AL Permit Practice Test 5

All 20 questions in test 5

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 Alabama establish through the uniform point system described in the manual?

   1. A system that automatically cancels every driver's license after one violation
   2. A system for suspending driver licenses based on listed grounds
   3. A system that applies only to commercial vehicle operators
   4. A system for setting county property tax rates
   Show answer

   A system for suspending driver licenses based on listed grounds. The manual presents Alabama's point system as a uniform system used to suspend driver licenses on one or both of the grounds listed in Section 32-5A-195. It then assigns point values to enumerated offenses for each driver, whether the offense occurred in Alabama or elsewhere. The cancellation choice overstates the effect by making every violation automatic, while the commercial-only option narrows a rule that applies to each driver. Property taxes have no connection to the driver-license system. The useful cue is that listed offenses receive points, and accumulated grounds can lead to suspension.

2. 2. How does Alabama describe speed limits in municipalities?

   1. They are maximum speeds
   2. They are advisory speeds only
   3. They apply only to commercial vehicles
   4. They are minimum speeds during daylight
   Show answer

   They are maximum speeds. The manual states that all speed limits in municipalities are maximum speeds. That means a posted or statutory number is not a required cruising speed, and a driver must still choose a lower safe speed when conditions demand it. Calling the limit advisory understates its legal force. The commercial-vehicle choice narrows a rule that applies broadly, while a minimum speed is the opposite of what this passage says. When driving in a municipality, treat the limit as the upper boundary and adjust downward for congestion, rain, curves, pedestrians, or limited visibility.

3. 3. How early may an Alabama driver license be renewed?

   1. Only in the last week
   2. Only after expiration
   3. Up to two years early
   4. Any time within 180 days before expiration
   Show answer

   Any time within 180 days before expiration. An Alabama driver license expires four years after issue, and it may be renewed at any time within 180 days prior to expiration at a probate judge's office, license commissioner's office, examining office, or online if eligible. Alabama also provides a 60 day grace period after expiration during which the license remains valid for renewal purposes. Military and students out of state have mail options.

4. 4. At an Alabama YIELD sign, what is the driver required to do?

   1. Enter first because the yield sign grants priority
   2. Stop for three seconds even when the way is empty
   3. Accelerate before vehicles on the cross street arrive
   4. Slow down and yield to pedestrians and intersecting traffic
   Show answer

   Slow down and yield to pedestrians and intersecting traffic. 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 highway. A complete stop may be needed when traffic or people make it necessary, but the sign does not impose a three-second stop in every empty approach. The priority choice is backwards because the entering driver must wait for users already crossing the path. Use the sign as a cue to reduce speed, scan both directions, and proceed only after the crossing movement is clear.

5. 5. By how much do roundabouts reduce fatal crashes, according to statistics in the Alabama manual?

   1. About 10 percent
   2. About 90 percent, with injury crashes down about 75 percent and all crashes about 35 percent
   3. They increase fatal crashes
   4. About 50 percent
   Show answer

   About 90 percent, with injury crashes down about 75 percent and all crashes about 35 percent. Crash statistics show that roundabouts reduce fatal crashes about 90 percent, reduce injury crashes about 75 percent, and reduce overall crashes about 35 percent compared with other types of intersection control. Because traffic moves one way counterclockwise at low speed there are fewer conflict points. Yield to traffic already in the circle and to pedestrians before entering, and never stop inside the circle.

6. 6. What does a steady red X over a lane mean?

   1. The lane has a recommended minimum speed
   2. Use the lane only to pass stopped traffic
   3. Do not drive in that lane
   4. Drive there if the vehicle behind is close
   Show answer

   Do not drive in that lane. A steady red X over a lane means a driver facing the indication shall not drive in that lane. The restriction applies even though other traffic controls remain in force, so a nearby green light or an impatient following vehicle cannot cancel it. The passing choice treats the lane as temporarily available, which is precisely what the red X denies. Move into an allowed lane only after checking clearance and obeying the other signs and signals. The overhead display is a lane-specific command, not a suggestion about speed.

7. 7. What does a NO PASSING ZONE sign on the left side of a two-lane road warn you about?

