Alabama GDL Graduated Drivers License Act of 2010

Alabama GDL Graduated Drivers License Act of 2010

Your journey to become a fully licensed driver comes with restrictions if you are under 18. The fact that you have your license means you should already understand them. Don’t be offended by them. Take them seriously. These restrictions are in place not only for the safety of the public, but for your protection as well. If you have reached the age of 18, we truly hope you understand why you had to go through the GDL process before becoming fully licensed. Let’s quickly revisit the restrictions that come with Graduated Licenses. Now, though, you’ll get the details.  

These guidelines pertain to licensed drivers who are 16 years old or 17 and have had a license for less than 6 months:

  • You may not transport more than one person who is not a family member (not counting parent/guardian, certified driving instructor, or over 21 licensed individual sitting next to you). 
  • You cannot operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 6 am if you are not accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. There are a few exceptions to this rule:
  • A licensed driver 21 years old or more is with you in the front seat and your parents have given their OK for you to drive this late.
  • You will go to or from your place of work – no unnecessary detours.
  • You will go to or from an official school sanctioned event.
  • You will go to or from a religious sponsored event.
  • You are operating because of a police/fire/medical emergency.
  • You may not operate any hand held mobile/communication device. As of 2019, there are penalties associated with violating this law. You’ll read about them later in the course.

If you break any of these rules, you will have 6 months tacked onto the time remaining in your Graduated License status up until you turn 18. There may be additional consequences; you’ll read about them later when we go over penalties for violating the law. 

While this whole restriction thing may seem mean on its surface, the point here is to ease you into becoming a full time, fully licensed, and experienced driver.