I don’t remember much about getting my driver’s license other than showing up to the DMV, driving my mom’s Toyota Previa around town, getting a paper copy of my license, and carrying on with my day. I’m sure there were more steps involved, but I was unaware of them. Now, as a parent that has experienced this process with my own teen, I realize how daunting it can feel to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. If you are entering this stage with your teen, let me direct you to the resources and information that can help this process be a smooth and successful one.
Necessary Documents & Fees
1. Learner’s Permit
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, these documents and fees are required when your child takes the Learner’s Permit test:
- U.S. Birth Certificate (original, no photocopies)
- Social Security Card (original, no photocopies)
- *Proof of Enrollment (see below)
- Two proofs of residence (utility bill, voter’s registration card, bank statement, mortgage note, vehicle registration, etc.)
- $5 testing fee (no checks)
- $36.25 for license (no checks)
*The Proof of Enrollment is a form you or your child will request from the registrar at your child’s school. It is important to know this form is only valid for 30 days. Verify this with your child’s school because when my daughter received her learner’s permit, the time frame was shorter than this. If you homeschool and do not have a cover school to provide this form for you, here is the Homeschool Student Affidavit to complete.
2. Driver’s License
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, these documents and fees are required when your child takes the road test. This list is slightly different from the above list for a permit.
- Two forms of ID (one must have a photo), or three forms of non-photo ID
- Social Security Card (original, no photocopies)
- Proof of School Enrollment (if younger than 19 and applying for the first time, this is not needed if this form was used for the permit)
- Two proofs of residence (utility bill, voter’s registration card, bank statement, mortgage note, vehicle registration, etc.)
- $5 test fee (no checks)
- $36.25 for test (no checks)
- Applicants 18 years or older must have a licensed driver, proof of car insurance, and a vehicle that will pass inspection
3. STAR ID
If your child wants a STAR ID, these are the required documents according to the Alabama Department of Transportation:
- Four documents verifying identity/date of birth
- Social Security card (original, no photocopies)
- Proof of residence
Locations
Here is a list of all Department of Transportation offices across Alabama. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment for both the learner’s permit and the driver’s license road test. You can choose a location and schedule an appointment here. For the learner’s permit and the road test, we scheduled appointments at the Shelby County office on 280.
Other Important Information
Graduated Driver’s License
In 2010, Alabama enforced the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL). The GDL is a multi-step licensing system meant to gradually release a young driver with increasing responsibility behind the wheel. There are three stages.
Stage 1 is the learner’s permit stage. Once the new driver has a permit, he or she can drive with a licensed driver 21 years or older in the front passenger seat.
Stage 2 is the restricted phase. The driver obtains a license by passing a road test. This phase has three main restrictions.
- The driver must not drive between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years or older with parental consent. Another exception to these restricted hours is if the driver is returning from a school or religious event, place of employment, or in an emergency.
- The driver must not have more than one non-family member as a passenger.
- The driver must not use handheld devices while driving.
Stage 3 is the unrestricted phase. This is a regular license and begins at age 17. Or, if receiving a license at 17, the driver must have driven with a Stage 2 license for at least 6 months before entering Stage 3. Individuals who are 18 or older can receive a Stage 3 license without a Stage 2 license.
Taylor’s Law
Taylor’s Law is a state policy that links school discipline to driving privileges. Beginning at age 13, any disciplinary action at school can result in points that delay your child obtaining a permit or license. The points are determined by the severity of the action that required discipline, and each point equals a one week delay to the age you can legally drive.
Driving School Options
In addition to the Driver’s Education course offered through the local public school system, you can also pay for private driving school.
- Private High School Driver and Traffic Safety Education Program
- Pledger Driving School
- All In One Driving School
- Spring Valley Driver’s Education
Insurance Discounts
Adding a teen with a learner’s permit to your car insurance is typically not required, but check with your insurance carrier to be sure. Once your teen becomes a licensed driver, you will need to add him/her to your car insurance, and it will get very pricey! Check with your insurance carrier for discounts. Many offer discounts for good grades and a completion of driver’s education.
Last Minute Reminders
This process can feel daunting, but here are a few concluding reminders to make this season of learning to drive with your teen a bit smoother.
- Make an appointment for the permit and license.
- Triple check the documents list before you leave the house.
- Bring originals, no photocopies.
- Give your teen as much experience as possible–in the rain, through a construction zone, in traffic, downtown, on the interstate, in a parking garage, without a GPS, without a backup camera, etc. Give them as much varied experience as you possibly can. Don’t be afraid to let them get behind the wheel and make mistakes.
- Breathe! You can do this, mom!
