Acquiring a Driver's License in Alabama
Tracy Wilson
Required State Driver's Tests for First Time Applicants:
Written Test
1 The written test is given to first time license applicants Monday through Friday from 9:00 A. M. to 4:30 P. M. with lunch from 12:00 P. M.to 1:00 P. M.The testing fee is $50.00 each time you test. You will be required to show two forms of identification before testing. Birth certificates and Social Security cards are acceptable forms of identification.
2 The questions on the test are multiple choice and are derived from the state driver’s manual. You should read the manual thoroughly before attempting the written test. The questions that appear at the end of each section in the manual are similar to those on the test. You will be asked specific questions concerning traffic laws, road signs, traffic signals, and road markings. Please be advised that if you are seeking an endorsement for classifications other than passenger cars and trucks, you will be required to take a supplemental test for each classification. This includes licenses to operate motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, motor homes, or boats. A score of 75% must be achieved on the written test before applicants will be eligible to attempt the road test.

Road Test
3 The road test will allow potential licensees to demonstrate driving ability in their personal vehicle on a route assigned by the test examiner at that time. The license plates, registration, and insurance on the vehicle must be current. Vehicles not meeting this requirement will not be permitted for use on the road test. The vehicle must be driven to the test site by a licensed driver.
4 Documentation must be provided from a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or vision specialist stating that the applicant’s visual acuity is at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Applicants with visual acuity between 21/40 and 20/70 may be restricted to drive during daylight hours only.
5 All traffic laws must be obeyed during the duration of the route in order to earn a passing score. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate correct use of all operational and safety features on the vehicle including the following: rear-view mirrors, side mirrors, emergency flashers, and parking brakes.
6 Applicants must earn a passing score of 75% on both the written test and road test in order to be issued a driver's license.
7 For further information on the State Driving Tests you may contact the Office of Public Safety at 1-800-677-9000 extension 109.

1) Who would be MOST interested in the information in this passage?
A) A person who is a traffic officer
B) A person who is considering buying a motorcycle
C) A person who wants to renew his/her driver's license
D) A person who is seeking a driver's license for the first time

2) According to the article, which of these statements is correct?
A) You will be required to show one official form of identification before testing.
B) The written test questions come from the State Driver's Manual and are all multiple choice questions.
C) The written test questions include multiple choice questions and one short answer question concerning state traffic laws.
D) Applicants must earn a passing score of 75% on the written test and 65% on the road test in order to be issued a driver's license.