Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Alabama

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Alabama?


In Alabama, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Alabama?


In Alabama, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has the following age restrictions:

• 15 years old: Must be enrolled in a driver education class to obtain a learner’s permit.

• 16 years old: Eligible for a provisional license if you have held a learner’s permit for six months and completed 30 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night.

• 17 years old: Eligible for an unrestricted license.

• 18 years old: Eligible for an unrestricted license.

3. How does the GDL program in Alabama define a supervised driving period?


In Alabama, the GDL program defines a supervised driving period as a period of time in which a teen driver is operating a vehicle with a qualified adult who is at least 21 years old, has held a valid driver’s license for at least three years, and has no record of alcohol-related driving offenses. The qualified adult must occupy the front seat next to the teen driver, and all passengers must be restrained.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Alabama?


In Alabama, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, they are going directly to or from work or school-sponsored activities, they are responding to an emergency, or they are participating in a sanctioned sporting event.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Alabama?


Yes. There are several common exceptions to the GDL program in Alabama, including:
* Active duty military personnel may operate a motor vehicle without a driver’s license.
* Individuals over 19 years of age are not subject to the GDL.
* Individuals with an out-of-state license may operate a motor vehicle in Alabama without obtaining an Alabama license.
* Commercial drivers with an out-of-state license that meet certain criteria may operate a motor vehicle in Alabama without obtaining an Alabama license.
* Individuals who are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older may drive without a license.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Alabama?


In Alabama, a driver must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving before they can obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Alabama?


Drivers with a provisional license in Alabama are subject to the following restrictions:

• They may not drive between the hours of 12:00 am and 6:00 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

• They must have zero alcohol in their system while driving.

• They must refrain from talking on a cell phone or using any other electronic device while driving.

• They must wear a seatbelt at all times.

• They may not transport more than one non-family passenger under the age of 20.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Alabama?


A driver with a provisional license in Alabama is not allowed to carry any passengers besides the supervising driver.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Alabama?


In Alabama, a driver must hold a provisional license for at least one year before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Alabama?


Yes, drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 21 when driving in Alabama.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Alabama?


Yes. Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using a cell phone or any other type of mobile device while operating a motor vehicle in Alabama. This includes talking on the phone, texting, or any other type of activity involving the use of a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Alabama?


No, drivers with provisional licenses in Alabama are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Alabama?


Yes. Drivers with provisional licenses in Alabama are subject to the following restrictions:
* Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and has at least one year of driving experience.
* Cannot drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or driving instructor).
* Cannot transport more than one non-family passenger under 19 years of age.
* Must wear a seat belt while driving.
* Cannot use a cell phone or other communication device while driving (unless in an emergency situation).

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Alabama?


To take a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Alabama, applicants must:

1. Be at least 16 years of age.

2. Have had a learner’s permit for six months or more.

3. Be able to pass the written and vision tests.

4. Have completed 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driver instruction, including 10 hours of night driving.

5. Have a valid driver’s license from another state, if applicable.

6. Provide proof of identity, such as a valid birth certificate or passport.

7. Present proof of insurance from an Alabama-authorized insurer.

8. Prove legal presence in the United States, such as a valid passport or green card.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Alabama?


Yes. Drivers with provisional licenses in Alabama are required to successfully complete a road test before they can obtain an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in Alabama require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in Alabama does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Alabama?


Alabama does not currently offer any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program. However, the state does require certain steps to be taken for a teen to be eligible for a driver’s license. These steps include passing a written exam, passing a vision test, and completing an appropriate amount of behind-the-wheel training.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Alabama?


Yes, there are exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Alabama. Drivers under 18 are exempt from the GDL requirement if they are married, active members of the military, or if they have completed a state-approved driver education course and have passed the Alabama driver’s license test.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Alabama?


Yes. 18-year-old drivers are no longer subject to GDL program regulations in Alabama.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Alabama?


If a teen is caught driving in violation of the GDL program rules in Alabama, they can face a fine of up to $200 and potential suspension of their license for up to 6 months. Teens may also be required to complete an approved driver improvement program.