AL Permit Practice Test

How to use this AL practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Alabama Driver Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

AL practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable AL practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the AL bank

Every question below comes from the Alabama question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What does an Alabama school-zone sign indicate during the hours shown on the sign?

   1. The posted school-zone speed limit applies during those indicated hours
   2. A statewide 20 mph limit applies at every school
   3. The ordinary road speed limit applies until children enter the roadway
   4. Drivers may ignore the sign when its flashing lights are off
   Show answer

   The posted school-zone speed limit applies during those indicated hours. A school-zone sign identifies the speed limit that governs during the hours printed on the sign. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What may a 14 or 15 year old operate with an Alabama motor driven cycle license?

   1. Any motorcycle
   2. A car with a supervising adult
   3. A moped only on private roads
   4. A motor driven cycle weighing no more than 200 pounds and not exceeding 150cc
   Show answer

   A motor driven cycle weighing no more than 200 pounds and not exceeding 150cc. Any person 14 or 15 years of age may obtain a restricted license to operate a motor driven cycle weighing not more than 200 pounds and not e Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing red or blue lights and a siren, what must a driver do?

   1. Pull to the side of the roadway and stop
   2. Follow the emergency vehicle closely through traffic
   3. Stop in the center of the intersection immediately
   4. Continue driving until reaching the next service station
   Show answer

   Pull to the side of the roadway and stop. Alabama requires drivers to yield to an approaching or overtaking emergency vehicle displaying flashing red or blue lights and sounding a si Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. Even with a steady green arrow, to whom must a driver yield while entering the intersection?

   1. Other traffic lawfully using the intersection
   2. Only vehicles approaching from behind
   3. No one, because a green arrow gives absolute priority
   4. Only vehicles stopped at the opposite curb
   Show answer

   Other traffic lawfully using the intersection. A green arrow permits the indicated movement, but vehicles entering on that arrow must still yield to other traffic lawfully using the inter Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. On a two-lane Alabama road posted at 20 mph or less, what speed must a driver use when unable to change lanes around a stopped emergency vehicle?

   1. 10 mph
   2. 5 mph below the posted limit
   3. The posted speed limit plus 10 mph
   4. A complete stop in every case
   Show answer

   10 mph. For a two-lane road with a posted speed limit of 20 mph or less, the move-over provision requires travel at 10 mph when a lane change is uns Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Except when backing into a parking place, how does the Alabama manual characterize backing on a public street or road?

   1. It is never advisable
   2. It is preferred whenever a turn is inconvenient
   3. It is required before entering any driveway
   4. It is allowed only during daylight
   Show answer

   It is never advisable. The manual describes backing on a public street or road as never advisable, except for backing into a parking place. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. What subjects are included on Alabama’s driver license knowledge test?

   1. Only road signs
   2. Traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving
   3. Vehicle repair procedures and engine design
   4. Only the applicant’s personal driving history
   Show answer

   Traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. The knowledge test covers three subject groups named in the manual: Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. What does Alabama say about speeds above a statutory limit?

   1. They are prima facie evidence that the speeds are unlawful
   2. They are lawful whenever the driver is on an interstate
   3. They are allowed if the driver signals before accelerating
   4. They are required on roads with posted minimums
   Show answer

   They are prima facie evidence that the speeds are unlawful. Alabama treats a speed above a statutory limit as prima facie evidence that the speed is unlawful, and the manual notes that the driver may Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. How long is an Alabama 15-year-old learner license valid, and how many times may it be renewed?

   1. Four years, with one renewal permitted
   2. Two years, with unlimited renewals
   3. Six months, with no renewal permitted
   4. Until age 18, with two renewals permitted
   Show answer

   Four years, with one renewal permitted. The restricted learner license described for a 15-year-old remains valid for four years and may be renewed once. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. For a second DUI conviction within 10 years in Alabama, what license consequence is required?

    1. A one-year revocation
    2. A 30-day warning with no license action
    3. A six-month suspension only
    4. A five-year revocation
    Show answer

    A one-year revocation. A second DUI conviction within ten years requires a one-year revocation of the driver's license, along with the other penalties described in Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. Until what age does Alabama's child restraint schedule require a booster seat?

    1. Until the child is 6 years of age
    2. Until the child is 4 years of age
    3. Until the child is 8 years of age
    4. Until the child is 15 years of age
    Show answer

    Until the child is 6 years of age. Alabama's size-appropriate restraint schedule calls for a booster seat until a child is six years of age. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What must you do at this sign?

    1. Slow down; proceed if clear
    2. Come to a COMPLETE stop at the line, yield, then go
    3. Stop only if other cars are present
    4. Turn around before reaching the intersection
    Show answer

    Come to a COMPLETE stop at the line, yield, then go. A STOP sign requires a complete stop before entering the intersection. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. What does a ONE WAY sign require a driver to do?

