DMV Alabama · Fees, age, and practice test
Alabama Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Alabama DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Alabama permit test cost?
$5 exam fee
- Learner permit / application fee: Stage I (learner) license fee is $36.25, plus $5 knowledge test exam fee
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $5 exam fee
- Initial driver license fee: $36.25 to purchase license (no checks)
Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Alabama practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old
Knowledge test fee
$5 exam fee
Permit fee
Stage I (learner) license fee is $36.25, plus $5 knowledge test exam fee
Initial license fee
$36.25 to purchase license (no checks)
Retake fee
The fee for each knowledge test is $5.00, no checks accepted
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 and county directory, plus a Schedule DL Appointment link at alabamadl.alea.gov; appointments are not stated as mandatory.
REAL ID status
STAR ID (Alabama's REAL ID) originals are issued at ALEA exam offices; see ALEA's STAR ID Document List for required documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel.
Motorcycle license
Class M is Alabama's motorcycle license class; a separate Motor Driven Cycle restriction (B) also exists.
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.
How much is the Alabama permit test?
Alabama knowledge test fee: $5 exam fee (official source). Permit fee: Stage I (learner) license fee is $36.25, plus $5 knowledge test exam fee (official source).
Alabama DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $5 exam fee | source |
| Permit fee | Stage I (learner) license fee is $36.25, plus $5 knowledge test exam fee | source |
| Initial license fee | $36.25 to purchase license (no checks) | source |
| Retake fee | The fee for each knowledge test is $5.00, no checks accepted | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Alabama DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Alabama driver license covers
Initial license fee: $36.25 to purchase license (no checks) (official source)
REAL ID status: STAR ID (Alabama's REAL ID) originals are issued at ALEA exam offices; see ALEA's STAR ID Document List for required documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Alabama DMV site for exact card timelines.
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 and county directory, plus a Schedule DL Appointment link at alabamadl.alea.gov; appointments are not stated as mandatory.
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) originals are issued at ALEA exam offices; see ALEA's STAR ID Document List for required documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel. For a motorcycle license: class M is Alabama's motorcycle license class; a separate Motor Driven Cycle restriction (B) also exists. 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 180 questions across 8 topics
QualitySpace is expanding to Alabama
We are a California-based independent insurance brokerage working on licensing in more states. We cannot help with Alabama insurance yet. Leave your email and we will let you know when we can.