The driving age in Alabama starts at 15, when a teen can get a Stage I learner permit, moves to 16 for a Stage II restricted license, and reaches full unrestricted driving at 17. The state runs these ages through a three-stage graduated driver licensing (GDL) program, and each step comes with its own supervision rules, practice requirements, and restrictions.
Age 15: Learner Permit
A 15-year-old can apply for a Stage I learner permit through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) after passing a written knowledge test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving.1Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Alabama Driver License and ID Cards The permit lets a teen drive, but only under close supervision.
At 15, the permit holder can drive only when a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor is in the front passenger seat.2Alabama Administrative Code. Alabama Administrative Code 760-X-1-.10 – To Provide for Persons to Be Designated to Act in Loco Parentis for Fifteen Year Old Learner Permit Holders An older sibling or family friend does not count. If neither parent nor guardian is licensed, they can designate up to two other adults as supervisors by filing paperwork with ALEA when the teen applies. Once the permit holder turns 16, the rule loosens: any licensed driver at least 21 years old can supervise.
The Practice Requirement Between Stages
Before moving up to a restricted license, Alabama requires the teen to complete one of two things: 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, or a state-approved driver education course.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18 It is one or the other. Driver ed fully substitutes for the practice hours, and the practice hours fully substitute for driver ed.
Families using the practice route need a parent, legal guardian, grandparent (with parental consent), or certified driving instructor to sign an ALEA verification form confirming all 50 hours.4Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Graduated Driver License Families using driver ed submit a completion certificate from the State Department of Education. Either document has to be in hand when the teen applies for Stage II.
Age 16: Restricted License
A teen who has held the learner permit for at least six months, turned 16, and finished the practice or driver ed requirement can apply for a Stage II restricted license.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18 A parental consent form signed by a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent (with parental consent) is required. The teen also has to pass a road skills test based on the Alabama Driver Manual.
A Stage II license lets a 16-year-old drive alone, but three restrictions apply.
Nighttime Curfew
Stage II drivers cannot operate a vehicle between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless one of these exceptions applies:
- Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older with parental consent.
- Driving to or from work.
- Driving to or from a school-sponsored event.
- Driving to or from a religious organization event.
- Driving because of a medical, fire, or law enforcement emergency.
- Driving to or from hunting or fishing, with a valid hunting or fishing license in the driver’s possession.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18
Passenger Limit
A Stage II driver cannot have more than one passenger in the vehicle. Parents, legal guardians, family members, and a licensed driver at least 21 years old do not count against the limit.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18 Two siblings and a friend in the car is fine. Two friends and no family member is a violation.
No Handheld Devices
Stage II drivers cannot use any handheld communication device while driving. The rule covers phone calls, texting, and any other handheld use that is not essential to operating the vehicle.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18
Age 17: Unrestricted License
Stage II restrictions lift automatically once the driver reaches age 17 and has held the restricted license for at least six months. No additional road test is needed.4Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Graduated Driver License A driver who reaches 18 also exits the GDL program regardless of how long they have been licensed.
Violations delay the exit. Any breach of the Stage II rules, whether curfew, passengers, or the handheld ban, extends the restricted period by another six months or until the driver turns 18, whichever comes first.3Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code Title 32 – Section 32-6-7.2 Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18 A teen who picks up two curfew violations at 16 may still be driving under restrictions at 17 while friends move on to full privileges.
School Enrollment Is Required
Alabama ties every driving privilege under age 19 to school. ALEA will deny a permit or license to any applicant under 19 who cannot show a high school diploma, current enrollment, or an approved alternative.5Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code 16-28-40 – License Applicant Under 19 to Provide Documentation of School Enrollment Approved alternatives include GED programs, job training programs approved by the State Superintendent, substantial gainful employment, being a custodial parent, or a physician’s certification that the applicant’s parents depend on them as their sole source of transportation.
For a teen already licensed, withdrawing from school triggers suspension. Alabama defines withdrawal as more than 10 consecutive or 15 total unexcused absences in one semester. Once the school attendance officer notifies ALEA, the agency sends a notice giving the driver 30 days to show compliance before the suspension takes effect.5Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code 16-28-40 – License Applicant Under 19 to Provide Documentation of School Enrollment
Penalties That Fall Harder on Teen Drivers
A single Stage II violation does not suspend the license by itself; it extends the restricted period. But a second moving traffic violation, or a conviction for reckless driving, racing, fleeing a law enforcement officer, illegal passing, or driving on the wrong side of the road, brings an automatic 60-day suspension for a Stage II driver.4Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Graduated Driver License
Alabama’s point system also runs alongside the GDL rules. Accumulating 12 to 14 points in two years triggers a 60-day suspension, and the schedule climbs to 365 days for 24 or more points, with adjustments possible after an administrative hearing.6Alabama Administrative Code. Alabama Administrative Code 760-X-1-.07 – Suspension and Revocation of Driver License Under the Point System
Alcohol is the sharpest edge. Drivers under 21 face a zero tolerance standard: the legal blood alcohol threshold is 0.02, not the 0.08 that applies to adults. A first DUI conviction carries a fine between $600 and $2,100, up to one year in jail, and a 90-day license suspension. The suspension can be stayed if the driver installs an approved ignition interlock device for 90 days. If the driver’s BAC was 0.15 or higher, if a child under 14 was in the vehicle, or if someone else was injured, the 90-day suspension is mandatory and the interlock requirement stretches to a full year.7Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code 32-5A-191 – Driving While Under Influence of Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Etc.