Alabama Permit Practice Test

The Alabama knowledge test

Practice target

24 of 30 (80%)

Practice test

30 questions

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score for its knowledge test, so these are our practice targets, not state rules.

Practice by topic

• Road SignsWhat signs mean and what to do when you see them
• Right-of-WayWho goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts
• Traffic SignalsLights, arrows and pedestrian signals
• Lanes & TurnsLane markings, turns, passing and merging
• Speed LimitsLimits and how to adjust your speed
• ParkingCurb colors, hills and where you can't park
• Safe DrivingFollowing distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road
• Alcohol & DrugsBlood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication
• EmergenciesBreakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings
• License RulesPermits, restrictions for new drivers and points
• Insurance & CollisionsRequired coverage and what to do after a crash
• Phones & DistractionPhone rules and other distractions

Sample Alabama practice questions

You are backing out of a driveway onto a busy street. Which lane should you back into?

• Any open lane
• The center turn lane
• The farthest lane
• The nearest lane

Show the answer

The nearest lane

Never back across other traffic lanes.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 6, Traffic Laws, Other Traffic Laws, PDF p. 68

How many points does a drinking and driving conviction add when it did not require mandatory revocation?

• 3
• 1
• 6
• 2

Show the answer

6

This is among the highest point values in the Alabama system.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 2, You May Lose Your License, The Alabama Point System, PDF p. 20

A church bus stops ahead of you with its stop arm out and red lights flashing. What must you do?

• Ignore it, since it is not a school bus
• Pass it slowly on the left
• Stop, just as for a school bus
• Honk and continue

Show the answer

Stop, just as for a school bus

The stopping rule covers church buses as well as school buses.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 6, Traffic Laws, Stopping, PDF p. 63

A bottle of beer contains about the same amount of alcohol as which of these?

• An average shot of whiskey
• A full pint of whiskey
• Half a glass of wine
• Three glasses of wine

Show the answer

An average shot of whiskey

Beer, a glass of wine and a shot of whiskey hold roughly equal amounts of alcohol, with the same effect on the driver.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Drinking and Driving, PDF p. 35

How many reckless driving convictions within 12 months require revocation of your license?

• Ten
• Three
• Five
• One

Show the answer

Three

Three reckless driving convictions in 12 months is one of the grounds for mandatory revocation.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 2, You May Lose Your License, Revocation, PDF p. 19

Where should pedestrians walk when they are on a roadway?

• Side by side on either edge
• On the right, with traffic
• As far left as possible, in single file
• In the middle of the lane

Show the answer

As far left as possible, in single file

Walk in single file, keeping as far to the left as you can.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 6, Traffic Laws, Safety Rules for Pedestrians, PDF p. 67

An applicant is 17. Which school document must they present?

• A letter from an employer
• A diploma from a driving school
• A report card from any year
• Form DL-1-93 from their school

Show the answer

Form DL-1-93 from their school

Applicants under 19 must bring a current DL-1-93 form completed by authorized school staff.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Identification Requirements, PDF p. 10

What penalty does a third Hands-Free Law conviction within 24 months carry?

• Automatic license revocation
• A $50 fine and 1 point
• A $25 fine and no points
• A $150 fine and 3 points

Show the answer

A $150 fine and 3 points

A second conviction is $100 and 2 points.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18

About how far does a freight train going 55 mph need to stop?

• About 50 feet
• About 200 feet
• A mile or more
• About a quarter mile

Show the answer

A mile or more

Trains cannot stop quickly, so never try to beat one to a crossing.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Railroad Crossings, Safety Tips for Motorists, PDF p. 42

Into which three types does the Alabama manual sort traffic signs?

• Daytime, nighttime and seasonal
• Large, medium and small
• Federal, state and county
• Regulatory, warning, and guide

Show the answer

Regulatory, warning, and guide

Learn each type by its shape and color as well as its words.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Signs, Signals and Road Markings, Traffic Signs, PDF p. 43

Take the full practice test

Next steps

• How to get your first driver's license in Alabama
• Alabama driver license and ID card: first license, renewal, replacement and STAR ID
• Alabama DMV offices, hours and services

About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024 (cover), PDF created 2024-12-05 and modified 2025-01-23, read 2026-11-09, plus ALEA's Graduated Driver License and Alabama Move Over Act pages. Pages cited are PDF pages (printed page = PDF page - 2); PDF pp. 20-21 repeat the suspension list. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.