Alabama DMV Handbook 2025

A crucial requirement for obtaining a learner license (learner’s permit) or driver license in Alabama is to pass the official DMV knowledge (permit) test on driving theory. As part of our knowledge test preparation program, we have made available the official Alabama DMV driver’s 2025 handbook (Alabama DMV Handbook (AL Driver's Manual) 2025). This manual is in PDF format and can be easily downloaded from this webpage. (Currently, the DMV only publishes an English version.) Note that in Alabama, you don’t need a learner license to practice driving if you’re enrolled in an approved driver’s education course and supervised by a certified driving instructor.

All questions on the official knowledge test are based on information in this manual. Therefore, you should study it as the first step in your preparation to pass the knowledge test. However, just reading the handbook may not prepare you well enough. (In 2020 – 2023, about 49.1% – nearly half – of aspiring drivers failed the DMV knowledge test on their first attempt.) To be sure of passing the knowledge test, you should follow the rest of our test preparation program, including our graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations to help you learn. You can also ask it to clarify complex terms or obscure or confusing points that you may find in the handbook.

We have also created an audiobook of the official driver’s handbook. It’s formatted as a series of MP3 files, one for each chapter of the handbook. You can download each chapter file from the right side of this webpage and listen to it on any device that supports an internet browser or audio app capable of playing MP3s. You can listen to a chapter while you’re performing your usual activities. Or you can listen to a chapter while you follow along by reading the text of that chapter in the PDF version of the manual. This study technique is particularly effective at helping you concentrate in a distracting environment.

Bear in mind that a new version of the official Alabama handbook is published at most once a year, but the laws and regulations on driving in the state can change anytime. For the very latest information on driving rules, check the DMV website.

In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide to help you prepare for the day of the Alabama knowledge test. It covers what documents to take with you to the DMV, what fees you may have to pay, frequently missed knowledge test questions, and other last-minute knowledge test tips.