All 115 Alabama Permit Test Questions
Every question in our Alabama bank, with the correct answer and an explanation. Free to read, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock Exams Licensing & Permits The minimum age for a restricted Learner License in Alabama is:
Answer: 15
A restricted Learner License is available at 15 in Alabama.
The minimum driving age in Alabama is:
Answer: 16
The minimum driving age in Alabama is 16 (a Stage II restricted license).
An unrestricted Alabama driver license is available at age:
Answer: 17
After holding the Stage II restricted license, drivers can get an unrestricted license at 17.
During the Stage II restricted period, you may not carry more than:
Answer: 1 non-family passenger (besides a parent/guardian or 21+ supervising driver)
No more than one non-family passenger is allowed (besides a parent/guardian or a licensed driver 21+).
A Stage II restricted driver may not drive between:
Answer: 12 midnight and 6 a.m. (with exceptions)
No driving midnight–6 a.m., unless with a parent/guardian or 21+ licensee (with consent), or to/from work or a school event.
A restricted driver MAY drive during restricted hours when:
Answer: Going to or from work or a school-sponsored event, or accompanied appropriately
Exceptions include going to/from work or school events, or being accompanied by a parent/guardian or 21+ licensee.
The Alabama knowledge test covers:
Answer: Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving rules
The knowledge test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving rules (fee $5).
To be licensed in Alabama you must pass a:
Answer: Vision screening
A vision screening is required.
A GDL (restricted) driver can lose the license for accumulating:
Answer: 4 or more points, or 2+ moving violations
On a GDL, 4+ points or 2+ moving violations can cause a loss of driving privileges.
While driving you must:
Answer: Carry your license and show it to law enforcement
Carry and present your license when asked.
A Learner License holder must drive with:
Answer: A licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat
A licensed driver 21+ must be in the front seat with a Learner License holder.
Alabama's Mandatory Liability Insurance Law requires you to:
Answer: Carry liability insurance to operate a vehicle
Alabama law requires liability insurance to operate a motor vehicle.
Alabama's window-tinting law limits:
Answer: How dark your windows may be
Window tint must let enough light through, per Alabama's tinting law.
Alabama's seat-belt law:
Answer: Requires buckling up and is enforced
Alabama enforces its seat-belt law — buckle up, and secure children.
If your Alabama license is lost or your address changes, you should:
Answer: Obtain a duplicate / update your record as required
Replace a lost license and keep your record current.
When getting an Alabama license you may choose to:
Answer: Register as an organ donor
You may register as an organ donor.
Alabama's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program took effect to:
Answer: Phase in driving privileges for new drivers safely
The GDL phases in privileges as new drivers gain experience.
A Learner License is for the purpose of:
Answer: Learning to safely operate a vehicle under supervision
The Learner License is for supervised learning.
To get a license you must also pass a:
Answer: Road (skills) test demonstrating safe vehicle control
A road test of your driving skills is required.
Stage II restrictions in Alabama generally end when the driver:
Answer: Turns 17 (with a clean record) and gets an unrestricted license
At 17, with the required clean record, restrictions lift to an unrestricted license.
An applicant under 19 (a minor) generally needs:
Answer: A parent/guardian to sign/consent
A parent or guardian must consent for a minor applicant.
The Alabama knowledge test fee is:
Answer: $5.00 (no checks)
The knowledge test fee is $5.00, no checks accepted.
A STAR I.D. (Real ID) in Alabama requires:
Answer: Documents proving identity, SSN, and residency
STAR I.D. (Real ID) requires identity, SSN, and residency documents.
During Stage II, the passenger limit does NOT count:
Answer: Family members or a supervising licensed driver 21+
Family members and a 21+ supervising driver don't count toward the one-passenger limit.
Points & Penalties 12 30-day susp. 18 3-month susp. 24 1-year susp. points → suspension length
In Alabama, accumulating 12–14 points within a 2-year period brings a suspension of:
Answer: 60 days
12–14 points in 2 years = 60-day suspension.
