You must meet ALEA's documentation requirements and pass the required written examination. (alea.gov)

Not necessarily. Alabama allows an eligible teen to satisfy the Stage II training requirement with either at least 50 hours of supervised driving or completion of an SDE-approved driver education course. (alea.gov)

No. Only an Alabama State Department of Education-approved driver education course can serve as the alternative to the 50-hour supervised-practice requirement. A supplemental online course does not automatically qualify. (alea.gov)

ALEA stands for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. ALEA issues Alabama learner's licenses and driver licenses and administers the state's Graduated Driver License system. (alea.gov)

You must meet Alabama's documentation and school-status requirements, complete the required vision screening, and pass the written examination. A Stage I license is available beginning at age 15. (alea.gov)

No. A qualified parent, guardian, licensed driver age 21 or older, or licensed or certified driving instructor must be seated beside you in the front. (alea.gov)

The standard supervised-practice option requires at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Alabama also permits an SDE-approved driver education course as an alternative to the 50-hour requirement. (alea.gov)

You must be at least 16. If you are under 18, you must also have held your Stage I license for at least six months, completed the required practice or approved driver education option, obtained the required permission, and passed the road skills test. (alea.gov)

You may not have more than one passenger who is not a parent, legal guardian, or family member. (alea.gov)

Generally, no. Stage II drivers may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. unless an Alabama exception applies, such as qualifying work, school, religious, emergency, or supervised-driving circumstances. (alea.gov)

You may not use a handheld communication device while driving with a Stage II license. Keeping your phone out of your hand is also an important way to reduce distracted driving. (alea.gov)

You can qualify for Stage III at age 17 after holding your Stage II license for at least six months. (alea.gov)

A violation of Alabama's graduated driver license restrictions can extend the restricted period by six months or until you turn 18. Certain moving violations or serious offenses can also lead to a 60-day suspension. (alea.gov)

No. An online course does not replace the ALEA written or road skills examinations. If you intend to use a driver education course instead of the 50-hour practice requirement, verify that the course is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. (alea.gov)

Alabama requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage in an accident. (revenue.alabama.gov)