The Learner's Permit and the Stage II License
Ala. Code § 32-6-7.2 — a Stage I permit at 15, 6 months before Stage II, and limits on late nights, passengers and phones
A person 15 and under 16 can get a Stage I learner's license, and drives only with a parent or legal guardian, a licensed driver 21 or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor in the seat beside. It costs $20 and expires in 4 years, or when its holder gets a Stage II or Stage III license.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
A person under 18 holds the Stage I license for at least 6 months before applying for a Stage II license. At 16, the application comes with a parent's or guardian's signed consent and either a signed form certifying at least 50 hours of driving practice behind the wheel or a certificate for an approved driver's education course.
| A Stage II driver | The limit |
|---|---|
| A Stage II driverBetween midnight and 6 a.m. | The limitNo driving, unless with a parent or guardian or a licensed driver 21 or older, or going to or from work, a school or religious event, a hunting or fishing trip with a license, or an emergency |
| A Stage II driverPassengers | The limitNo more than one besides parents, guardians, family members along and a licensed driver 21 or older |
| A Stage II driverA handheld device | The limitNo handheld communication device that is not essential to running the vehicle |
Stage II covers a 16 year old driver, and a 17 year old licensed for less than 6 months. At 17, a license held for 6 months or longer, with no moving violation conviction in the 6 months before, is a Stage III unrestricted license. None of this applies to a resident 16 or older who is married or the head of a household.
Breaking a Stage II limit means defensive driving school the first time, and going back to a Stage I permit for 6 months the next time. A second moving violation, reckless driving, racing or an offense where four or more points are assessed brings an automatic 60 day suspension. A parent who knowingly allows a second or later violation may be fined $150 to $350.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 32-6-8 — Temporary Instruction and Learner’s Licenses
- Ala. Code § 32-6-7.2 — Restrictions on Issuance to Persons Under 18 Years of Age
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.