12 30-day susp. 18 3-month susp. 24 1-year susp. points → suspension length
Accumulating 15–17 points within 2 years brings a suspension of:
Answer: 90 days
15–17 points in 2 years = 90-day suspension.
12 30-day susp. 18 3-month susp. 24 1-year susp. points → suspension length
Accumulating 24 or more points within 2 years brings a suspension of:
Answer: 365 days
24+ points in 2 years = a 365-day (1-year) suspension.
In Alabama, passing a stopped school bus adds how many points?
Answer: 5
Passing a stopped school bus is a 5-point violation in Alabama.
Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit adds how many points?
Answer: 5
Speeding 26+ over the limit = 5 points (1–25 over = 2 points).
Following too closely adds how many points?
Answer: 3
Following too closely = 3 points.
Speeding 1–25 mph over the limit adds how many points?
Answer: 2
Speeding 1–25 over = 2 points.
Driving on the wrong side of the road or illegal passing adds:
Answer: 4 points
Wrong side of road / illegal passing = 4 points.
'Admin Per Se' (a DUI-related administrative action) adds how many points?
Answer: 6
Admin Per Se = 6 points.
Failure to yield the right-of-way adds how many points?
Answer: 5
Failure to yield = 5 points.
Failing to obey construction/maintenance zone markers adds:
Answer: 3 points
Disobeying work-zone markers = 3 points.
In Alabama you must stop and give information whenever you are:
Answer: Involved in any crash
Stop for any crash; give your name, address, registration, and show your license.
Points on an Alabama record generally stay on file for:
Answer: A set period (about 2 years for suspension counting)
Points count toward suspension within a rolling 2-year window.
In Alabama, 'Inability to Control Vehicle' is a violation worth:
Answer: 2 points
Inability to control the vehicle = 2 points.
In Alabama, an 'Emergency Vehicle Violation' adds how many points?
Answer: 2
Emergency Vehicle Violation = 2 points.
Making an improper turn adds how many points?
Answer: 2
Improper turn = 2 points.
'Coasting' (in neutral) is a violation worth:
Answer: 2 points
Coasting = 2 points.
An improper-lane violation adds:
Answer: 2 points
Improper lane usage = 2 points.
'Unsafe Operation' of a vehicle adds:
Answer: 2 points
Unsafe operation = 2 points.
Drinking alcohol while operating a vehicle (open container) adds:
Answer: 2 points
Drinking while operating = 2 points.
Improper operation of a motorcycle adds:
Answer: 2 points
Improper motorcycle operation = 2 points.
12 30-day susp. 18 3-month susp. 24 1-year susp. points → suspension length
Accumulating 18–20 points within 2 years brings a suspension of:
Answer: 120 days
18–20 points in 2 years = 120-day suspension.
12 30-day susp. 18 3-month susp. 24 1-year susp. points → suspension length
Accumulating 21–23 points within 2 years brings a suspension of:
Answer: 180 days
21–23 points in 2 years = 180-day suspension.
On a GDL, having 2 or more moving violations can result in:
Answer: Loss of the GDL / license action
2+ moving violations (or 4+ points) on a GDL can cause license action.
A first DUI in Alabama can include jail time of up to:
Answer: One year
A first DUI can carry up to one year in jail, plus fine and suspension.
Failing to maintain required (SR-22) insurance when ordered can:
Answer: Cause license suspension
Failure to maintain required insurance can suspend your license.
Speed Limits & Speed Management The maximum speed limit on an Alabama interstate is typically:
Answer: 70 MPH
Alabama interstates are generally posted at 70 MPH.
Under Alabama's basic speed law, you must not drive faster than is:
Answer: Reasonable and safe for existing conditions
Never drive faster than is reasonable and safe for road, weather, and traffic conditions.
