Alabama learner's permit restrictions: the core rules

An Alabama learner's permit (also called a learner's license) comes with specific driving restrictions that are legally enforced. You cannot drive alone—a licensed adult must be in the front seat beside you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone, hands-free or otherwise, while driving. These rules explore every time you drive, regardless of road conditions or how familiar you are with the route.

The restrictions exist because learner's permit holders have not yet passed the road test required for an unrestricted license. Alabama law treats the permit as a supervised learning phase, not as a license to drive independently. Violating any restriction can result in a citation, fines, and suspension of your permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed adult driver in the front seat beside you every time you drive on an Alabama learner's permit.
  • Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. is prohibited, with no exceptions for emergencies or special circumstances.
  • Cell phone use of any kind—including hands-free calls—is banned while you hold a learner's permit.
  • Violating any restriction can result in a citation, fine, and permit suspension or revocation.
  • The supervising adult is responsible for ensuring you follow all restrictions and can face penalties if you do not.

Who must be in the car with you

The supervising adult must be a licensed driver who is at least 19 years old and seated in the front passenger seat. This person cannot be a provisional license holder or another learner's permit holder—they must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or a valid international driving permit. The supervising driver is legally responsible for your compliance with all permit restrictions.

The supervising adult does not have to be a parent or guardian. A teacher, relative, friend, or employer can supervise, as long as they meet the age and license requirements. However, the supervising driver can be cited if you violate restrictions while they are in the vehicle, so they have a direct incentive to enforce the rules.

Nighttime driving ban and what it means

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of the reason. This is an absolute prohibition—there are no exceptions for medical emergencies, school events, work shifts, or any other circumstance. If you are caught driving during these hours on a learner's permit, you face a citation and potential permit suspension.

This restriction applies seven days a week. If you work a night shift or have school activities that end late, you must arrange for a licensed adult to drive you home, or you must not drive during the prohibited hours. Many learner's permit holders adjust their schedules or find alternative transportation during this window.

Cell phone and electronic device rules

You cannot use a cell phone while driving on a learner's permit—not for calls, texts, navigation, or any other purpose. Hands-free devices do not change this rule. Even if the phone is mounted on the dashboard and you are using voice commands, you are in violation if you touch the phone or use it to send or receive communications while the vehicle is in motion.

GPS navigation is permitted only if it is set up before you start driving. If you need to change your route or look up directions, you must pull over safely, make the change, and then resume driving. The supervising adult can help with navigation to reduce the temptation to handle the phone yourself.

Seat belt and passenger restrictions

You and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving. This is a standard traffic law, not specific to learner's permits, but it is enforced during permit-holder traffic stops. The supervising adult is responsible for ensuring all passengers are restrained before the vehicle moves.

Alabama does not impose a passenger limit on learner's permit holders, but the supervising adult must remain in the front seat. If you have multiple passengers, they can sit in the back seat, but the supervising driver must always occupy the front passenger seat next to you.

What happens if you violate a restriction

A violation of learner's permit restrictions is a traffic citation. The fine amount varies depending on which restriction you violated and whether you have prior violations. A first offense typically results in a fine of $25 to $100, but the more serious consequence is permit suspension or revocation.

If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all—not even with a supervising adult—until the suspension period ends. If your permit is revoked, you must wait a set period before you can reapply for a new learner's permit and start the process over. The supervising adult can also be cited for allowing or failing to prevent the violation.

Restrictions that end when you get your regular license

All learner's permit restrictions—the supervising adult requirement, the midnight-to-5-a.m. ban, and the cell phone prohibition—end once you pass the road test and receive your regular Alabama driver's license. At that point, you can drive alone, drive at any hour, and use a hands-free device for phone calls (though texting while driving remains illegal for all drivers).

Some restrictions do not end when ready. If you are under 18 when you receive your regular license, you will be issued a provisional license instead, which carries its own set of restrictions. Those restrictions are different from learner's permit rules and last until you turn 18 or hold a regular license for a set period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the supervising adult let me drive if they are not paying attention?

Legally, yes—the supervising adult does not have to actively watch you. However, they are responsible for ensuring you follow all restrictions, and they can be cited if you violate one while they are in the car. Most supervising adults stay alert to protect themselves from liability.

What if I need to drive at night for work or school?

The midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction has no exceptions. You must arrange for a licensed adult to drive you, use public transportation, or adjust your schedule. Some employers and schools are aware of this restriction and may work with you to find alternative arrangements.

Can I use GPS on my phone if it is mounted on the dashboard?

You can use GPS only if it is set up before you start driving. Once the vehicle is moving, you cannot touch the phone or interact with it, even through voice commands. Set your route before you leave.

Does the supervising adult have to sit in the front seat, or can they sit in the back?

The supervising adult must sit in the front passenger seat beside you. They cannot supervise from the back seat. This rule ensures they can intervene quickly if needed.

What is the difference between a learner's permit violation and a regular traffic violation?

A learner's permit violation is a traffic citation, but it carries the added consequence of potential permit suspension or revocation. A regular traffic violation for a licensed driver might result in a fine or points on their record, but not loss of their license.