The learner license and graduated license rules

Key points

1. The minimum driving age in Alabama is 16, with certain exceptions.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “The minimum driving age in Alabama is 16. There are certain exceptions and restrictions”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

2. With the Y restriction, a learner must drive with a licensed driver 21 or older, or a certified instructor, in the seat beside them.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “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.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

3. This learner license is valid for four years and can be renewed once.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “This Learner License is valid for four years, and can be renewed once.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

4. Between 16 and 18, after holding a learner license six months, you may take the road test.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “Any person 16 years of age but under 18 years of age who has held a Learner License (to include a comparable license issued by another state) for six months”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 10

5. At 14 or 15 you may get a motor driven cycle license for a cycle up to 200 pounds and 150cc.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “Any person 14 or 15 years of age may obtain a restricted license to operate a motor driven cycle weighing not more than 200 pounds, nor exceeding 150cc engine displacement.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 10

6. At 16, or 17 with a license under 6 months, you may have no more than 1 nonfamily passenger besides a parent, guardian or supervising driver 21 or older.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “Restrictions on the license of a person who is 16 years of age or age 17 with a license less than 6 months: 1. May not have more than 1 nonfamily passenger other than the parent, guardian or supervising licensed driver at least 21 years of age.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 84

7. No driving between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. without a parent or legal guardian, unless a listed exception applies.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “The student may not operate a vehicle between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 84

8. GDL rules do not apply to 16 year olds who are married or head of a household.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “Does not apply to individuals who are 16 years of age or older who are married or the head of household.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 84

9. Violating a restriction extends the restrictive period by 6 months or until age 18.

   Source: Handbook p. 84

   “Violation of any of the above restrictions will result in the restrictive period being extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18 years of age.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 84

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. What does the 'Y' restriction on an Alabama learner license issued to a 15-year-old require?

   1. A driving examiner following in another vehicle
   2. Any passenger who has held a license for at least one year
   3. A parent seated anywhere in the vehicle
   4. A licensed driver age 21 or older or a certified instructor beside the operator
   Show answer

   A licensed driver age 21 or older or a certified instructor beside the operator. For a 15-year-old with Alabama's restricted learner license, the Y restriction requires accompaniment by a person who is at least 21 and duly licensed in Alabama, or by a licensed or certified driving instructor. That supervising person must occupy the seat beside the operator. A parent is not enough merely because of the family relationship, and a passenger with one year of experience does not meet the stated age and licensing rule. Remember the seat beside the learner and the two permitted supervisor categories when applying this restriction.

2. 2. How long is an Alabama 15-year-old learner license valid, and how many times may it be renewed?

   1. Four years, with one renewal permitted
   2. Two years, with unlimited renewals
   3. Six months, with no renewal permitted
   4. Until age 18, with two renewals permitted
   Show answer

   Four years, with one renewal permitted. The restricted learner license described for a 15-year-old remains valid for four years and may be renewed once. The two-year option shortens the period and adds renewals the manual does not authorize. A six-month period confuses the learner license with another licensing milestone, and an age-based expiration is not the stated validity rule. For a test question, separate the duration from the renewal count: four years is the license period, and one is the permitted renewal total.

3. 3. Which 16 year olds are exempt from Alabama's graduated driver license restrictions?

   1. Those who are married or the head of a household, or legally relieved of minority status
   2. Those who completed driver education
   3. Those with a job
   4. Those with a parent's written note
   Show answer

   Those who are married or the head of a household, or legally relieved of minority status. The graduated driver license restrictions do not apply to individuals 16 or older who are married or the head of household, to those legally relieved of minority status, or to drivers 17 or older who have held a valid license for six months or longer. Everyone else who is 16, or 17 with a license under six months, faces the passenger, hours and phone restrictions.

Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1: Your License to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.