In a school zone, you must:
Answer: Obey the posted (lower) school-zone limit during the hours indicated
Obey the reduced school-zone limit during the posted hours (often shown with flashing amber lights).
Driving over the posted limit in Alabama is:
Answer: Prima facie evidence of unlawful speed — you may be arrested
Exceeding posted limits is prima facie evidence of unlawful speed.
20 mph 40 mph 60 mph stopping distance grows with speed
As your speed rises, your total stopping distance:
Answer: Increases sharply (thinking + braking distance grow)
Total stopping distance (thinking + braking) grows quickly with speed.
Driving too slowly on an Alabama road:
Answer: Can be unlawful and impede traffic
Driving too slowly can impede traffic and be unlawful; keep with the flow where safe.
A speed that is reasonable in good weather may be unlawful when:
Answer: Conditions such as rain, fog, or traffic change
Adjust below the limit when conditions warrant — the basic speed law still applies.
In a construction/maintenance zone you should:
Answer: Obey zone markers and reduced limits; disobeying adds points
Obey work-zone markers and speeds; failing to do so is a 3-point violation.
An Alabama 'SPEED LIMIT 70' sign is typically found on:
Answer: An interstate highway
70 MPH limits appear on interstate highways.
A 'MINIMUM 45' sign means you must:
Answer: Not drive slower than 45 MPH there
A minimum-speed sign sets the slowest legal speed for that road.
In Alabama municipalities, posted limits are:
Answer: Maximum speeds you must not exceed
Municipal posted limits are maximums.
At an icy or foggy time, a normally-legal speed may be:
Answer: Unlawful under the basic speed law
Adjust below the limit for conditions — the basic speed law applies.
Alcohol, Drugs & the Law .02 under 21 .08 adult
In Alabama, an adult is DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of:
Answer: .08
Adults are DUI at .08 or more.
.02 under 21 .08 adult
A driver under 21 in Alabama is DUI at a BAC of:
Answer: .02
Under-21 drivers are DUI at .02 or more.
A commercial (CDL) driver in Alabama is DUI at a BAC of:
Answer: .04
Commercial drivers are DUI at .04 or more.
A school bus or daycare driver in Alabama is DUI at a BAC of:
Answer: .02
School bus and daycare drivers are held to a .02 limit.
A first DUI conviction in Alabama can bring a fine of:
Answer: $600–$2,100
A first DUI fine ranges from $600 to $2,100, plus possible jail and license suspension.
Besides fines and possible jail, a first DUI conviction results in:
Answer: License suspension
A first DUI also suspends your driver license.
Research shows a BAC of .05 already:
Answer: Impairs driving ability to some degree
Impairment begins well before .08 — .05 already reduces driving ability.
The only thing that reduces your BAC over time is:
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
By driving in Alabama you agree (implied consent) to:
Answer: Submit to a lawful chemical test; refusal brings a suspension
Driving = implied consent; refusing testing brings a suspension.
The safest plan if you'll be drinking is to:
Answer: Arrange a sober driver or ride
Plan a sober ride before drinking.
.02 under 21 .08 adult
In Alabama, the 'zero tolerance' style limit for drivers under 21 is a BAC of:
Answer: .02
Under-21 drivers are considered DUI at .02 BAC.
Alcohol affects a driver's:
Answer: Judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision
Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction, coordination, and vision.
You can be charged with DUI in Alabama for:
Answer: Alcohol and/or drugs that impair safe driving
DUI covers alcohol and drugs (including some medicines) that impair driving.
Being under the combined influence of alcohol and a drug:
Answer: Is DUI if it renders you incapable of driving safely
Combined alcohol and drug impairment is DUI.
The best way to avoid a DUI in Alabama is to:
Answer: Not drive after drinking — use a sober driver or ride
Never drive after drinking; arrange a sober ride.
Vehicle Equipment Alabama's window tint law exists to ensure:
Answer: Drivers and officers can see through the glass adequately
Tint must allow adequate visibility per Alabama law.
