What to bring to the Alabama ALEA permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• Age 15: certified U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies)
• Age 16+: two forms of ID (one with a photo, one from the 'primary' list), or three non-photo forms (one primary)
• Social Security card
• Proof of school enrollment or graduation (under 19) — form DL-1-93
• 2 proofs of principal residence
• $5 test fee and $36.25 license fee (cash or money order; no checks)

Fees

• Knowledge (written) test: $5
• Stage I learner license: $36.25
• Stage II restricted license: $36.25
• Stage III license: restriction-free duplicate for a Stage II holder: $31.25
• Stage III license if no Stage II was held before turning 18: $36.25

The vision test

You need visual acuity of at least 20/60 in at least one eye and a horizontal field of vision of at least 110 degrees from center (temporal). Wear glasses or contacts if you need them to meet this.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• If you are 18 or older and doing all testing at once: a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection
• A parent or guardian must come with a 16-year-old
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• A vehicle in safe condition with working brake lights, turn signals and horn (the examiner inspects it)
• A rental car only if you are named on the rental agreement as an additional driver
• Glasses or contacts if your license requires them
• Your learner license (you surrender it at the road test)

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months (under 18) before Stage II before the road test.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving.
• Stage I learner license (Class D with a 'Y' restriction) at 15 after passing the written exam
• Stage I: drive only with a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat beside you, or with a licensed or certified driving instructor
• After your 16th birthday: any licensed driver may sit beside you
• The learner license is valid 4 years (renewable once for 15-year-olds)
• To move to Stage II: an ALEA form signed by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or certified instructor confirming at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, and an SDE completion form for an approved driver education course
• Under 19: school enrollment or exclusion form (DL-1-93) required

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the ALEA says copies are accepted.