Alabama Drivers License Guide

Transcription

1 Alabama Drivers License Guide Page 1 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

2 Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. Page 2 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

3 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Page 3 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

4 Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you will receive an with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership. Congratulations! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership. Page 4 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

5 Table of Contents Starting the the Journey 6 Getting Your First Alabama License Renewing Your License Updating Your License Information Replacing Lost or Stolen Driver License Reinstating Your Driver License Getting Your Alabama ID Card Vehicle Safety Tips Offcial Forms Offce Hours and Locations Page 5 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

6 Starting the Journey Getting your driver s license is both exciting and necessary to operate a vehicle on public roads. In Alabama, there is a process prospective drivers need to accomplish before being able to obtain driving credentials. The driver s license process varies depending on the applicant s age. This guide will assist you through all the steps of getting your driver s license whether you are a teenager or an adult. Teen Drivers Driving means freedom to go to the movies or to a restaurant with your friends whenever you want, but driving is also a huge responsibility. That is why the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a Graduated Driver License for teenagers to learn the basics of driving, develop their skills and earn enough experience before getting behind the wheel on their own. The Graduated Driver License Law applies for residents younger than 18 years of age. There are three stages in the Graduated Driver License process, which are detailed below. Page 6 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

7 Stage I: Learner s Permit The first stage is to get your learner s permit, sometimes referred to as learner license. This permit authorizes you to drive accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and licensed. You may also drive accompanied by a licensed or certified driver instructor. The person accompanying you must sit in the front seat next to you. To apply, you must be at least 15 years of age and you must pass the written exam. You will need: Two or three forms of identification. Proof of school enrollment or graduation such as a certificate of graduation. Your Social Security card. Payment for fees. If you are 15 years of age, then you may use only your original birth certificate or a certified copy as a form of identification. You will need two forms of ID if you are 16 years of age or older. One form must be from the primary list and at least one must have a photograph. In the event that you do not have a photo ID, you may use three forms of non-photo identification. Once you pass the written test, you will receive a Class D license with a Y restriction, which indicates that it is learner s permit and you are only allowed to drive when accompanied. This permit is valid for four years and can be revoked or suspended as a regular license. You can only renew a learner s license once. Page 7 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

8 Stage II: Restricted License Once you turn 16 years of age, your learner s permit can be replaced with a restricted license with consent from a parent, grandparent or another legal guardian. The restricted license allows you to drive with any licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or completely unsupervised, depending on the time of day, destination or situation. You will need: Two or three forms of identification (one from the primary list and one with a photo or two nonphoto). You are going to or from school, work or a religious event. You are going to or from a hunting or fishing activity, while in possession of the required license. There is a medical, fire or law-enforced emergency. The restricted license is valid for four years and can be revoked or suspended as a regular license. Your Social Security card. Proof of school enrollment or graduation such as a certificate of graduation. Payment for fees. You must pass the road test before the state will issue a restricted license to you. Upon passing the road test, you will receive a Class D license with the following restrictions: Do not have more than one passenger except for parents, legal guardians or family members. Do not use any mobile devices while driving. Do not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless A parent, a legal guardian or a licensed driver older than 21 years of age (with your parent or legal guardian s consent) accompanies you. Page 8 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

9 Stage III: Unrestricted or Regular Driver License To obtain a regular driver s license without restrictions, you must be at least 17 years of age. If you are 17 years of age, then you will need to have held a restricted license for at least six months before applying for unrestricted driving credentials. Adults, those 18 years of age and older, can apply for a regular license straightway without obtaining a learner s permit or restricted license by presenting the required documentation and passing the written exam and road test. To exchange your restricted license to a regular one, you will need to present all the required documentation in the previous stages. In addition to identification, your Social Security card and payment for fees, you will need to do the following: Provide a verification form signed by a parent, legal guardian or certified driving instructor that certifies that you completed a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (or) Submit a completion form that verifies that you completed an approved State Department of Education (SDE) driver education course. You can get the form at the SDE. Page 9 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

10 All Drivers Driving means freedom to go to the movies or to a restaurant with your friends whenever you want, but driving is also a huge responsibility. That is why the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a Graduated Driver License for teenagers to learn the basics of driving, develop their skills and earn enough experience before getting behind the wheel on their own. The Graduated Driver License Law applies for residents younger than 18 years of age. There are three stages in the Graduated Driver License process, which are detailed below. Vision Screening The first step to get your driver license is to have a vision screening done. If your results indicate that you need lenses to improve your eyesight, then you must wear corrective lenses while driving. You will need to visit a licensed eye specialist if you do not pass your vision screening. The specialist will determine if you can see well enough to operate a motor vehicle safely and give you a report to present at the driver license offce, which will allow you to take the remaining tests. Page 10 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

