Are you nervous about your upcoming Alabama permit test?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out!
The more you know about an exam, the less nervous you feel.
So we’re going to talk about what’s included in your Alabama permit test, what you should expect, what you can do if you fail, and more!
If this is something that can help calm your nerves, keep on reading!
Important note: this article is geared towards readers who want to learn more about permit tests in Alabama. If you want to know when to get the permit test (also known as the written exam) check out our Alabama driver’s license requirements article.
Without further ado, let’s talk about your permit test!
How Many Questions Are On The Alabama Permit Test?
Great news! The Alabama permit test isn’t that long.
It only consists of 30 questions.
You are expected to get at least 80% in order to pass and qualify for your learner’s permit. That means you need to get 24 questions out of 30 right.
And if you have been doing your duty by studying the traffic rules, regulations, and driving do’s and don’t found in the official 2023 AL Driver Handbook, you can pass with flying colors!
Where Can I Take My Permit Test in Alabama?
You can take your permit test in your local DMV in Alabama. Here are their offices in your state:
- Montgomery
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Jacksonville
- Sheffield
- Tuscaloosa
- Foley
- Dothan
- Mobile
- Decatur
- Opelika
Because of the pandemic, there may be some changes with setting up appointments for testing. So make sure to give your local driver’s license department (DLD) a call before you drop by. Click here to check for phone numbers (under driver’s license). Or, you can set up an appointment through this link.
Can I Take My Permit Test Online in Alabama?
Unfortunately, you cannot take the permit test (or written exam) online. You will have to set up an appointment and go to a driver’s license department office.
These offices usually cater to walk-ins, but expect some changes due to the ongoing pandemic.
How Long is the Alabama Permit Test?
Thankfully, the permit test isn’t timed. So there’s no need to rush answering all the questions. It’s more important to be sure you don’t make too many mistakes.
Also, please be sure to review your answers before you turn them in!
If we’re talking average time, however, it takes around 20 to 40 minutes to complete.
How Much Is The Permit Test in Alabama?
To take the test, you will have to pay $5. Checks are not accepted.
Once you pass your exam, please be ready to pay the $36.25 fee to issue your learner’s permit. Again, checks are not accepted.
What Happens if I Fail My Permit Test?
If you fail your permit test, don’t worry. You have 90 days to make 2 more attempts at successfully completing it.
But keep in mind that you are likely to be charged a re-examination fee every time you retake. So do your best to pass on your first try!
If you fail your 3 attempts, your application will be closed and you’ll have to repeat the process all over again. This is why it’s so important to study the Alabama Driver’s Manual.
How Many Times Can You Take the Permit Test in Alabama?
You can take the Alabama permit test as many times as you should!
However, as we mentioned above, one application has only 3 attempts at the exam. If you fail all 3 attempts, then you’ll need to reapply for a learner’s permit.
Not only that, but each time you fail one exam, you will have to repay the exam fee. Again, we can’t stress the importance of studying the Alabama Driver’s Manual.
What Types of Questions are In the Permit Test?
All 30 questions in your permit test are multiple-choice.
This test will include rules and regulations of the road, driver’s safety tips, Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving.
You can expect to be asked about scenarios like what would happen if you stayed on a truck’s blind spot, or what you should do if a pedestrian suddenly decides to jaywalk.
Again, you should consult the official 2023 AL Driver Handbook to help you ace your test!
Everything you need to know about driving in Alabama can be found in this nifty online manual, and they explain it in simple terms to make it easier for newbies to understand.
Do I Need to Complete a Driver’s Ed to Take the Alabama Permit Test?
No. Driver’s ed is not mandatory in Alabama. All the questions are going to be based solely on the Driver’s Manual.
That said, it’s still a good idea to take a driver’s ed if you want to build your confidence even more. There are many online driving schools available in Alabama, including DriversEd.com and DriverEdToGo.com. Go check them out if interested!
Can You Get A License Without Completing the Permit Test?
Unfortunately, you have to complete the permit test to get a license.
If you are 18 years old or older, you no longer have to go through the whole Graduated Driver’s License program. However, you will still need to hold a permit for 6 months. And to get that permit, you need to pass the written exam/permit test.
Conclusion
There you go! These were the common FAQs people have about taking and acing the driver’s permit test in Alabama.
We hope all the information we gave here will be able to help you prepare for your upcoming permit test.
Getting your license is a big deal, and we understand that you want to be as prepared as possible. The best advice we can give is to study the Alabama Driver’s Manual.
The permit test is focused around that handbook, so if you want to ace it, then you should study it properly.
We wish you the best of luck on your upcoming tests!
This article is part of our series on Alabama Driving Laws. You can view all these laws here!