Minimum age for a car driving licence in Alabama (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A Stage I learner's permit is available from 15 and a Stage II restricted licence from 16 (after six months on the permit). An unrestricted Stage III licence follows from 17 or 18.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | Alabama uses three stages. A Stage II (restricted) licence is open from age 16 to someone who has held a Stage I permit for at least six months, and allows driving without supervision, but not between midnight and 6 a.m. (with exceptions) and with no more than one passenger other than family. A Stage III (unrestricted) licence is open from 17 after six months at Stage II, or from 18 straight away. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | An applicant under 18 must present either an ALEA form, signed by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or certified driving instructor, confirming at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, or proof of completing a State Department of Education-approved driver education course. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A Stage II (restricted) licence holder may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (or a licensed driver aged 21 or over with their consent), or travelling to or from a school or religious event or work, or for an emergency. Stage II lasts until a Stage III licence at 17 (after six months) or 18. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A Stage II (restricted) licence holder may not carry more than one passenger other than parents, legal guardians or family members. [1] |
Notes
- This is the age for the Stage II restricted licence, the earliest licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. Night-time, passenger and handheld-device restrictions apply to it.
- The pages read for Alabama state no age rule for visitors holding a licence from another state or country.
Sources
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: Graduated Driver License (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Alabama and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16 (Stage II restricted licence) | 15 (Stage I learner's permit) | Restricted from 16; unrestricted from 17-18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Florida | 16 (after 12 months on a learner's licence) | 15 (learner's licence) | 16-17: 12 months on learner's licence first | Yes, 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Georgia | 16 (Class D provisional licence) | 15 (Class CP learner's permit) | Class D at 16-17 after 1 year + 1 day on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Mississippi | 16 (regular licence) | 15 (learner's permit) | Permit 12 months or to 17; hardship licence 15-17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tennessee | 16 (intermediate restricted licence) | 15 (learner permit) | Permit at 15; intermediate licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Alabama
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class A misdemeanor) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (younger with an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Firearms only; no knife carry offence read · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage law · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (offence needs erratic driving) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.