DMV Alabama · Facts and practice test
Alabama DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Alabama DMV, plus a free 70-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old
Knowledge test fee
$5 exam fee
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours behind the wheel, or an approved driver education course
Find an office / appointment
ALEA provides a Driver License Locations Map/county directory, plus online scheduling via alabamadl.alea.gov. Appointments available but not stated as mandatory; walk-ins appear accepted.
REAL ID status
STAR ID (Alabama's REAL ID) issued only at ALEA exam offices for originals; requires proof of identity, residency, citizenship. Federal enforcement: May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel.
Motorcycle license
Minimum age 16 for a standard Class M motorcycle license (restricted Class M for ages 14-15 limited to motor-driven cycles). Requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test and road skills test; an MSF-approved course can substitute for the ALEA riding test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Minimum age 18 for intrastate-only Class A CDL (no Haz-Mat/passenger endorsement); age 21 for full interstate CDL privileges/Haz-Mat. Requires CLP held 14+ days, knowledge and skills tests, DOT medical certification, and Entry Level Driver Training.
Official source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division site.
Getting a license in Alabama
Getting your first permit
In Alabama, the minimum permit age is 15 years old. ALEA provides a Driver License Locations Map/county directory, plus online scheduling via alabamadl.alea.gov. Appointments available but not stated as mandatory; walk-ins appear accepted.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$5 exam fee. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours behind the wheel, or an approved driver education course.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
STAR ID (Alabama's REAL ID) issued only at ALEA exam offices for originals; requires proof of identity, residency, citizenship. Federal enforcement: May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 16 for a standard Class M motorcycle license (restricted Class M for ages 14-15 limited to motor-driven cycles). Requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test and road skills test; an MSF-approved course can substitute for the ALEA riding test. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 for intrastate-only Class A CDL (no Haz-Mat/passenger endorsement); age 21 for full interstate CDL privileges/Haz-Mat. Requires CLP held 14+ days, knowledge and skills tests, DOT medical certification, and Entry Level Driver Training.
The Alabama bank has 70 questions across 8 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.