DMV Alabama · Fees, age, and practice test
Alabama Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free Alabama practice testSourced procedural facts for Alabama DMV, plus a free 200-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Alabama permit test cost?
$5 exam fee
- Learner permit / application fee: $36.25 Stage I learner license, separate from the $5 exam; county fees may be higher
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $5 exam fee
- Initial driver license fee: $36.25 initial license; some counties may charge more
Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 200-question Alabama practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage Alabama study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the Alabama cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free Alabama practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
Alabama verified practice bank · 200 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your Alabama knowledge test
Cost details
- The $5 exam charge and $36.25 Stage I learner license charge are separate; some counties charge higher license fees. Official cost source
- ALEA charges $5 for each knowledge-test attempt and does not accept checks for testing. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- At age 15, prepare a certified birth certificate, Social Security documentation, school enrollment/graduation proof and two residence proofs. Official application instructions
- Applicants 16 and older should use ALEA’s age-specific identity list; first-time applicants younger than 19 need school enrollment/graduation proof. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old
Knowledge test fee
$5 exam fee
Permit fee
$36.25 Stage I learner license, separate from the $5 exam; county fees may be higher
Initial license fee
$36.25 initial license; some counties may charge more
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: $36.25 Stage I learner license, separate from the $5 exam; county fees may be higher (official source).
Alabama DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $5 exam fee | source |
| Permit fee | $36.25 Stage I learner license, separate from the $5 exam; county fees may be higher | source |
| Initial license fee | $36.25 initial license; some counties may charge more | 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 (200 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Alabama driver license covers
Initial license fee: $36.25 initial license; some counties may charge more (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 200 questions across 8 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Alabama checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 25 free lessons that boil the Alabama driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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