11 Knowledge Test The written test consists of questions about Alabama traffc laws, road signs and the rules of safe driving. All the questions on the test are taken from the Alabama Driver License manual. The written examination is available in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. Thanks to the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, it is also available in American Sign Language for the hearing impaired. If you are unable to read, then you can take an oral examination. Both of the latter tests are administered through the automated testing system. Road Test For the skills test, you will need to provide a vehicle that meets the state s requirements, which must be driven to the testing site by a licensed driver. The examiner will check the vehicle to assure it is in safe operating condition and has the required equipment, which includes: Valid license plate. Stop light. Directional signals. If the equipment is not in good condition, then you will not be allowed to take the test. You must also provide proof of insurance and the vehicle must be currently registered. Avoid the following situations during the road test or you will fail immediately: Violating a traffc law. Rear view mirror. Acting dangerously. Horn. Having an accident that you could have prevented. Two separate methods of applying brakes. Not cooperating or refusing to perform any maneuver. Muffer. Headlights. You can practice for the road test by using the study guide. If you pass, then you will be given a temporary license while the permanent one is mailed to you within 30 days. If you fail, then you may try again on a different day and after practicing more. You are only allowed to take one road test per day. Page 11 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

12 Note: Save time by scheduling an appointment online. You can make an appointment to take the vision and written test for a learner s permit and to take a road test for a restricted or unrestricted license. Fees Stage I License. $36.25 Stage II License. $36.25 Stage III License. $31.25 for previous Stage II holders. $36.25 for those who did not have a Stage II license before turning 18 years of age. Knowledge Test. $5.00 Page 12 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

13 Getting Your First Alabama License While teenagers need to go through the Graduated Driver License process, adults can apply for their license directly. New residents who have obtained driving credentials from a different state will need to exchange their out-of-state license for one issued by Alabama. Whether a current or a new resident of Alabama, applicants will need to furnish certain documents and pay the fees associated with obtaining a license. Current Alabama Residents If you are an Alabama resident who is younger than 18 years of age, then you will need to complete the GDL program noted above. If you are an Alabama resident who is 18 years of age or older, then you can obtain a Class D driver s license by passing the vision, written and skills tests. Adults are not required to get a permit or restricted license prior to applying for an unrestricted license, but they may do so to get behind-the-wheel practice. Page 13 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

14 To apply for your Class D license you need to: Go to a driver license offce Provide two proofs of identification, and one must contain a photograph. If you do not have a photo ID, then provide three proofs of identification from the primary list. For instance a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, resident alien card and certificate of citizenship. Provide proof of your Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card or Medicare ID card. Provide proof of lawful presence in the country if you are a noncitizen, such as a valid permanent resident card, Department of Homeland Security document or another government-issued document. Provide proof of school enrollment or graduation if you are younger than 19 years of age, such as a Form DL1/93 or a GED certificate. or have expired less than one year ago. If you have never held a license or it has been expired for more than one year, then you must follow the same procedure of current Alabama residents explained above. To transfer your license you must: Present your out-of-state driver license. Present one document from the primary list, such as your U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, resident alien card or certificate of citizenship. Provide proof of lawful presence in the country if you are a non-citizen, such as a valid permanent resident card, Department of Homeland Security document or another government-issued document. Provide proof of school enrollment or graduation if you are younger than 19 years of age, such as a Form DL1/93 or a GED certificate. Pay the transfer and license fees. Pay the license and testing fees. Once you have collected all the documents and the fee, visit a driver license offce to apply. New Alabama Residents New residents are not required to obtain an Alabama license if they do not plan on driving. However, drivers must transfer their current license once they become residents of Alabama. If you recently moved to the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama one within 30 days of moving. To exchange an out-of-state driver license for Alabama credentials, the license must be currently valid To apply, visit a driver license offce with all the documents and fees. StarID In 2005, the U.S Congress passed the REAL ID Act, which modifies the standards to issue driver licenses and ID cards in order to fight terrorism and reduce fraud. As a result, the Alabama DPS developed the StarID program to adhere to the rules established by the act. Since 2012, Alabama has been issuing StarIDs all over the state. When the implementation phase of the StarID finishes, you will need a StarID or a U.S. passport to board commercial aircraft or to enter federal facilities. The StarID looks almost like the regular licenses and ID cards. The only difference is that they have a gold star in the upper left corner. Page 14 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

