Who needs a license, and the knowledge and road tests

Key points

1. Applicants never licensed in Alabama, or whose license expired over three years ago, must pass the driver examination.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “All applicants who have not been licensed in Alabama or whose Alabama license has been expired for over three years must pass the required driver examination.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 5

2. A new resident with a valid license from their previous state may drive for 30 days without an Alabama license.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “A non-resident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 5

3. No license is issued to anyone under 16.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “An Alabama driver license shall not be issued to: Persons under 16 years of age.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

4. Applicants under 19 must show secondary school graduation or current attendance.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “Any person who is under the age of 19 that is not in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368, which requires secondary school graduation or current attendance”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 6

5. Each knowledge test costs $5.00, and no checks are accepted.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “The fee for each knowledge test is $5.00, no checks accepted.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

6. The knowledge test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs and rules of safe driving from this manual.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “This test contains questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

7. A 16 year old taking the road test must bring a parent or guardian.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “A 16-yearold applicant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

8. For the road test you must present proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “The applicant must present proof of insurance and vehicle registration, as well.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 11

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. What school related requirement applies to Alabama license applicants under 19?

   1. They must have a college acceptance letter
   2. They must complete driver education in school
   3. There is no school requirement
   4. They must show secondary school graduation or current attendance under Act 93-368, with limited exclusions
   Show answer

   They must show secondary school graduation or current attendance under Act 93-368, with limited exclusions. Alabama will not license any person under the age of 19 who is not in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368, which requires secondary school graduation or current attendance, with limited exclusions. All applicants under 19 present a current Student Enrollment/Exclusion Form. The same list of ineligible persons includes habitual drunkards, narcotic addicts, and anyone who fails a required examination. The enrollment form must be current at the time of application.

2. 2. What subjects are included on Alabama’s driver license knowledge test?

   1. Only road signs
   2. Vehicle repair procedures and engine design
   3. Traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving
   4. Only the applicant’s personal driving history
   Show answer

   Traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. The knowledge test covers three subject groups named in the manual: Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. Focusing on signs alone omits two substantial parts of the test. Vehicle repair and engine design are not identified as test subjects in this section, and an applicant’s personal history is not a listed study category. The practical study cue is to divide preparation into law, signs, and safe-driving rules. The manual also says the test is taken from material found in the booklet, so those three areas point back to the full manual rather than a single chapter.

3. 3. What fee does the Alabama manual list for each knowledge test?

   1. $5.00, with no checks accepted
   2. $10.00, payable only by check
   3. $15.00, waived for learner applicants
   4. No fee is listed for a knowledge test
   Show answer

   $5.00, with no checks accepted. The knowledge-test section lists a fee of $5.00 for each test and adds that checks are not accepted. The $10 and $15 amounts do not appear in this statement, and the manual does not describe the test as free for learner applicants. The wording each knowledge test matters because it ties the fee to every test attempt or category rather than presenting one general licensing charge. When preparing from this page, remember both pieces together: five dollars per knowledge test and no checks accepted.

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.