(excerpts from the Alabama DMV)

Types of Learner’s Permits

Learner’s License

Fifteen year olds may obtain a restricted Learner’s License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle. The examination for the license is taken from information in the Alabama Driver’s Manual. Upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is 21 years of age or older and, who is duly licensed in this state or a licensed or certified driving instructor occupying the seat beside the operator. This Learner’s License is valid for four years.

Learner’s license – Sixteen Year Old

Any person 16 years of age or older who, except for his lack of Instruction In operating a motor vehicle, would otherwise be qualified to obtain a driver license, may obtain a Learner’s License upon satisfactory completion of the required examination. The examination for this license is taken from Information in the Alabama Driver’s Manual. After satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction indicates that the holder may only operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver. This license is valid for four years. Both Learner’s Licenses may be suspended or revoked in the same manner and for the same cause as a driver license and may also be revoked for any violations of the terms and conditions on which it was issued.

Learner’s License -“Y” Restriction Removal

Any person 16 years of age or older who holds a Learner’s License and has developed the necessary skills to safety operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test. He must surrender his picture Learners License at the time of the road test. Upon satisfactory completion of the road test, the applicant will be issued a new regular license for the remainder of the four- year period. This will be at no cost to the applicant.

KNOWLEDGE TEST

The fee for each knowledge test is $5.00, no checks accepted. This test contains questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. The test will be taken from material found in the $CSLINK or Alabama driver’s license manual.

If you are applying for a learner’s license and pass the knowldege test, the examiner will issue your learner’s license upon payment of the required fee.

If you are applying for a regular driver license and pass the road test, you will be issued your driver license upon payment of the required fee

• Alabama Learner's Permit Info
• Alabama Driver's Handbook
• Alabama DMV Website
• Alabama DMV Locations