15 Tip: Since the StarID program is still being implemented, make sure to review the information on the DPS website. Your identification or driver s license must be compliant with the REAL ID Act to use for air travel as of January 22, Alabama travelers without a StarID driver license or identification card will need to use an alternative form of identification that meets the federal standards for domestic air travel, such as a U.S. passport. StarIDs are only available at a driver license examining offce. To apply, you must meet certain identification requirements to prove your identity and date of birth. Find a complete list of the required documents here. Fees Class D License $36.50 Out-of-state Transfers $5.00 (plus license fee) Page 15 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

16 Renewing Your License Driver licenses in Alabama are valid for four years. Once this term is up, the license is considered expired and must be renewed. You can find the expiration date by looking below the class type on the card. Depending on your situation, you may renew your license in person, online or by mail. You may renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. The state grants drivers a grace period of 60 days after the expiration to renew their license. During this time, your license will still be valid to drive. You also have up to three years after the license expires to renew it without taking the tests. However, your license is expired and is not valid for driving legally. Additionally, the license will be renewed for four years from the expiration, not from the date you renew your license. This means that if you wait two years to renew, then you will need to renew the license again in another two years. Page 16 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

17 In Person You must renew your Alabama driver s license in person if you do not qualify to renew online or by mail. For instance, you must renew in person if you: Have changed your name or address. Need to add or remove license classes, endorsements and restrictions. Find the offces locations and schedules here. Be sure to take cash or a money order with you because driver license offces do not accept cards or checks. Your picture and signature will be requested again. If your license has been expired for more than three years, then you may have to take and pass the tests once again. Online You are eligible to renew your license online once every eight years. Using the online method, you are also able to renew your credentials 180 days before its expiration. You will need to furnish your full name, driver s license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to renew online. Online renewals require a valid credit card for payment of renewal fees. Once you order your license renewal, you must print your 30-day temporary license. Your new license will be sent to via mail to the address on file. The post offce will not send credentials to a forwarding address. If your license does not arrive within 30 days of your online order, then you will need to contact the DPS or a local driver license offce. Page 17 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

18 By Mail The option to renew by mail is only available if you have received your license with your picture and signature in the last four years and if you are: Military personnel or a dependent of military personnel. A student attending an out-of-state college. An Alabama resident who is temporarily out of the state due to job requirements. to the reason for being out of state. The documentation noting the reason of being out of state is depending on your situation but can include a copy of military ID, fulltime school enrollment verification and a letter from your employer stating the out-of-state work assignment. These documents, as well as a money order (no checks) payable to the Driver License Division, must be mailed to: Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama The DPS will mail your new license to your out-of-state address but the license will have your Alabama address. Fees To renew by mail, you must complete the renewal application and provide supporting documentation as Renewal $31.25 Page 18 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

19 Updating Your License Your driver s license notes your privileges to operate a motor vehicle on public roads but it also doubles as legal identification. If you have experienced a life change such as moving to a new neighborhood, getting married or getting divorced, then you may need to update your license and notify the DPS. Your driver s license needs to reflect when personal information, like your address and name, changes. If your address or name changes, then you should report it to the DPS and request to change the information on your record and driving license to avoid having any identification issues. Changing Your Address Drivers must notify the Driver License Division within 30 days of relocation to or within the state of Alabama. Current residents who moved within the state can simply update their address on file without paying a fee. However, there is a fee to obtain a new license card with the new address. Current residents can complete the Change of Address form and send the request to: Changing Your Name If you got married, divorced or legally changed your name for any other reason, then you must update your name on your driver s license in person at a driver license offce. To have your name changed, you must present documentation proving your legal name change, such as: A marriage certificate. A divorce decree. A court order. You must also bring in proof of a name change with the Social Security Administration. You will be required to pay a duplicate license fee to obtain a new driver license card, which will be mailed to your address on file. Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama If you want to change the address on your driver s license, then you must request the update in person at a driver license offce and pay the replacement fee. Page 19 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

20 Tip: Remember to update the Social Security Administration with your new name before making a request to a local driver license offce. Fees Address change (no replacement) Address change (replacement) Name change No fee $ $31.25 Page 20 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

21 Replacing Your License If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed, then you should request a replacement as soon as possible. Since your driver s license is associated with your identity, you should report a stolen license to law enforcement. You are not required to take any tests to obtain a duplicate of your license. If your license is 60 days away from expiring, then you may also renew your license. Depending on the scenario, your license may be replaced in person, online or by mail. In Person When you visit a driver license offce to request a duplicate license, you must make sure that you take one proof of identity and a money order or cash to pay the fee. You will need to fill out some documents, and your picture and signature will be collected again. In case your license expired more than three years ago, you will be required to take the tests again. The DPS will give you a temporary license while the permanent one is mailed to your current address within 30 days. Page 21 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