    1. Travel only in the direction shown by the arrow
    2. Turn around at the next intersection
    3. Use the lane only when passing another vehicle
    4. Yield to traffic approaching from both directions
    Show answer

    Travel only in the direction shown by the arrow. A one-way sign assigns the permitted direction of travel, shown by its arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does the SPEED LIMIT number on a regulatory sign represent?

    1. The posted speed under normal conditions
    2. A suggested speed that may be exceeded whenever traffic is light
    3. The minimum speed required on every road
    4. The speed allowed only while passing
    Show answer

    The posted speed under normal conditions. The posted number is the speed limit under normal conditions. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What response is required when a school crossing sign is visible?

    1. Slow down and watch for children crossing
    2. Maintain the posted speed without scanning for pedestrians
    3. Stop in the crosswalk to block children from entering
    4. Sound the horn continuously until the sign is passed
    Show answer

    Slow down and watch for children crossing. A school crossing warning calls for slower, more attentive driving because children may enter the roadway. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What traffic pattern is indicated by a MERGE sign?

    1. The driver will join other traffic traveling in the same direction
    2. Opposing traffic will begin using the driver's lane
    3. The roadway ends and every vehicle must turn around
    4. A divided highway is changing into a railroad crossing
    Show answer

    The driver will join other traffic traveling in the same direction. A merge warning means traffic will join the driver’s flow in the same direction. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. On snow or ice, how does stopping distance compare with stopping on dry pavement?

    1. It can take three to twelve times as much distance
    2. It is always exactly twice as long
    3. It is shorter because tires grip the surface better
    4. It is unchanged if the headlights are on
    Show answer

    It can take three to twelve times as much distance. The manual warns that snow or ice can require three to twelve times as much distance to stop as dry pavement. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What shape are warning signs usually, according to the Alabama manual?

    1. Diamond shaped
    2. Circular shaped
    3. Rectangular shaped
    4. Octagonal shaped
    Show answer

    Diamond shaped. Alabama says warning signs are usually diamond shaped, although the manual notes that some exceptions exist. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. At an Alabama four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Who goes first?

    1. The vehicle on the right
    2. The vehicle on the left
    3. The vehicle traveling faster
    4. The vehicle making a left turn
    Show answer

    The vehicle on the right. When vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, Alabama gives the first departure to the vehicle farthest to the right. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. At a railroad crossing, what should you do when the red lights begin flashing?

    1. Stop and wait until crossing is safe
    2. Drive around the gates before they lower
    3. Continue if you cannot yet see a train
    4. Stop only when another vehicle stops first
    Show answer

    Stop and wait until crossing is safe. Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean a train is near, so the driver must stop and wait. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. If you miss your exit in an Alabama roundabout, what should you do?

    1. Drive around again to reach the exit
    2. Stop in the circle and reverse to the exit
    3. Turn left across the center island
    4. Leave through the nearest entry point
    Show answer

    Drive around again to reach the exit. Missing an exit in a roundabout is handled by continuing around the circle and taking that exit on the next pass. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What is the statutory speed limit in an Alabama urban district unless another zone is posted?

    1. 30 miles per hour
    2. 35 miles per hour
    3. 45 miles per hour
    4. 55 miles per hour
    Show answer

    30 miles per hour. The manual lists 30 miles per hour as the statutory limit in an urban district, unless an officially posted speed zone establishes another l Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. When may you cross the centerline to pass on an Alabama curve or hill?

    1. Only when a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet is visible
    2. Whenever the vehicle ahead is below the speed limit
    3. When the road has a broken line somewhere behind you
    4. Whenever you sound the horn before moving left
    Show answer

    Only when a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet is visible. Alabama prohibits crossing the centerline to pass on a curve or hill when the driver cannot see a clear passing distance of at least 500 fee Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. After receiving notice of an Alabama license suspension, what hearing may the driver request?

    1. A pre-suspension or administrative hearing in the county of residence
    2. A criminal jury trial in any state county
    3. A vehicle inspection hearing at the nearest repair shop
    4. A permit renewal hearing only after the suspension ends
    Show answer

    A pre-suspension or administrative hearing in the county of residence. After notice that a driver license will be suspended, Alabama allows the driver to request a pre-suspension or administrative hearing in the Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What should an Alabama driver do before leaving a parallel parking space?

    1. Pull out immediately if the front mirror is clear
    2. Look over the shoulder and in the mirrors, then wait for a clear way
    3. Sound the horn and enter the far lane
    4. Back into traffic without signaling
    Show answer

    Look over the shoulder and in the mirrors, then wait for a clear way. Before leaving a parallel parking space, check the mirrors and look over your shoulder, then wait until the way is clear. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. After moving within Alabama, how long does a driver have to notify the Driver License Division of the new address?

