Alabama's Teen Driving Laws: A Parent and Teen Guide to the Graduated License Program

For teenagers, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage, a symbol of freedom and independence. For parents, it's a time of both pride and anxiety. To help ease this transition and ensure the safety of new, young drivers, Alabama has implemented a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program. This guide is designed for both parents and teens to understand the specific laws, restrictions, and requirements of the GDL program, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility from the very beginning.

What is the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program?

The GDL program is a three-stage system that gradually introduces teenagers to driving by slowly increasing their privileges as they gain more experience. The program is based on research that shows that a tiered approach to licensing significantly reduces the risk of crashes among teen drivers. The GDL program is mandatory for all drivers under the age of 18 in Alabama.

Stage I: The Learner's Permit

The first stage of the GDL program is the learner's permit, which allows a teen to begin practicing their driving skills under supervision.

Minimum Age: 15 years old.
Requirements: To obtain a learner's permit, a teen must pass a written knowledge test and a vision exam. They must also provide a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of school enrollment.
Restrictions:
- Supervised Driving Only: A teen with a learner's permit may only drive when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and is seated in the front seat.
- No Solo Driving: Driving alone is strictly prohibited at this stage.

Stage II: The Restricted License

After gaining some experience with a learner's permit, a teen can move on to the restricted license, which allows for some unsupervised driving with certain limitations.

Minimum Age: 16 years old.
Requirements:
- Must have held a learner's permit for at least six months.
- Must have completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice, or have completed a state-approved driver's education course.
- Must pass the road skills test.
Restrictions:
- Driving Curfew: A teen with a restricted license may not drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. There are exceptions for driving to or from work, school or church events, or in case of a medical or law enforcement emergency.
- Passenger Limitation: To minimize distractions, a teen with a restricted license is not allowed to have more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle.
- No Handheld Devices: It is illegal for a teen with a restricted license to use a cell phone or any other handheld electronic device while driving.

Stage III: The Unrestricted License

The final stage of the GDL program is the unrestricted license, which grants full driving privileges.

Minimum Age: 17 years old.
Requirements:
- Must have held a restricted license for at least six months.
- Must have a clean driving record.

The Role of Parents in the GDL Program

Parents play a vital role in the success of the GDL program. Here's how you can support your teen driver:

Be a Good Role Model: Your teen learns by watching you. Always practice safe driving habits, such as wearing your seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions.
Provide Plenty of Supervised Practice: The more time your teen spends driving with you, the more experience they will gain in a variety of situations.
Set Clear Rules and Consequences: Establish your own set of driving rules for your teen, in addition to the GDL restrictions. This could include limitations on where they can drive, who they can drive with, and the consequences for breaking the rules.
Create a Parent-Teen Driving Contract: Consider creating a written agreement that outlines the rules and expectations for both you and your teen. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

A Partnership for Safety

The Alabama GDL program is a partnership between the state, teen drivers, and their parents. By working together and adhering to the rules of the road, we can help ensure that our youngest drivers are safe, responsible, and prepared for a lifetime of driving. For more information and resources, parents and teens can visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website.