The Short Answer:
Alabama’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) system is a 3-stage process designed to help teen drivers gain experience under lower-risk conditions. It starts with a learner’s permit at age 15, moves to a restricted license at 16, and leads to an unrestricted license at 17 or 18. The program includes curfews, passenger limits, and mandatory supervision to reduce crash risk. Understanding how the GDL works—and following its rules—is key to helping young drivers stay safe and legally compliant.
Key Takeaways:
- Alabama’s GDL applies to drivers under 18 and includes 3 phases: learner’s permit, restricted license, and unrestricted license.
- Stage II drivers face curfews and passenger limits to reduce distractions and nighttime driving risks.
- Advancing through the GDL system requires a clean driving record and at least 6 months at each phase.
- Breaking GDL rules can result in penalties, delays, and higher insurance costs.
- Parents play a key role by supervising practice driving and helping teens understand road safety and legal requirements.
- Floyd Hunter Injury Law’s car accident attorneys in Montgomery can assist families with legal concerns related to teen driving or car accidents involving young drivers.
Table of Contents
- What Is Alabama’s Graduated Driver License Program?
- Who Needs a Graduated Driver’s License?
- The 3 Stages of Alabama’s Graduated Driver License
- Additional Rules & Requirements for Teen Drivers
- What Happens If a Teen Driver Violates the GDL Restrictions?
- Tips for Teens & Parents
- Why Alabama’s GDL Matters
- Questions About Teen Driving? Floyd Hunter Injury Law Can Help
- FAQs
What Is Alabama’s Graduated Driver License Program?
Alabama’s GDL program is administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and is required for any driver under 18. The purpose is to reduce car crashes by giving teens time to develop skills in safer driving conditions before full driving rights are granted. The law also gives parents more tools to supervise teen driving.
Who Needs a Graduated Driver’s License?
If you’re under 18 in Alabama and want to drive, you’ll need to go through the GDL process. This includes:
- Residents under 18 applying for their first license.
- Teens moving to Alabama with an out-of-state learner’s permit or license.
- Students in public, private, or home school programs.
The 3 Stages of Alabama’s Graduated Driver License
The program unfolds in 3 stages—each with specific age requirements, rules, and restrictions aimed at reducing the risks that come with new and inexperienced drivers. Here’s what young drivers and their parents need to know at each step.
Stage I – Learner’s Permit
- Minimum age: 15
- Must pass a written knowledge test.
- Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat at all times.
- Driving alone is not allowed under any circumstances.
Stage II – Restricted License
- Minimum age: 16
- Must have held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
- Must pass a behind-the-wheel road skills test.
- Restrictions include:
- No more than 1 non-family passenger under 21.
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless it’s for work, school, or emergencies.
- No handheld device use while driving.
- The driver must maintain a clean record to move to Stage III.
Stage III – Unrestricted License
- Minimum age: 17
- Must have held a restricted license for 6 months or turned 18.
- Restrictions are lifted.
- Must still obey all state traffic laws.
Additional Rules & Requirements for Teen Drivers
To receive and maintain a license under the GDL program, teens must:
- Show proof of school enrollment or graduation (Form DL-31).
- Wear seat belts at all times.
- Avoid distractions behind the wheel, including texting and phone calls.
- Understand that violating any GDL terms can result in license suspension and higher insurance premiums.
What Happens If a Teen Driver Violates the GDL Restrictions?
Penalties for breaking GDL rules include:
- Traffic tickets and fines
- Delay in advancing to the next license stage
- Possible license suspension
- Points on the teen’s driving record
- Increased car insurance rates
Tips for Teens & Parents
- Track practice hours: While Alabama doesn’t require a driving log, keeping one helps reinforce good habits.
- Practice in different conditions: Include nighttime, rain, and heavy traffic when supervising.
- Stay updated: Review the Alabama Driver Manual regularly.
- Be involved: Parental supervision is one of the strongest protections against teen crashes.
Why Alabama’s GDL Matters
Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents. Studies show that GDL programs reduce crash rates by 20%–40% among young drivers. Alabama’s law gives teens time to build experience and helps prevent tragedies caused by inexperience, distraction, or poor decision-making.
Questions About Teen Driving? Floyd Hunter Injury Law Can Help
If you’re navigating Alabama’s GDL process or dealing with a car accident involving a young driver, Floyd Hunter Injury Law is here to support you. We can help with:
- Legal questions about GDL rules.
- Accidents involving teen drivers.
- Insurance disputes and liability claims.
- Protecting your rights after a crash.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team proudly serves families in Montgomery, Millbrook, and across Alabama.
FAQs
In Alabama’s GDL program, a Learner’s Permit allows individuals aged 15 and above to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated beside them. This stage focuses on gaining supervised driving experience.
After holding the permit for at least 6 months and reaching the age of 16, individuals can apply for a Restricted License (Stage II). This license permits unsupervised driving but imposes certain restrictions, such as limitations on driving hours and passenger numbers.
Upon turning 17 and having held the restricted license for at least 6 months without violations, drivers may obtain an Unrestricted License (Stage III) with full driving privileges.
A 16-year-old driver with a Restricted License in Alabama may not have more than 1 non-family passenger in the vehicle other than a parent, guardian, or a supervising licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
The restrictions under Alabama’s GDL program are designed to reduce high-risk driving situations for inexperienced drivers. By gradually introducing driving privileges, the program aims to provide new drivers with the opportunity to gain experience in a controlled manner, thereby enhancing road safety and reducing accident rates among teens.
Yes, a 16-year-old with a Restricted License in Alabama is allowed to drive siblings. The passenger restriction applies to non-family members, limiting the driver to 1 non-family passenger other than a parent, guardian, or a supervising licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Under Alabama’s GDL law, a 16-year-old driver with a Restricted License is prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or driving to or from certain events. An exception is made for emergencies, specifically for medical, fire, or law enforcement-related emergencies.
Driving out-of-state with an Alabama Learner’s Permit or Restricted License depends on the laws of the state being visited. Some states may not recognize out-of-state permits or may have different restrictions. It’s essential for teen drivers and their guardians to check the specific driving laws and requirements of the destination state before traveling.
A teen who moves to Alabama with an out-of-state driver’s license must transfer their license within 30 days of establishing residency. This process requires an in-person visit to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office, where the teen must surrender their current license and provide necessary documentation, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and 2 documents verifying Alabama residency.