22 Online You may also request a duplicate driver s license online by providing your full name, license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You will need a valid credit card to pay the fee to replace your license. The new card will be sent to the address on file within 30 days. By Mail You may qualify to replace your driver s license by mail if you have received it with your picture and signature in the last four years and are: Military personnel or a dependent of military personnel. A student attending a college out of state. An Alabama resident who is temporarily working out of state. If you meet these qualifications then you can download and complete the replacement application. You will also need to provide one proof of identity and proof of your reason for being out of state. Once you have gathered all the documents, mail them with a money order (no checks) payable to the Driver License Division to: Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama Your license will be mailed to your out-of-state address but will bear your Alabama address. Fees Replacement fee $31.25 Page 22 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

23 Reinstating Your License When you are granted the privilege of driving, you are responsible for obeying all of Alabama s traffc laws. If you violate any law and are convicted, then you will lose your driving privileges. Driving privileges can be taken away temporarily or permanently. It is important to know how you can lose your driving privileges as well as how you can regain them. Page 23 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

24 Losing Your License There are three ways in which you may lose your license: cancellation, revocation and suspension. Being repeatedly convicted of serious offenses against traffc laws. Cancelation If the director of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency determines that you are not entitled to have a license, then he or she is authorized to cancel it. If you provide incorrect information on your driver license application or commit fraud, then your license may also be canceled. Canceled licenses cannot be reinstated. Revocation If you commit certain offenses, then your license can be revoked. Revocations of driver s licenses are temporary and can be reinstated after the revocation period and by completing certain reissuance tasks. There are certain offenses that will cause your license to be revoked, such as: You may find a complete list of the convictions in the Alabama Driver License Manual. If your license is revoked, then you must wait for the revocation period to expire and then apply for a new license by passing all the examinations again. Suspension Manslaughter or homicide as a result of driving a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol for second or subsequent time. Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months. If you are convicted of certain offenses or declared incompetent to drive, then your license may be suspended. Examples of the offenses are: Being incompetent to drive a vehicle. Being convicted of racing on the highways. Not paying child support. Find a complete list of offenses causing suspension in the Alabama Driver License Manual. If your license is suspended, then you have to wait for the suspension period to end and then you can reinstate your driver license. The Point System In Alabama, there is a point system that will assign a certain amount of points to your record depending on the type of driving offense. Each offense is between two and six points. For example, you will receive two points for operating your car unsafely, three points for driving on the wrong side of the road and six points for reckless driving. Find a complete list of points here. Depending on the number of points that you accumulate in a two-year period, your license will be suspended for the associated number of days. See below: points points points points 24 and more points 60 days 90 days 120 days 180 days 365 days Page 24 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

25 As soon as you receive your suspension notice, you should schedule a pre-suspension hearing in your local county. You must request the hearing in writing and include your name, date of birth, mailing and residence address, phone number and your driver license number. Send the request by fax to or by mail to: Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Your driving ability starts to weaken when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is only 0.5 percent. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that you should avoid. Adults will be convicted of being under the influence if their BAC is 0.08 percent or more. Drivers younger than 21 years of age with any amount of alcohol found in their system will be convicted. The penalties are as follows: First Offense: 90-day suspension, mandatory DUI school attendance, fine of $600 to $2,100 and/or up to one year in jail. Second Offense: One-year revocation, fine from $1,100 to $5,100 and/or up to one year in jail. You must face 48 hours in jail or 20 hours of community service. Third Offense Within 5 Years: Three-year revocation, fine from $2,100 to $10,100, a mandatory sentence of 60 days and subject to up to one year in jail. Fourth or Subsequent Offense Within 5 Years (a Class C felony): Five-year revocation, fine from $4,100 to $10,100 and one to 10 years of imprisonment. Page 25 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

26 Part of your penalty could include the use of an ignition interlock device (IID). Even first-time DUI convictions can result in an IID if your BAC was 0.15 percent or higher, there was a minor in the vehicle, there was an injury or you refused to take a breath test. Repeat DUI offenders will need to install an IID, and all DUI-convicted drivers are responsible for the costs, which include installation, lease payments, services and removal. How To Reinstate Your License Once your suspension period has ended, you will be able to reinstate your license. Since the requirements to reinstate vary depending on the cause of your suspension, you have to send a Request for Reinstatement Requirements to find out what steps you need to follow to reinstate your license. This request must be mailed to: Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama The DPS will return the form and mark the requirements that apply to your specific situation. Fees Suspended or canceled licenses Revoked licenses Failure to surrender license within 30 days Failure to pay child support Alcohol or drug-related offenses: Suspended licenses Revoked licenses Additional drug-related fee Interlock Issuance Fee $100 $175 $50 $50 $275 $275 $25 $150 Page 26 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

