Any person under the age of 16 years who shall drive or operate any motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be dealt with as provided by the juvenile laws of this state. This section shall not apply to any student enrolled in a driver training program approved by the State Superintendent of Education or the Director of Public Safety while driving or operating a motor vehicle pursuant to the instructional program. However, no student in any driver training program who is under 16 years of age shall drive or operate any motor vehicle unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older.
Ala. Code § 32-5-64 (1975)