    1. 30 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 90 days
    4. One year
    Show answer

    30 days. After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days under Alabama Code 760-X-1-. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What extra reinstatement fee does Alabama charge after a drug related conviction?

    1. An additional $500
    2. An additional $25
    3. No extra fee
    4. An additional $1,000
    Show answer

    An additional $25. Reinstatement resulting from drug related convictions requires an additional $25 fee, and suspensions for non payment of child support requi Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What should an Alabama driver do when changing lanes?

    1. Rely only on the inside mirror
    2. Check clearance and the blind spot before moving
    3. Signal after entering the new lane
    4. Move first if the other lane looks faster
    Show answer

    Check clearance and the blind spot before moving. Before changing lanes, check safe clearance beside, ahead, and behind the vehicle, then glance over the shoulder to inspect the blind spot. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What share of fatal accidents involve drinking drivers, according to studies cited in the Alabama manual?

    1. About 5 percent
    2. About 95 percent
    3. Less than 1 percent
    4. As high as 50 percent
    Show answer

    As high as 50 percent. Special studies show that fatal accident involvement of drinking drivers is as high as 50 percent, a fact not recognized by people who drink Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. When a stopped school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop signal, how far away must you stop?

    1. At least 10 feet from the bus
    2. At least 15 feet from the bus
    3. At least 20 feet from the bus
    4. At least 50 feet from the bus
    Show answer

    At least 20 feet from the bus. Alabama requires traffic approaching a school bus with the described warning display to stop at least 20 feet from the bus. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What does Alabama’s child restraint law require for children through age 15?

    1. They must be restrained while riding in Alabama motor vehicles
    2. They may ride unrestrained in the back seat
    3. They need a restraint only on interstate highways
    4. They are exempt when traveling with a parent
    Show answer

    They must be restrained while riding in Alabama motor vehicles. Alabama’s child restraint law requires children through age 15 to be restrained when riding in motor vehicles in Alabama. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What does an Alabama yield sign require when pedestrians or vehicles are crossing?

    1. Maintain speed because the sign only gives advice
    2. Slow down and yield, stopping if necessary
    3. Stop for exactly five seconds in every case
    4. Yield only to vehicles on the intersecting road
    Show answer

    Slow down and yield, stopping if necessary. A yield sign requires the driver to slow down and give the right of way to pedestrians crossing and vehicles on the intersecting street or h Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What action does the triangular YIELD sign call for?

    1. Slow down and give the right of way as needed
    2. Stop at the sign even when the road is empty
    3. Accelerate to enter before cross traffic arrives
    4. Ignore pedestrians because the sign applies only to cars
    Show answer

    Slow down and give the right of way as needed. The triangular YIELD sign is a regulatory instruction to reduce speed and give the right of way to the people and traffic using the roadway Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. How far from a vehicle you are following must you dim your high beams?

    1. Within 100 feet
    2. Within 200 feet
    3. Within 300 feet
    4. Within 500 feet
    Show answer

    Within 200 feet. Alabama requires low beams when following another vehicle within 200 feet. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How far does a freight train at 55 mph need to stop, according to the Alabama manual?

    1. A mile or more, the length of 18 football fields
    2. About 500 feet
    3. About one football field
    4. About a quarter mile
    Show answer

    A mile or more, the length of 18 football fields. Trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop, the length of 18 football fields, so the engin Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What does an Alabama YIELD sign require a driver to do?

    1. Speed up before entering the intersection
    2. Slow down and yield to pedestrians and vehicles on the intersecting road
    3. Stop for exactly three seconds in every situation
    4. Proceed first whenever the driver arrived before another vehicle
    Show answer

    Slow down and yield to pedestrians and vehicles on the intersecting road. A YIELD sign tells the driver to reduce speed and give way to pedestrians crossing the roadway and vehicles on the intersecting street or hi Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicate?

    1. Passing is required before the next intersection
    2. Passing is permitted only at night
    3. You may not pass
    4. Only trucks may cross the line
    Show answer

    You may not pass. A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not pass. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What is the main function of a regulatory traffic sign?

    1. It regulates the movement of traffic
    2. It identifies only recreational destinations
    3. It announces weather conditions
    4. It marks the beginning of every passing lane
    Show answer

    It regulates the movement of traffic. Regulatory signs control or restrict how traffic moves, so drivers must obey their instructions. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What minimum light transmission must Alabama passenger car window tint allow?

    1. At least 5 percent
    2. At least 70 percent
    3. At least 90 percent
    4. At least 32 percent
    Show answer

    At least 32 percent. On passenger cars such as sedans, coupes and station wagons, all side and rear windows may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent ligh Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What is the manual's first responsibility when a driver uses a cellular phone?

    1. Driving
    2. Finding the fastest route
    3. Keeping the phone conversation going
    4. Reading every incoming message
    Show answer

    Driving. The manual places driving first when a person uses a cellular phone. Full explanation in Test 8