Alabama Permit Practice Test — Written Test, Free to Start

Free 10-question Alabama permit practice test, then 40-question practice tests, each question cited to the Alabama Driver Manual.

The exam

This practice test is 40 questions, and 32 correct is a pass. Everything on it comes out of Alabama Driver Manual. Officially it is the knowledge test; most people call it the written test, or the permit test.

Alabama does not publish how many questions its knowledge test asks, or the score that passes it. This practice test asks 40 and passes at 32.

How this works

Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.

You read one law and the reason behind it, then answer a question on that law while it is still fresh. Get it right and you move on; get it wrong and you have found the gap while it is cheap to fix, not on the morning of the exam.

Learning one rule at a time, and proving it immediately, is what turns a manual you skimmed into something you actually know — and it makes studying feel like getting somewhere rather than like waiting to find out.

Ask a question about Alabama road law

Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from Alabama Driver Manual or Alabama’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.

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Alabama driving law, answered

Alabama driving questions, answered

What it costs

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What Alabama tests

77 concepts, 520 separate rules. Each one is a page of its own.

Questions from the Alabama test

Which Alabama resident may drive on a public road without a driver license?

One moving a farm tractor briefly along the road. A license shows the state has tested that you know the rules, so anyone driving among other people is expected to hold one. Alabama Driver Manual, p.5: “Every Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle (except a farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily upon any street or highway) must have a driver license.”

After you become an Alabama resident, how long may you drive on the valid license from your previous state?

30 days. A new resident needs a little time to get to a license office, but not so long that they keep driving on another state's card for good. Alabama Driver Manual, p.5: “A non-resident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.”

Which person may NOT be issued an Alabama driver license?

Someone whose license is suspended in another state. A license is a promise that the driver is old enough, tested and in good standing, so any of these breaks that promise. Alabama Driver Manual, p.6: “Any person whose driving rights or privilege is suspended or revoked in any state.”

At what age can you first get a learner license to drive a car in Alabama?

Age 15. Starting at 15 gives a new driver a full year of supervised practice before they can drive alone. Alabama Driver Manual, p.9: “Any person 15 years of age may obtain a restricted Learner License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle.”

How long must a driver under 18 hold a learner license before taking the road test?

Six months, or until turning 18. Six months of supervised driving builds the experience a new driver needs before driving alone. Alabama Driver Manual, p.10: “DRIVER LICENSE - Any person 16 years of age but under 18 years of age who has held a Learner License (to include a comparable license issued by another state) for six months or until their 18th birthday and has developed the necessary skills to safely operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test.”

A 14-year-old may get a license for a motor-driven cycle with an engine of no more than how much?

150cc. Light, small-engine cycles are slower and easier to handle, which is why younger riders are limited to them. Alabama Driver Manual, p.10: “MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLE LICENSE - Fourteen and 15 year old – 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, nor exceeding 150cc engine displacement.”

The vision test shows you need glasses to see well enough. What does that mean for your driving?

You must wear corrective lenses while driving. You cannot react to what you cannot see, so a driver who needs glasses must have them on behind the wheel. Alabama Driver Manual, p.11: “If, as a result of the vision examination, it is found that lenses are needed to improve eyesight, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.”

Who must come with a 16-year-old to the road test?

A parent or guardian. A parent or guardian has to agree to a 16-year-old driving, so one comes along on the day the license is earned. Alabama Driver Manual, p.11: “applicant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.”

Where do you find the right tire pressure for your car?

On the sticker inside the door jamb. Tires that are too soft or too hard grip the road poorly and wear out fast, and warm tires read higher than they really are. Alabama Driver Manual, p.12: “Open your car door; on the inside jamb, you should see a sticker.”

What could happen if you fail to report a condition that affects your driving ability?

Your license could be revoked. A condition can change how safely you drive over time, so the state may check again rather than only once. Alabama Driver Manual, p.12: “Failure to report such conditions could result in license revocation.”

How soon before it expires can you renew your Alabama license?

Within 180 days. Renewing early, inside the window, means you are never left without a valid license. Alabama Driver Manual, p.13: “The license may be renewed at any time within 180 days prior expiration at the Offices of Probate Judge, License Commissioner’s Offices, DL Examining Offices, or online at www.”

Your license is lost but has not expired. What do you need for a duplicate?

Proof of identity, but no examination. A duplicate replaces the same license you already earned, so no test is needed, only proof that it is yours. Alabama Driver Manual, p.13: “No examination is necessary but proof of identity such as a certified birth certificate is required at time of application.”

You move within Alabama. How long do you have to tell the Driver License Division your new address?

30 days. Notices about your license, such as a suspension, are mailed to the address on file, and a stale address means you never see them. Alabama Driver Manual, p.14: “After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days”

A Class A commercial license covers combination vehicles over how many pounds?

26,000 pounds. A heavy towed load changes how a rig turns and stops, so it takes the top class of commercial license. Alabama Driver Manual, p.15: “CLASS A - This classification applies only to “combination” vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.”

What must you have with you whenever you drive in Alabama?

Your license, ready to show an officer. An officer has to be able to confirm on the spot that the person driving is licensed to drive. Alabama Driver Manual, p.16: “In Alabama, a driver must have an appropriate driver license (or learner permit) in his or her possession while operating a motor vehicle and be prepared to present that driver license to any law enforcement officer upon his or her request.”

When is physically holding a phone a violation of Alabama's Hands-Free Law?

When the driver also swerves or drifts lanes. A phone in the hand pulls your eyes and one hand off the road, which is when cars drift and swerve. Alabama Driver Manual, p.16: “Physically holding a wireless telecommunications device* is a violation of Alabama’s Hands-Free Law when a driver is observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving or otherwise operating a motor vehicle in an improper manner.”

What is the least a reinstatement fee can be after a suspension or revocation?

$100 fee. Getting a license back costs money as well as time, which is one more reason to keep it clean in the first place. Alabama Driver Manual, p.17: “Any person whose driver license has been canceled, suspended, revoked, or disqualified must pay a reinstatement fee of not less than $100 in addition to meeting other requirements of state law before being relicensed.”

Which of these is grounds for having your license canceled?

Giving false information on the application. A license gained by a lie was never really earned, so the state can take it back. Alabama Driver Manual, p.17: “Failing to give required or correct information on a driver license application or committing any fraud in making an application is also grounds for license cancellation.”

Your license was revoked and the period is over. What must you do to drive again?

Apply anew and pass the complete exams. A revoked license is gone for good, so the driver has to prove again that they know the rules and can drive. Alabama Driver Manual, p.17: “After the period of revocation has expired, the driver may apply for a new driver license and will be required to take and pass the complete examinations.”

Which conviction can get your Alabama license suspended?

Racing on the highway. Racing on a public road turns other drivers into obstacles at speeds nobody can react to. Alabama Driver Manual, p.18: “Are convicted of racing on the highways.”

How long is your license suspended for 12 to 14 points in a 2-year period?

60 days. Points add up to show a pattern of unsafe driving, and the first step of the schedule takes the license for two months. Alabama Driver Manual, p.19: “12-14 Points in a 2-year period 60 days”

When should you buckle your safety belt?

Before switching on the ignition. A crash can happen in the first block of a trip, so the belts go on before the car moves. Alabama Driver Manual, p.20: “Before switching on the ignition, buckle your safety belt and see that all passengers do likewise.”

How far before a turn must you start signaling?

At least 100 feet. A signal given early lets drivers and pedestrians around you see what you are about to do and make room. Alabama Driver Manual, p.21: “At least 100 feet before making the turn, signal your intentions.”

Near a hilltop, a three-point turn is not permitted if drivers cannot see you from within how many feet?

500 feet. A car stopped across the road is helpless, so it must be where oncoming drivers can see it in time to stop. Alabama Driver Manual, p.23: “Three-point turns are not permitted on interstate freeways, on curves, or near the top of hills where you cannot be seen by drivers of other vehicles approaching from either direction within 500 feet.”

How should you take a curve?

Slow before it, then ease on the gas through it. Braking in a curve can push the car across the center line or off the road, so the slowing is done before it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.23: “A driver should enter a curve slow enough to enable him to accelerate slightly when actually rounding the curve.”

How much space must you leave when passing a person on a bicycle in Alabama?

At least 3 feet. A rider can wobble or swerve around a pothole, and three feet leaves room for that without a collision. Alabama Driver Manual, p.24: “Alabama state law requires that you pass a person on a bicycle with a distance of not less than three feet between your motor vehicle and the person on a bicycle.”

What should you do before turning left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle?

Look again and judge its speed first. Left turns in front of motorcycles cause many injury crashes because drivers miss the bike or misjudge how fast it is coming. Alabama Driver Manual, p.25: “SPEED OF THE MOTORCYCLE BEFORE MAKING A LEFT TURN.”

What is a No-Zone?

A danger area around a truck or bus. A truck driver cannot avoid a car they cannot see, so lingering in a No-Zone leaves you at their mercy. Alabama Driver Manual, p.27: “No-Zones are danger areas around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur.”

Your car stops on a rural highway and cannot be moved off the road. What must you do?

Use lights and markings to warn other traffic. A stopped car in a travel lane on a fast rural road is easy to hit, especially at night. Alabama Driver Manual, p.28: “If the vehicle cannot be moved, you must take lighting and marking precautions to eliminate danger to other traffic.”

Who must wear a safety belt in Alabama?

Every occupant, of any age. A belt low and tight across the hips holds the body by its strongest bones in a crash. Alabama Driver Manual, p.30: “Alabama’s safety belt law requires that each occupant, regardless of age, be restrained.”

What causes over 90 percent of highway crashes, according to the manual?

The driver: error, inattention or poor judgment. Almost every crash starts with something the driver did or failed to do, which is why the driver matters more than the car. Alabama Driver Manual, p.31: “Accident records show that over 90 percent of the highway crashes are caused by driver error, lack of knowledge, inattention, physical or mental condition, improper attitude or faulty judgment.”

What does Alabama's texting law forbid while you drive?

Writing, sending or reading a text message. Reading or typing takes your eyes off the road for seconds at a time, and at highway speed that is the length of a football field. Alabama Driver Manual, p.32: “Alabama’s new law prohibits using a wireless device to write, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle.”

You start to feel drowsy on the interstate. What should you do?

Pull off at the first rest stop. A sleepy driver can drift off for seconds without knowing it, and fighting it does not work. Alabama Driver Manual, p.32: “Pull off the highway at the first rest stop or service area.”

At what blood alcohol concentration is it unlawful for an adult to drive in Alabama?

.08 percent or more. At .08 every driver is impaired, but a driver can be under the influence and arrested below it too. Alabama Driver Manual, p.33: “Under Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood, or while under the influence of alcohol.”

How does the alcohol in one bottle of beer compare with a shot of whiskey?

About the same. Choosing beer over liquor does not make you safer, because the alcohol per drink is about the same. Alabama Driver Manual, p.33: “The amount of alcohol in one bottle of beer is about equal to that in an average “shot of whiskey or a glass of wine.””

How long is the license suspended for a first DUI conviction in Alabama?

90 days. Even a first conviction costs a driver money, freedom and three months of driving. Alabama Driver Manual, p.33: “In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.”

Under Alabama's implied consent law, what have you agreed to by driving on a public highway?

A chemical test of blood, breath or urine. Driving on public roads is a privilege that comes with this condition, agreed to the moment you drive. Alabama Driver Manual, p.34: “Any person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be deemed to have given his consent to a chemical test or tests of his blood, breath, or urine to determine blood alcohol content.”

What should you ask your doctor about a new prescription?

Whether its side effects affect driving. A drug that is safe to take can still make you drowsy or slow behind the wheel. Alabama Driver Manual, p.35: “When taking prescription medicine, it is important to ask your doctor about any possible side effects that relate to driving.”

What following distance does the Alabama manual recommend in good conditions?

2 seconds. Two seconds gives you time to see the car ahead brake and to stop before you reach it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.36: “Recently, a new formula was introduced which is even more positive and easier to apply, the “two-second rule.””

Which of these affects how far it takes to stop your car?

The condition of the pavement. No chart can promise how far you will need, so leave more room than you think when anything is less than ideal. Alabama Driver Manual, p.36: “Type and condition of the pavement.”

You are involved in a crash in which someone is hurt. What must you do first?

Stop at once and help the injured. Minutes matter to an injured person, and the people at the scene are the first help they get. Alabama Driver Manual, p.37: “If you are involved in a traffic crash, you must stop at once and aid any injured persons.”

How far before the track is the round railroad warning sign placed?

750 feet. The sign is set far enough back to give you time to slow and look before you reach the tracks. Alabama Driver Manual, p.38: “It means a highway railroad crossing is ahead and is placed 750 feet before the track.”

What are the three types of traffic signs?

Regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Shape and color tell you what kind of message a sign carries before you can read a word of it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.41: “They are regulatory, warning, and information or guide signs.”

At a 4-way stop, who goes first?

The first vehicle to come to a full stop. Taking turns in order of arrival lets everyone know whose turn it is without guessing. Alabama Driver Manual, p.42: “The first vehicle to arrive at a complete stop is the first vehicle allowed to leave the stop sign.”