27 Getting Your Alabama ID Card An Alabama identification (ID) card is available for residents who do not want to drive or do not qualify for driving privileges. An ID card is available for most residents, as there are no age restrictions. Being able to prove your identity is crucial for admission into certain venues, taking a flight and enrolling in health insurance, welfare programs and more. Note: You cannot have an ID card and a driver s license simultaneously. You may replace or exchange one for the other such as if you lose your driving privileges and still need a form of identification. Page 27 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

28 How To Apply ID cards can only be requested at driver license offces. Newly acquired Alabama Star ID cards adhere to the REAL ID Act and will suffce for domestic flights. There is no examination to obtain an ID card, but you will need to have your photo taken. To apply you will need: Proof of name and date of birth. One document must contain a photograph. If you do not have a photo ID, then provide three proofs of identification from the primary list. Proof of Social Security Number. Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. if you are a non-citizen. Payment for fee. If you want to request an Alabama Star ID card, then you will need two additional documents proving Alabama residency, including your voter registration card, a recent utility bill, or mortgage contract. How To Renew Your ID Card Your Alabama ID card or Star ID expires eight years after its issuance. You may renew it in person up to 60 days before it expires or online up to 180 days before it expires. If you renew it in person, then you will need to pay with cash, money order or by credit card. If you renew your ID online, then you will need to use a credit card. The DPS will mail your new ID card within Page 28 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

29 30 days of the request but you will receive or be able to print a temporary ID. How To Replace Your ID Card If your ID is lost or stolen, then you can request a duplicate at a driver license offce. If your Alabama non-driver photo ID card is lost or stolen, then file a report with local law enforcement to lower your risk of identity theft. If your ID is expiring in 60 or fewer days, then you can renew it instead. You will be given temporary license while the permanent one is mailed to your current address. How To Update Your ID Card Remember that you should keep the DPS up to date with your information. If you move or change your name, then you should make a request to change your data in the system. If you want the new address to appear on your ID card, then you must request it at a DPS offce. If you moved or plan to move, then you must notify the DPS within 30 days of moving. To change your address, send a request including your full name, ID card number and your new address to: Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama If you have changed your legal name, then you must request a new card that reflects the change. When changing your name, make sure to take documentation to prove your name change such as a marriage license, a divorce decree or a court order as well as the other required documents. Fees New ID Card or Star ID $36.25 Renew ID Card or Star ID $36.25 Replace ID Card or Star ID $31.25 Page 29 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

30 Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it is important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Emergency Kit One of the essentials of safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, first-aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel, extra gloves and socks. Page 30 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

31 Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter. Do Not Rush Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment. Do Not Panic If You Skid or Slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving, as this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive. Page 31 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

32 Drinking And Driving Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation. You should call and contact authorities immediately if you see someone who you suspect is drunk and shows signs of intoxication while driving, such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically or turning abruptly. Also, make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car. Using Your Phone Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you do not text, use the internet on your phone or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. Things To Avoid Driving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out and that a mechanic checks the steering and suspensions. Page 32 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

33 Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned and that your octane level is the correct amount for your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, preventing another driver from merging or passing and verbal or physical harassment towards another driver. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, take a moment to breathe and continue moving instead of becoming aggressive. Page 33 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

34 Offcial Forms Duplicate License or Out of State Renewal General Release Crash Report Request Conditional Release Lifetime History Request Driver Record Request State BAR Abstract Request Driver Abstract Request Reinstatement Requirements Request for Motor Vehicle Record IRS W-9 Form Enrollment/Exclusion GDL Form Proof of Liability Insurance SR31 Safety Responsibility Claim Form No Court Action Statement Page 34 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

35 DPS Hours and Locations The DPS has numerous branches for you to choose from. There are some that offer Driver Records, Crash Reports and Reinstatements; you need to make sure you select one branch that will suit your needs. Go here to browse through the offce locations and see their schedules and offce hours. You can also ask the DPS Driver License Division any question; make a comment or complaint writing here. If you need to contact them, you can call the following numbers: Division Chief: Driver License: Crash Reports/Driver Records: Reinstatement: Safety Responsibility: If you need to send correspondence, the mail address is: Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery Alabama Page 35 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org

36 Page 36 DriversLicenseAdvisors.org