Earning a driver's license is a key milestone in a teenager's life. In Alabama, this journey involves fulfilling numerous requirements, successfully clearing several tests, and undergoing driver education. In this guide, we cover the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in Alabama. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com.
DriversEd.com is the #1 online driver's education provider in AL. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. They have excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd.com is there to be your helping hand.
Applying for an Alabama Driver's License
To obtain an Alabama driver's license, teens must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a driver education course
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a written test
- Pass a driving test
Teens can apply for a driver's license at any Alabama Driver's License Examination Station (DLES). Appointments can be made online or by calling the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 1-800-252-8255. When applying, remember to bring proof of identity and residency, such as a valid passport and utility bill, respectively.
The cost of a driver's license in Alabama is $32 for a non-commercial license and $37 for a commercial driver's license. Licenses are valid for four years and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
Driver Education Requirements in Alabama
Alabama mandates that a driver education course approved by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) is completed by teens. This course must provide a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, covering:
- Traffic laws
- Safe driving practices
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driver's responsibilities
- Hazards and their prevention
- Emergency management
A driver education course not only facilitates understanding of the road rules but also helps prepare for the written and driving tests.
Graduated Licensing Program in Alabama
Alabama's graduated licensing program ensures that teen drivers gain the necessary skills and experience for safe driving. This program comprises three phases:
- Learner's Permit Phase: Teen drivers must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
- Provisional License Phase: Teens can drive unsupervised, but certain restrictions apply, such as a curfew and a ban on driving with passengers under the age of 18.
- Full License Phase: Teen drivers enjoy the same privileges as adult drivers.
The graduated licensing program has proven effective in reducing accidents involving teen drivers.
Resources for New Drivers in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers numerous resources for new drivers, including driver education courses, a driver's handbook, and online resources. They also offer programs to prevent accidents involving teen drivers like graduated licensing, teen driver awareness, and distracted driving prevention programs.
Alabama Teen Drivers Ed Online Course
The Alabama Teen Drivers Ed course from DriversEd.com is a fully online, self-paced course approved by the Alabama DMV. For a cost-effective price of $49.95, the course provides:
- Comprehensive lessons on important topics
- Interactive learning materials
- Practice permit test
- Live instructor assistance
- Car insurance discounts upon completion
Alabama Traffic Accidents: A Statistical Overview
The following statistics from 2021 underscore the importance of safe driving in Alabama:
- There were 156,481 traffic accidents, with 1,253 fatalities and 147,228 injuries.
- Teen drivers accounted for 13% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents.
- The leading causes of fatal accidents among teen drivers were speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol intoxication.
Tips for Safe Teen Driving
To reduce accidents involving teen drivers, consider these tips:
- Take a driver education course.
- Practice driving with a parent or guardian.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid distractions.
- Do not drink and drive.
By adhering to these safety measures, aspiring young drivers in Alabama can contribute to creating safer roads for all. Together, we can drive down the number of accidents and foster a safer driving environment in Alabama.
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