The Alabama road test
A plain-language guide, checked against the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): who the test is for, what to bring, how it is scored, and what a retake really costs.
The rule that decides your path
The Alabama road test, also called the behind-the-wheel or driving skills test, is the final exam the ALEA gives before it issues a driver's license. New drivers can take the Alabama driving test at 16.
Alabama sets a specific pre-license education step every new driver has to clear. Graduated licensing (GDL) restrictions apply.
Below you'll find the full Alabama road test requirements: who qualifies, what to bring, how examiners score the drive, and the retake rules if you don't pass the first time. On our Driving Index, Alabama's written knowledge test ranks tied for 7th-hardest of 51.
OUR DRIVER'S ED PICK FOR ALABAMA
Know the rules before you hit the road
4.8from 3 million+ drivers trained
Start your online driver's ed with DriversEd.com, teaching licensed drivers since 1997.
Opens driversed.com · we may earn a commission at no cost to you · it never changes the facts we report.
What to bring to the Alabama road test
Tap each item to check it off. Your progress is saved on this device.
Documents
Your vehicle must have
Who comes with you. A 16-year-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you fail the Alabama road test
Alabama doesn't set a fixed wait before you can try again, but you'll need to book another appointment.
Beyond any fee, a retry usually means another day off work or school, another ride to the office, and another car to borrow, so failing costs far more than it looks on paper.
Passing on the first try is the cheapest way through. A first license runs $36.25.
How the Alabama road test is scored
Pass or fail.
Mistakes that end the test right away
Do any of these and the examiner stops the drive, no matter how well the rest went.
- If you are involved in an accident.
- If you violate the law.
- If you drive recklessly or dangerously.
- If you fail to cooperate with the examiner.
- If you make several errors in safe driving practices because of habit or not enough practice.
Before the road test
Pass the Alabama written test on your first try
Nearby road-test guides.
Six more states, neighbours first, then the closest matches on test difficulty.
Test specifications, fees and laws change. This guide was last verified July 2026; always confirm current requirements with the ALEA (www.alea.gov) before booking a test. DMV IQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any state DMV, DPS, MVD, or BMV.
Spot an error? Email [email protected] and we'll get it corrected.
Sources for this guide (3 official ALEA pages)
- Eligibility: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdf
- What to bring: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdf
- Test format: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/road_test_study_guide.pdf
- Scoring: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/road_test_study_guide.pdf
- Retakes: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdf
- Fees: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/document-requirements-and-fees
- Handbook (November 2024): https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdf
Current as of 2026-07-16. Official Alabama sources only; anything the state does not publish is left out rather than guessed.