Alabama Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
The Alabama Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam new drivers must pass to move through the state's licensing steps, from a learner's permit onward. It is administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division.
Overview
The knowledge test contains questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving, all folded into one exam rather than split into separate sign-only and rules-only sections. Automated testing is available to all applicants, so most test-takers can expect a computer-based format at the testing office.
- Road signs: shapes, colors, and meanings used on Alabama roadways
- Traffic laws: right-of-way, speed limits, and other rules of the road
- Safe driving practices: defensive driving and situational judgment
Cost and registration
The knowledge test itself costs $5.00, and checks are not accepted. Applicants moving on to a learner's permit should also budget $36.25 to purchase the learner license. For any fee not covered here, confirm the current amount against ALEA's official document requirements and fees schedule.
Exam format
ALEA does not publish a fixed total question count or a specific passing score for the knowledge test, so treat any number you see elsewhere as an estimate rather than an official figure. Applicants under Alabama's graduated driver license program must be age 15 or older for a Stage I learner's permit and must log a minimum of 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice. For the authoritative format details, check the current Alabama Driver License Manual.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does the Alabama driver license knowledge test cover?
It covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving in one combined test.
How much does the Alabama knowledge test cost?
The fee for each knowledge test is $5.00, and checks are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to get a learner's permit in Alabama?
You must be age 15 or older to apply for a Stage I learner's permit under Alabama's graduated driver license program.
How many supervised driving hours does Alabama require before licensing?
Applicants must complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, verified by a driving instructor, before advancing toward a full license.
What blood alcohol level counts as DUI in Alabama?
A driver is considered under the influence in Alabama once their blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent or higher.
What does it cost to purchase a learner's license in Alabama?
Purchasing a learner license costs $36.25, and checks are not accepted.
Sources
- 1.Alabama Driver License Manual (ALEA, Nov 2024) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Graduated Driver License | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Document Requirements And Fees | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Alabama Driver License Manual (ALEA, Nov 2024)Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Divisionalea.gov
- Graduated Driver License | Alabama Law Enforcement AgencyAlabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Divisionalea.gov
- Document Requirements And Fees | Alabama Law Enforcement AgencyAlabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Divisionalea.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: