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
10. Test 10

Printable AL practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. How should an Alabama driver handle hydroplaning?

   1. Press the accelerator to regain traction
   2. Take the foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down
   3. Turn sharply toward the nearest lane
   4. Apply the parking brake immediately
   Show answer

   Take the foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down. When hydroplaning begins, the manual recommends taking your foot off the accelerator and allowing the car to slow down. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Which circumstance makes an Alabama speed limit violation prima facie evidence that the speed is unlawful?

   1. Driving faster than a posted limit established for normal conditions
   2. Driving below the limit during heavy rain
   3. Driving at the limit on a clear road
   4. Driving on a road with no official regulatory sign
   Show answer

   Driving faster than a posted limit established for normal conditions. Alabama's manual explains that statutory speed limits apply for normal driving conditions, unless another zone has been established and post Full explanation in Test 2

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

   
   1. Turn around at the next intersection
   2. Travel only in the direction shown by the arrow
   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

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

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

5. 5. 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 Secti Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. When making a left turn, when must a driver yield to an approaching vehicle from the opposite direction?

   
   1. Only after the turning vehicle enters the opposing lane
   2. Only when it is traveling above the speed limit
   3. When it is within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard
   4. Never, because a turn signal gives priority
   Show answer

   When it is within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. A driver turning left must yield to an opposing vehicle already within the intersection or close enough to create an immediate hazard. Full explanation in Test 6

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

   1. Drivers may ignore the sign when its flashing lights are off
   2. A statewide 20 mph limit applies at every school
   3. The ordinary road speed limit applies until children enter the roadway
   4. The posted school-zone speed limit applies during those indicated hours
   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 7

8. 8. An Alabama teen breaks a graduated license restriction. How is the restricted period affected?

   1. It is extended by 30 days
   2. It is shortened
   3. It is extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18
   4. It is not affected
   Show answer

   It is extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18. Violating any GDL restriction results in the restrictive period being extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18 years of age. Full explanation in Test 8

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

   1. It is preferred whenever a turn is inconvenient
   2. It is never advisable
   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 9

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

    
    1. Slow down; proceed if clear
    2. Turn around before reaching the intersection
    3. Stop only if other cars are present
    4. Come to a COMPLETE stop at the line, yield, then go
    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 10

11. 11. In Alabama, how must a driver respond to a flashing red traffic signal?

    1. Treat it as a stop sign and proceed only when safe
    2. Treat it as a yield and continue if the lane looks open
    3. Treat it as a green signal for the direction of travel
    4. Stop only if a train or emergency vehicle is visible
    Show answer

    Treat it as a stop sign and proceed only when safe. A flashing red signal carries the same stopping duty as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. What is the driver expected to do near a pedestrian crossing warning sign?

    
    1. Use caution, slow down, and watch both sides for pedestrians
    2. Assume pedestrians will wait because the crossing is not at an intersection
    3. Drive faster to clear the crossing before anyone reaches it
    4. Stop in the travel lane whenever the sign is present, even with no pedestrian
    Show answer

    Use caution, slow down, and watch both sides for pedestrians. The warning identifies a place where people on foot often cross, and the crossing may be between intersections. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. After an Alabama license revocation period ends, what must the driver do to be licensed again?

    1. Pay a fee only
    2. Wait one more year
    3. Nothing, the license restores itself
    4. Apply for a new license and pass the complete examinations
    Show answer

    Apply for a new license and pass the complete examinations. After the revocation period has expired, the driver may apply for a new driver license and will be required to take and pass the complete ex Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. At what location must an Alabama driver stop and yield for a blind person using a red-tipped cane or guide dog?

    1. Only at a signalized intersection
    2. At any intersection
    3. Only in a marked crosswalk
    4. Only when another vehicle has already stopped
    Show answer

    At any intersection. The manual places the duty at any intersection when a blind person is carrying a white cane tipped with red and holding it extended, or is u Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. 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. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. What color family and purpose apply to this traffic-signal warning sign?

    
    1. It is a white and black regulatory sign imposing a speed limit
    2. It is a black and yellow warning of a hazardous condition ahead
    3. It is a green and white guide sign for a destination
    4. It is an orange and black construction sign only
    Show answer

    It is a black and yellow warning of a hazardous condition ahead. This traffic-signal symbol belongs to the warning-sign family. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. What testing consent does a person give by operating a motor vehicle on Alabama public highways?

    1. No consent unless the driver volunteers it after arrest
    2. Consent only to a breath test after signing a separate form
    3. Consent only when a crash causes property damage
    4. Consent to a chemical blood, breath, or urine test for blood alcohol content
    Show answer

    Consent to a chemical blood, breath, or urine test for blood alcohol content. Alabama’s implied-consent rule treats operation on public highways as consent to chemical testing of blood, breath, or urine for blood alcoh Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. A 16 year old Alabama learner license holder passes the road test. What happens with the learner license?

    1. It is surrendered, and a regular license without the Y restriction is issued at no cost
    2. It is kept as a backup ID
    3. It is extended for one more year
    4. It is mailed back after six months
    Show answer

    It is surrendered, and a regular license without the Y restriction is issued at no cost. A person 16 but under 18 who has held a learner license for six months, or until turning 18, may take the road test and must surrender the l Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. What fee does the Alabama manual list for each knowledge test?

    1. $5.00, with no checks accepted
    2. $10.00, payable only by check
    3. $15.00, waived for learner applicants
    4. No fee is listed for a knowledge test
    Show answer

    $5.00, with no checks accepted. The knowledge-test section lists a fee of $5.00 for each test and adds that checks are not accepted. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. A red and white sign says DO NOT ENTER. What roadway condition does it identify?

    
    1. A road that ends after the next intersection
    2. A parking space reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. A two-way road where passing is prohibited
    4. A one-way highway or ramp approached from the wrong direction
    Show answer

    A one-way highway or ramp approached from the wrong direction. This sign protects drivers from entering against traffic on a one-way highway or ramp. Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. Why are motorcycles hard to identify in traffic, according to the Alabama manual?

    1. They are always painted dark colors
    2. They ride only on the shoulder
    3. They travel faster than cars
    4. They are only about two feet wide compared with the five to six foot width of a car
    Show answer

    They are only about two feet wide compared with the five to six foot width of a car. Motorcycles are not easily identified in traffic because they are only about two feet wide compared with the five to six foot width of an au Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection from different roads at about the same time. Which driver yields?

    
    1. The larger vehicle automatically proceeds first
    2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
    3. The driver traveling faster yields
    4. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
    Show answer

    The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At an uncontrolled intersection, Alabama assigns the yield duty to the vehicle on the left when vehicles arrive from different roadways at a Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. What happens when an Alabama driver under arrest for DUI refuses a chemical breath test directed by an officer?

    1. Only the vehicle registration is suspended
    2. The refusal has no licensing consequence
    3. The driver's license shall be suspended
    4. The driver receives a warning but keeps the license
    Show answer

    The driver's license shall be suspended. Alabama's implied consent section states that a driver under arrest for Driving Under the Influence who refuses a directed chemical breath t Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. Which Alabama driver is exempt from the graduated license restrictions?

    1. A 17 year old who has held a valid license for 6 months or longer
    2. A 16 year old with a new license
    3. A 17 year old licensed last month
    4. A 15 year old with a learner license
    Show answer

    A 17 year old who has held a valid license for 6 months or longer. Alabama's GDL restrictions do not apply to drivers 18 or older, to 17 year olds who have held a valid license for 6 months or longer, to 16 Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. 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 Full explanation in Test 5

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

    1. Until the child is 15 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 6 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 6

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

    1. No one, because a green arrow gives absolute priority
    2. Only vehicles approaching from behind
    3. Other traffic lawfully using the intersection
    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 7

28. 28. When may a driver turn right after stopping at a red light?

    1. Whenever the driver signals, even if pedestrians are crossing
    2. Only when a police officer waves the driver through
    3. Only after waiting for the next complete signal cycle
    4. When in the proper lane, after stopping, and the way is clear
    Show answer

    When in the proper lane, after stopping, and the way is clear. Alabama permits a right turn after a driver stops for a red light when the vehicle is in the proper lane and the way is clear. Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. If a driver misses an exit in an Alabama roundabout, what should the driver do?

    1. Continue around the roundabout to the exit again
    2. Stop inside the circle and signal for help
    3. Back up to the missed exit when the lane is clear
    4. Cross the center island to reach the exit
    Show answer

    Continue around the roundabout to the exit again. Missing an exit does not justify reversing or stopping in the circular roadway. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. 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 10

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

    1. Slow down and yield, stopping if necessary
    2. Maintain speed because the sign only gives advice
    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 1

32. 32. What do fluorescent yellow signs indicate in Alabama?

    
    1. Railroad crossings and no-passing zones
    2. Pedestrian crossings and school zones
    3. Construction detours and hospital entrances
    4. Speed limits and lane assignments
    Show answer

    Pedestrian crossings and school zones. The Alabama manual uses fluorescent yellow to identify pedestrian crossings and school zones. Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. What does the 'Y' restriction on an Alabama learner license issued to a 15-year-old require?

    1. A driving examiner following in another vehicle
    2. Any passenger who has held a license for at least one year
    3. A parent seated anywhere in the vehicle
    4. A licensed driver age 21 or older or a certified instructor beside the operator
    Show answer

    A licensed driver age 21 or older or a certified instructor beside the operator. For a 15-year-old with Alabama's restricted learner license, the Y restriction requires accompaniment by a person who is at least 21 and dul Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. Under Alabama's basic speed law, what must a driver consider when deciding whether a speed is reasonable?

    1. Whether the driver has traveled the road before
    2. Only the posted speed limit and the vehicle's age
    3. The number of passengers, regardless of road conditions
    4. Road, weather, vehicle, and personal physical conditions
    Show answer

    Road, weather, vehicle, and personal physical conditions. Alabama's basic speed law requires a driver to judge speed against existing conditions. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. 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 h Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. What does this sign require?

    
    1. A complete stop in all cases
    2. Slow down and yield to crossing traffic and pedestrians; stop if necessary
    3. Speed up before entering the intersection
    4. Proceed without checking for pedestrians
    Show answer

    Slow down and yield to crossing traffic and pedestrians; stop if necessary. A YIELD sign calls for reduced speed and yielding to vehicles and pedestrians legally crossing the roadway. Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. Why must a driver never make a left turn to enter an Alabama roundabout?

    1. A roundabout may be entered only after a police officer signals
    2. Left turns are reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. The center island is always open to crossing traffic
    4. The maneuver would enter against the roundabout’s traffic flow
    Show answer

    The maneuver would enter against the roundabout’s traffic flow. Roundabouts move traffic in a counterclockwise, one-way pattern, so the manual specifically says never to make a left turn to enter. Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. At an Alabama four-way stop, which vehicle generally leaves first when two vehicles arrive together?

    1. The vehicle furthest to the right
    2. The vehicle on the left
    3. The vehicle with the larger engine
    4. The vehicle that entered the intersection without stopping
    Show answer

    The vehicle furthest to the right. At a four-way stop, vehicles should leave in the order they reached a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. Which vehicles may follow an emergency vehicle on an emergency run within 500 feet?

    1. Any vehicle with headlights on
    2. Any vehicle traveling below the speed limit
    3. Only vehicles on necessary official business
    4. Any vehicle that stays in the right lane
    Show answer

    Only vehicles on necessary official business. Alabama reserves the 500 foot following distance during an emergency run for vehicles on necessary official business. Full explanation in Test 9

40. 40. On an Alabama two-lane road, when may a driver pass traffic on the left?

    1. Whenever the driver signals first
    2. Only when the vehicle ahead is stopped
    3. When the pass can be completed safely without exceeding the speed limit
    4. Whenever the centerline is white
    Show answer

    When the pass can be completed safely without exceeding the speed limit. Passing on the left is allowed on a two-lane road when the driver can complete the maneuver safely and remain within the speed limit. Full explanation in Test 10