What must you do at this sign?

Come to a complete stop. Stopping where you can see cross traffic is the whole point of the sign. Alabama Driver Manual, p.60: “When a stop sign is placed at the entrance to any street or highway, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop.”

A sign says NO PARKING ANY TIME. May you wait there if you stay in the car?

No, not even if you stay in the car. Staying behind the wheel does not change the reason parking is banned there. Alabama Driver Manual, p.43: “You may not park your car in this area even though you stay in the car.”

What does this sign mean?

Sharp turn to the left ahead. A sharp turn needs a much slower speed than the road before it, so slow down before you reach it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.45: “Sharp turn to the left.”

What does this sign mean?

A railroad crossing is ahead. You get this warning well before the tracks so you have time to slow and look. Alabama Driver Manual, p.47: “Railroad crossing ahead. You must slow down, look carefully in both directions and be prepared to stop.”

A sign reads SOFT SHOULDER. What should you do?

Stay on the pavement. A wheel that drops into soft ground can pull the car off the road. Alabama Driver Manual, p.45: “The side of the road is soft. Do not drive off the pavement.”

What does a BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE sign mean?

A cyclist may take the whole lane if it is narrow. A lane too narrow to share safely is one where a rider is safer in the middle of it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.50: “Cyclist may use full lane if travel lane is narrow.”

What does this sign mean?

A hospital is nearby. Blue signs point to services, and this one leads to emergency care. Alabama Driver Manual, p.51: “Hospital”

Which of these is one of the four types of pavement markings?

Edge striping. Each type tells you something different about where you may drive, cross or stop. Alabama Driver Manual, p.52: “Generally, there are four types of pavement markings: centerline striping, edge striping, crosswalks, and pavement messages.”

What must you do at a steady red light?

Stop and stay stopped until it turns green. Red gives the intersection to the other road, so you wait your turn. Alabama Driver Manual, p.54: “RED…Stop when signal is steady circular red.”

What do signals mounted over individual lanes tell you?

Which lanes you may or may not drive in. They let a road change which way its lanes run, such as at rush hour or for a closed lane. Alabama Driver Manual, p.56: “Lane use control signals may be placed over individual lanes of a street, highway or freeway to indicate to drivers which lane(s) they may or may not drive in.”

Which way does traffic move in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise. With everyone going the same way, cars never cross head on or turn across each other. Alabama Driver Manual, p.57: “By keeping traffic moving one-way in a counterclockwise direction, there are fewer conflict points and traffic flows smoothly.”

What does Alabama's basic speed law require?

Never drive faster than is reasonable for conditions. A posted limit assumes good conditions, so rain, fog or traffic can make a lower speed the legal one. Alabama Driver Manual, p.59: “Alabama’s basic speed law provides that you must never drive a vehicle at a speed that is faster than reasonable under existing conditions.”

There is no stop line or crosswalk at a STOP sign. Where should you stop?

Where you can see traffic, nearest the corner. Stopping at the right place keeps you out of the crosswalk and gives you a clear view. Alabama Driver Manual, p.60: “If there is no crosswalk, the vehicle must stop before entering the crossing street at the point nearest the intersection where the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic.”

A stopped school bus has its stop arm out and red lights flashing. How long must you stay stopped?

Until the arm folds in and the lights go off. Children getting on and off may run across the road without looking. Alabama Driver Manual, p.61: “Remain stopped until the stop signal is retracted and red lights are turned off.”

At an intersection with no signs or signals, two cars arrive together. Who must yield?

The car on the left. A simple rule tells both drivers who goes first when nothing else does. Alabama Driver Manual, p.62: “If two vehicles enter an intersection not controlled by signs or signals, and from different roadways at about the same time, the driver of the”

When may you pass another car on a two-lane road?

When you can finish without going over the limit. Speeding to get around a car doubles the danger of an already risky move. Alabama Driver Manual, p.64: “On two-lane roads with traffic moving in both directions, you may pass traffic on the left if the pass can be completed safely without exceeding the speed limit.”

You stop at a red light. Where should you not leave your car?

Blocking the crosswalk. Each of these protects someone who is on foot and can be badly hurt by a car. Alabama Driver Manual, p.65: “Not block crosswalks when at a stop sign or waiting on a red light.”

How closely may an ordinary driver follow a fire truck on an emergency run?

No closer than 500 feet. An emergency vehicle may stop suddenly, and others at the scene need room to work. Alabama Driver Manual, p.65: “Only vehicles on necessary official business are permitted to follow within 500 feet of emergency vehicles on an emergency run.”

