Alabama graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three Alabama GDL stages and the minimum age for each.
• You can explain who may supervise you while you hold a learner license.
• You can list the main restrictions on a Stage II restricted license.
• You can explain what happens if you break a GDL restriction.
• You can tell when the GDL rules no longer apply to you.

What you need to know and understand

• Stage I is the learner license, available from age 15 after passing the knowledge test.
• Stage II is a restricted license, available from 16 after holding a learner license for at least six months if you are under 18.
• Stage III is the unrestricted license, available from 17 after holding Stage II for at least six months.
• The learner license is a Class D license with a Y restriction and is valid for four years.
• Breaking a Stage II restriction extends the restricted period by six months or until you turn 18.
• The GDL rules do not apply once you are 18, or to 16 and 17 year olds who are married and head of a household or legally relieved of minority status.

The three stages at a glance

Each stage has its own age, conditions and fee. ALEA does not accept checks. Its GDL page lists cash or money orders, so bring one of those and ask your local office whether it also takes cards.

• Stage I, learner license (age 15+): pass the knowledge test and vision screening, then drive only with a qualified supervisor in the front seat.
• Stage II, restricted license (age 16+): hold Stage I for six months if under 18, have a parent or guardian's permission, show 50 hours of practice or an approved driver education course, and pass the road skills test.
• Stage III, unrestricted license (age 17+): hold Stage II for six months with no violations of the restrictions.

Who can sit beside a learner

At 15, you may drive only with a parent, legal guardian or a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat, or with a licensed or certified driving instructor. The Alabama Driver Manual says that after your 16th birthday any licensed driver may sit beside you. ALEA's GDL web page still describes a supervisor aged 21 or older, so the safest choice is to practice with a licensed adult who is at least 21.

Life on a Stage II restricted license

Stage II applies to 16 year olds and to 17 year olds who have held their license for less than six months. These limits exist because new drivers face the highest crash risk in their first months alone.

• No more than one passenger who is not a family member, not counting a parent, guardian or supervising licensed driver aged 21 or older.
• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless an exception applies, such as driving with a parent, going to or from work, a school or religious event, or an emergency.
• No use of any handheld communication device while driving.

When things go wrong

A GDL restriction violation is a traffic violation with no points and no criminal penalty. You will only be cited for it if you are stopped for another offense. But the restricted period is extended by six months or until you turn 18. A second moving violation, or an offense worth four or more points such as reckless driving or illegal passing, brings an automatic 60-day suspension.

Common mistakes

• Assuming you can take the road test on your 16th birthday without having held the learner license for six months. Count the months from the day your learner license was issued.
• Carrying a car full of friends on a Stage II license. Only one non-family passenger is allowed.
• Thinking a phone in your hand at a red light is fine. Stage II drivers may not use a handheld device while driving.
• Forgetting that a restriction violation delays your unrestricted license by six months.

Test yourself: Alabama graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alabama GDL Law
• Alabama Permit Test
• Alabama Permit Practice Test