As of July 2010, Alabama now has new driver’s license laws that apply to drivers’ ages 15 and 16. This law dramatically changes the rules for new drivers and should be reviewed by all new drivers and their parents/guardians. Here is a summary of the new law:

Stage I – Learner’s Permit
• Must be age 15 or older.
• Must pass a written examination.
• Can only drive when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver who is age 21 or older and occupying the seat beside the driver.

Stage II – Restricted License
• Must be age 16 or older. 
• Must have permission from parent or legal guardian to receive a Stage II license and drive without permission. (There is a form that must be filled out for this Stage II restricted license)
• A State II (restricted) driver cannot drive during the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older with parent or legal guardian’s consent, going to or from an event sponsored by school or religious organization, going to or from place of employment or driving for the purpose of medical, fire or law-enforcement related emergency.
• Must not have more than one passenger in the vehicle other than parents, legal guardians or family members.
• Must not use any handheld communications devices while driving.

Here is a link to the Alabama Department of Public Safety for more information on the Graduated Drivers License and the applicable forms.