What does the manual say is good practice before you back up?

Walk around the car to check behind it. A small child or an object can be hidden behind a car where no mirror shows it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.66: “If you are going to back the vehicle, it is a good practice to walk completely around the vehicle to be sure no person or obstacle is behind it.”

Before changing lanes, what must you do besides checking your mirrors?

Glance over your shoulder at the blind spot. A car can sit in your blind spot where no mirror shows it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.66: “Glance over your shoulder to check the “blind spot” your mirror does not cover.”

How many people in the front seat is too many under Alabama law, if they block the driver's view or control?

More than three. A driver who cannot see or steer freely cannot react to anything. Alabama Driver Manual, p.67: “It is unlawful to drive any vehicle so loaded or when there are such numbers of persons in excess of three in the front seat as to obstruct the driver’s view to the front and sides or hinder the driver’s control over his vehicle.”

Police lights appear behind you. What should you do first?

Signal and pull over safely as soon as you can. Pulling over promptly and safely protects you, the officer and passing traffic. Alabama Driver Manual, p.67: “Stay calm, activate your turn signal and pull off to the side of the roadway as soon and as safely as possible.”

Under Alabama law, when must a vehicle be covered by liability insurance?

Whenever it is driven or registered for the road. Insurance makes sure someone hurt in a crash can be paid for their injuries and damage. Alabama Driver Manual, p.68: “The Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law provides that no person shall operate, register, or maintain registration of a motor vehicle designed to be used on a public road or highway unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy.”

How much of the front windshield may be tinted?

The top 6 inches. The rest of the windshield must stay clear so you can see the road at night and in rain. Alabama Driver Manual, p.68: “On all vehicles, regardless of classification, only the upper 6 inches of the front windshield may be tinted with a transparent material.”

On a four-lane road you approach a stopped wrecker with flashing amber lights. What must you do?

Move out of the lane nearest the wrecker. People working beside traffic are struck by cars that pass too close. Alabama Driver Manual, p.68: “When approaching emergency vehicles stopped with flashing emergency lights, or wreckers displaying flashing amber lights, motorists on roadways with four or more lanes must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or wrecker.”

About what share of Alabama's fatal crashes happen in the hours of darkness?

About half. Darkness cuts how far and how well you can see, so the same mistakes are far more deadly at night. Alabama Driver Manual, p.69: “Approximately half the fatal motor vehicle crashes in Alabama occur during the hours of darkness.”

Before driving in snow, what should you clear?

Snow and ice from the windows and hood. Snow on the hood blows onto the windshield and blinds you as soon as you move. Alabama Driver Manual, p.70: “Before driving, start the engine and let it warm up while you remove snow and ice from the car (especially the hood) and windows.”

Your car starts to skid. When should you brake?

After you regain control. Braking in a skid locks the front wheels and takes away your steering. Alabama Driver Manual, p.71: “Since braking will only increase the velocity of the skid and cause the loss of steering control when the front wheels lock, do not apply pressure on the brake until you regain control of your forward direction.”

Which headlights should you use in thick fog?

Low beams. High beams bounce off fog straight back into your eyes. Alabama Driver Manual, p.73: “Keep headlights on low beam to reduce the glaring reflection of your lights on the thick fog blanket or blinding snow.”

What is the one basic rule for driving emergencies?

Think before you act. Panic makes people do the first thing that comes to mind, which often makes it worse. Alabama Driver Manual, p.73: “There is one basic rule that applies in all driving situations, and especially in emergency situations - THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.”

On a freeway, where must slower traffic drive?

In the right lanes. Keeping slower cars right leaves the left lanes for passing. Alabama Driver Manual, p.76: “Slower moving vehicles, those traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time, MUST KEEP TO THE RIGHT.”

How many separate ways of applying the brakes must a car have?

Two: a foot brake and a parking brake. If one brake system fails, the other can still stop the car. Alabama Driver Manual, p.79: “All automobiles must have two separate methods of applying brakes.”

Besides six months on a learner license, what does the GDL summary require of that period before an unrestricted license?

No violations of its restrictions. Six clean months of supervised driving show the new driver can follow the rules before they drive with fewer limits. Alabama Driver Manual, p.84: “A person under the age of 18 may not apply for an unrestricted driver license until that person has held a learner license for at least a six-month period with no violations of the restrictions. (Must be 17.)”

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against Alabama Driver Manual, published by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-04.