Alabama ALEA Permit Test FAQ

80% or better is required to pass any Alabama ALEA knowledge exam. The Alabama Driver Manual states: "You must correctly answer 80 percent of these questions to receive a passing score." On a 30-question test, that means about 24 correct (you can miss up to 6). Alabama uses 80% — the same standard as most states.

If you fail the knowledge test, you may reschedule at your local Alabama ALEA office. Contact ALEA at 334-676-6000 or visit www.alea.gov to schedule an appointment (Chapter 1).

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an Alabama Learner License. At 15, a licensed driver 21 or older (or a certified driving instructor) must occupy the seat beside you. After your 16th birthday, any licensed driver may accompany you. The Learner License is valid for 4 years (Chapter 1).

During the Learner Permit stage, Alabama GDL: no driving midnight–6 AM (exceptions apply), max 1 non-family passenger, no texting on hand-held device. A licensed driver 21+ must be in the seat next to the permit holder at all times. All Alabama drivers are prohibited from texting on a hand-held device. A hands-free device is permitted (Chapter 3).

Alabama sets the under-21 BAC limit at 0.02%. Driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more triggers a 90-day suspension on a first first under-21 DUI offense (Chapter 9).

For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. A person is also considered legally intoxicated if they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC. For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more is illegal under Alabama law. A first first under-21 DUI offense results in a 90-day suspension (Chapter 9).

Alabama statutory speed limits: interstate 70 mph (where posted), 65 mph (where posted), 55 mph in other locations, 45 mph on county paved roads unless posted, 35 mph on unpaved roads, and 30 mph in urban districts. School zone speeds are posted on regulatory signs. Always obey posted limits and reduce speed in work zones (Chapter 6).

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Other restricted distances: 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from any traffic control device (stop sign, yield sign, signal, flashing beacon), 50 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing (Chapter 5).

1st DUI: $600–$2,100 fine, up to 1 year jail, 90-day suspension. 2nd DUI (within 10 yrs): $1,100–$5,100, mandatory 48 hrs or 20 days community service, 1-year revocation. 3rd DUI: $2,100–$10,100, mandatory 60-day jail (no probation), 3-year revocation. 4th+ DUI: Class C felony, $4,100–$10,100, 5-year revocation, 1 yr 1 day – 10 years imprisonment (Chapter 4).

Alabama law requires all vehicles driven on public highways to carry liability insurance. You can be cited and fined if you cannot provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop or accident. You may provide proof electronically on a cellular phone. Alabama requires minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage.

Yes — but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. After coming to a complete stop, you may turn left at a red light from a one-way onto a one-way, unless prohibited by a sign. You may always turn right on red (after stopping) unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to all pedestrians and traffic (Chapter 5).

An Alabama driver license must be renewed every 4 years. You may renew online, by mail, or by phone at 334-676-6000 (ALEA) if eligible. All licensees must appear in person at an ALEA office periodically to update their photo and pass a vision exam. Notify ALEA of any address change within 30 days (Chapter 1).

While holding a Learner Permit, a licensed adult at least 21 years of age must occupy the seat beside you. You must hold the Learner License for at least 6 months AND be at least 17 years old before taking the road test. GDL restrictions apply: no driving midnight–6 AM (with limited exceptions) and max 1 non-family passenger (Chapter 1).