   1. A required turn onto the next road
   2. A lane reserved for passing on the shoulder
   3. The end of a divided highway
   4. The beginning of a no passing zone
   Show answer

   The beginning of a no passing zone. This sign marks the start of a section where passing is prohibited. Its placement on the left side of a two-lane road is an important clue because it faces drivers who might otherwise consider moving into the opposing lane. The shoulder choice is unsafe and invents a passing permission that the sign removes. Treat the sign as an advance warning to remain behind slower traffic, watch the centerline, and wait until a lawful passing area appears. An open view does not create a passing zone.

8. 8. Before entering a roundabout, you must yield to:

   1. Vehicles behind you in the entry lane
   2. Only traffic approaching from your right
   3. Traffic on your left already in the roundabout
   4. No traffic because entering vehicles have priority
   Show answer

   Traffic on your left already in the roundabout. The Alabama roundabout procedure requires a driver to yield to traffic already circulating on the left before entering. Enter only when a safe gap is available, then keep speed low and follow the circular roadway toward the intended exit. The right-side-only choice conflicts with the direction of circulating traffic, while the choice “No traffic because entering vehicles have priority” reverses the priority rule. Slow before the entrance, look left, and wait rather than forcing a gap that requires another driver to brake.

9. 9. When an official regulatory sign posts a speed zone different from the statutory limit, which limit applies?

   1. The statutory limit remains in force in every situation
   2. The limit changes only when a police officer is present
   3. The driver may use the higher of the two limits
   4. The posted regulatory limit applies
   Show answer

   The posted regulatory limit applies. Alabama’s statutory speed limits are the default for normal driving conditions, but they apply only unless another speed zone has been established and posted on an official regulatory sign. A posted limit therefore controls that roadway segment. The choice “The statutory limit remains in force in every situation” ignores the exception built into the rule, and choosing the higher number would defeat the purpose of a reduced speed zone. A police officer does not need to stand beside the sign for it to be enforceable. Read the sign and treat its posted number as the operating maximum for that zone.

10. 10. When do Alabama statutory speed limits apply unless another zone is established?

    1. Only during daylight hours
    2. Only when a driver is outside a municipality
    3. Always, unless a different speed zone has been established and posted on official regulatory signs
    4. Whenever a driver prefers the statutory number
    Show answer

    Always, unless a different speed zone has been established and posted on official regulatory signs. Alabama says statutory limits apply unless another speed zone has been established and its limits are posted on official regulatory signs. The statutory limits are the default and need no sign; only a separately established zone, posted on official regulatory signs, replaces them. This does not limit the rule to rural roads or daylight, and a driver cannot choose the statutory number simply because it feels convenient. Check the posted regulatory sign first, then apply the lower safe speed required by weather, traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions.

11. 11. What minimum liability coverage does Alabama require for death or bodily injury to two or more persons?

    1. $50,000
    2. $25,000
    3. $100,000
    4. $10,000
    Show answer

    $50,000. Alabama liability policies must provide at least $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons, and $25,000 for damage or destruction of property. So $25,000 is the per person and property figure, not the two-person total. One hundred thousand and ten thousand dollars are not the state minimums. A mandatory liability violation can bring a fine up to $500 for a first offense.

12. 12. At an uncontrolled Alabama intersection, which driver yields when both vehicles arrive at about the same time?

    1. The driver on the right
    2. The driver traveling faster
    3. The driver on the left
    4. The driver in the larger vehicle
    Show answer

    The driver on the left. When two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection from different roadways at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Vehicle size and speed do not replace this right-of-way rule. The driver on the left should slow or stop, allow the vehicle to the right to proceed, and continue only when the path is safe. Also remember that entering at an unlawful speed can remove a right of way that might otherwise apply.

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

    
    1. At least 20 feet from the bus
    2. At least 15 feet from the bus
    3. At least 10 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. That space gives children and the bus operator a safer buffer while loading or unloading. The 10-foot and 15-foot options shorten the required distance, while 50 feet adds a larger number that is not the manual’s stated rule. Watch for the extended stop signal and flashing red lights, then make the 20-foot distance your immediate stopping target before waiting for the bus signal to be withdrawn.

