What the Alabama written test covers and how it works
Alabama's written knowledge test is a 50-question multiple-choice exam that covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) at any of their driver license offices across the state.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You sit at a computer terminal or answer on paper, depending on which office you visit. Most locations use the computer version, which gives you when ready results. The entire process—from check-in to results—typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
You do not need to schedule the test in advance at most Alabama DPS offices. Walk-in testing is available during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier in the afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama's written test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct answers to pass; it covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
- The test is offered in English and Spanish at any Alabama DPS driver license office, and results are usually given when ready.
- You can walk in without scheduling at most locations, though arriving early typically means less waiting time.
- The Alabama Driver License Manual, available free from the DPS website, contains all the material covered on the test.
- If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some may require you to wait a few hours or return another day.
What to bring to the Alabama DPS office
Bring proof of identity and proof of Alabama residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a combination of documents—for example, a school ID plus a utility bill.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though you can also provide the number verbally if you know it. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID.
How to prepare for the test
The Alabama Department of Public Safety publishes the Alabama Driver License Manual free on its website. This manual contains every rule and sign that appears on the test. Read it cover to cover at least once, then focus on the sections you find confusing.
Pay special attention to right-of-way rules, speed limits in different zones, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and the meaning of common road signs. These topics appear on nearly every test. The manual also includes sample test questions at the end, which give you a sense of how questions are worded.
Many people find it helpful to read the manual once, then take the sample questions, then read the manual again focusing on the areas where they missed questions. This cycle takes most people 4 to 8 hours spread over a few days.
What happens if you fail the test
If you score below 40 correct answers, you fail and do not receive your permit or license. At most Alabama DPS offices, you can retake the test the same day after a short wait—usually 30 minutes to an hour. Some offices may ask you to return on a different day or may have a waiting period between attempts.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, and each attempt costs the same as the first one. The fee for a knowledge test is part of the overall permit or license fee, which varies depending on whether you are getting a learner's permit, a regular license, or a commercial license.
If you fail, use the time before your next attempt to study the areas where you struggled. Ask the DPS staff which topics appeared most on the questions you missed, or review the sample questions in the manual again.
Differences between the learner's permit test and the license test
If you are a new driver under 18, you must first pass the knowledge test to get a learner's permit. This is the same 50-question test described above. After you hold the permit for a set period (usually 30 days for drivers under 18, or when ready for drivers 18 and older) and pass a road skills test, you can then take the full driver license test.
The full driver license test also includes a road skills portion where an examiner watches you drive. The written portion is the same knowledge test. If you already passed the knowledge test for your permit, you do not retake it for your license—you only take the road skills test.
Drivers 18 and older can sometimes skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the full license test, which includes both the written knowledge test and the road skills test on the same day. Check with your local Alabama DPS office about whether this option is available in your area.
Testing accommodations for people with disabilities
If you have a disability that affects your ability to read or take a written test, the Alabama DPS offers testing accommodations. These may include extra time, a reader to read questions aloud, a larger font size, or the test in a different language.
Contact your local Alabama DPS office or the main DPS office in Montgomery before your test date to request accommodations. You will likely need to provide documentation of your disability from a doctor or specialist. The DPS will work with you to arrange a testing method that is fair and practical.
Where to find Alabama DPS offices and hours
Alabama has driver license offices in most counties. The main office is the Alabama Department of Public Safety headquarters in Montgomery, but you can take the knowledge test at any regional or county office. The DPS website lists all office locations, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch. Call ahead or check the website before you go, especially if you are traveling more than a few miles to reach an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or notes during the test?
No. The test is proctored, meaning an examiner watches you the entire time. You cannot use your phone, notes, books, or any other materials. You can only use the test itself and scratch paper provided by the DPS office.
What if I do not speak English well?
The test is offered in Spanish at all Alabama DPS offices. If you need the test in another language, contact your local office ahead of time to see what options are available. Some offices may be able to arrange an interpreter or a translated test with advance notice.
How long is the test valid if I pass?
Once you pass the knowledge test, you can use that result to get your learner's permit or license. The permit or license itself has an expiration date (usually 4 to 8 years depending on your age), but passing the test does not expire. You do not have to retake the knowledge test when you renew your license later.
What is the cost of the knowledge test?
The test fee is included in the overall cost of your learner's permit or driver license. Fees vary by type of license and age. Call your local Alabama DPS office or check the website for the exact fee in your area.
Can I take the test online from home?
No. Alabama requires you to take the knowledge test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must appear in person with valid ID and proof of residency.