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

    
    1. Follow the emergency vehicle closely through traffic
    2. Pull to the side of the roadway and stop
    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 siren or bell. The driver should pull to the side of the roadway and stop, but if already in an intersection, clear it before stopping. Stopping in the intersection can obstruct the emergency response, and following closely is restricted to vehicles on necessary official business. Continuing to a service station ignores the required response. The practical sequence is clear the intersection if needed, move aside, stop, and wait until the emergency vehicle passes.

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

    1. Any motorcycle
    2. A motor driven cycle weighing no more than 200 pounds and not exceeding 150cc
    3. A moped only on private roads
    4. A car with a supervising adult
    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 exceeding 150cc engine displacement. The examination comes from the Alabama Motorcycle Manual, and the successful applicant receives a Class M license with the restriction. Larger motorcycles wait for the regular license age, and the restriction is printed on the license.

16. 16. A normal solid white line along a travel lane means crossing it is generally:

    1. Discouraged, even though travel in the same direction is allowed on both sides
    2. Required before every intersection
    3. Required to enter opposing traffic
    4. Freely permitted for passing at any speed
    Show answer

    Discouraged, even though travel in the same direction is allowed on both sides. A normal solid white line separates travel that is moving in the same direction, but crossing that line is discouraged. It is not a command to change lanes, and it does not separate opposing traffic. The free-passing choice overlooks the caution attached to the solid marking. Treat the stripe as a boundary that should remain intact unless a necessary, careful maneuver is justified. Before moving across it, check mirrors, signal, and make sure the adjacent lane is clear.

17. 17. Which listed vehicles are covered by Alabama’s child restraint law?

    1. Only passenger cars with rear seats
    2. Passenger cars, pickup trucks, small vans, minivans, and sport utility vehicles
    3. Only school buses and commercial vans
    4. Only vehicles registered to a child’s parent
    Show answer

    Passenger cars, pickup trucks, small vans, minivans, and sport utility vehicles. The manual names passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans with seating capacity of 10 or fewer, minivans, and sport utility vehicles as covered vehicle types. The rule is therefore wider than passenger cars alone and is not limited to school or commercial transportation. Registration ownership is irrelevant to the vehicle list. Notice the qualifier for vans: the manual specifies 10 or fewer seats, so a choice that removes that limit would overstate the passage. When reviewing a vehicle, match both the type and, for a van, the seating capacity described by the manual.

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

    
    1. The minimum speed required on every road
    2. A suggested speed that may be exceeded whenever traffic is light
    3. The posted speed under normal conditions
    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. It is not merely a suggestion, a universal minimum, or a special passing speed. Weather, traffic, visibility, and road conditions can require a driver to go slower. Use the regulatory sign as the ceiling for ordinary conditions, then reduce speed whenever the roadway or surroundings make that limit unsafe. A lower safe speed is always allowed.

19. 19. What should a driver do at a railroad crossing marked by a crossbuck?

    
    1. Approach cautiously and make sure all tracks are clear before crossing
    2. Accelerate so the vehicle is over the tracks quickly
    3. Stop only if another vehicle is already on the tracks
    4. Cross immediately because the crossbuck gives the driver priority
    Show answer

    Approach cautiously and make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. A crossbuck identifies the railroad crossing and demands careful observation before the vehicle enters the tracks. The driver should approach with caution and confirm that every track is clear. Speeding up, waiting for another vehicle to react, or assuming priority ignores the hazard. Scan both directions and account for a train that may be hidden by darkness, weather, or a nearby obstruction.

20. 20. What does Alabama state law prohibit placing on a vehicle window?

    1. A clean window with no attached material
    2. A transparent inspection sticker in the permitted location
    3. A rearview mirror mounted inside the vehicle
    4. A sign, poster, or other material that obstructs the driver's view
    Show answer

    A sign, poster, or other material that obstructs the driver's view. Alabama prohibits a sign, poster, or other material on a vehicle window when it obstructs the driver's view. The focus is the obstruction, not a blanket ban on every item associated with a window. A properly placed inspection sticker is not described by this sentence as the prohibited conduct, and an interior rearview mirror serves the driver's view rather than obstructing it. A clear window has no obstructing material at all. Before driving, check that decorations, papers, and other additions do not block the sightline needed for safe observation.