You can check tire wear using the tread and a penny; replace tires when:
Answer: Tread is too worn (you can see too much of the coin/head)
If tread is worn too low (the penny test shows too much), replace the tires.
At night and in low visibility you must use your:
Answer: Headlights
Use headlights at night and when visibility is reduced.
If your turn signals stop working, you should:
Answer: Use hand signals until repaired
Use hand signals if your signals fail.
Alabama's Mandatory Liability Insurance Law means you must:
Answer: Maintain required liability insurance
You must maintain the required liability insurance.
Before you begin driving you should:
Answer: Adjust your seat and mirrors for full control and clear view
Set your seat and mirrors before driving for control and visibility.
Your brakes should:
Answer: Be in good working order to stop the car
Keep brakes in good working order.
Windshield wipers must:
Answer: Work to keep the glass clear in rain/snow
Working wipers keep your view clear in bad weather.
Alabama requires headlights (not just parking lights) when:
Answer: Driving at night or in reduced visibility
Use headlights when driving at night or when visibility is poor.
Overly dark window tint in Alabama is:
Answer: Illegal if it blocks too much light
Tint that's too dark violates Alabama's window-tint law.
Loads on your vehicle must:
Answer: Conform to law and be secured so nothing falls off
Loads must conform to law and be secured.
Two braking systems (service and parking) should:
Answer: Both work; the parking brake holds the car
Keep both braking systems working; the parking brake should hold the vehicle.
Sharing the Road When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on a two-lane road, drivers:
Answer: In both directions must stop
On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus.
Illegally passing a stopped school bus in Alabama is a:
Answer: 5-point violation
Passing a stopped school bus is a serious 5-point violation.
Alabama's Move Over Law requires you, for stopped emergency vehicles, to:
Answer: Move over a lane if possible, or slow down
Move over for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights; if you can't, slow down.
At night, Alabama recommends bicycles be equipped with:
Answer: Lights or reflectors
Bicycles should have lights or reflectors for nighttime riding.
When sharing the road with a bicyclist, you should:
Answer: Give room and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when it's safe.
Give a motorcycle:
Answer: A full lane, like any vehicle
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you should:
Answer: Pull to the right and stop until it passes
Pull right and stop until it passes.
blind spots (No-Zones)
Around large trucks, avoid their:
Answer: Blind spots (No-Zones) in front, behind, and to the sides
Stay out of a truck's No-Zones; if you can't see the mirrors, the driver can't see you.
If you cannot safely move over for a stopped emergency vehicle, Alabama requires you to:
Answer: Slow down
If you can't move over, slow down as you pass.
When passing a bicyclist, you should:
Answer: Give room and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when safe.
Right-of-Way & Intersections You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights unless:
Answer: You are separated by a median/divided highway (opposite direction)
On a divided highway, opposite-direction traffic may not have to stop; otherwise stop.
Alabama's Move Over Law protects:
Answer: Stopped emergency and other authorized vehicles with flashing lights
Move over for stopped emergency and authorized vehicles displaying flashing lights.
At a signal marked 'NO TURN ON RED', you:
Answer: May not turn on red
Obey a 'No Turn on Red' sign — do not turn on the red light there.
Failure to yield the right-of-way in Alabama is a:
Answer: 5-point violation
Failure to yield is a serious 5-point violation.
Signaling & Communication Failing to signal or using the wrong turn signal in Alabama adds:
Answer: 2 points
Failure to signal / incorrect signal = 2 points.
You must use headlights:
Answer: At night and when visibility is reduced
Use headlights at night and in low-visibility conditions.
A left arm extended straight out means:
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
In Alabama, failure to signal or an incorrect signal is a:
Answer: 2-point violation
Failure to signal / incorrect signal = 2 points.
Safe Driving
Texting/using a hand-held device while driving in Alabama:
Answer: Is prohibited and carries fines and points
Texting/hand-held device use while driving is prohibited and penalized.
A repeat texting/device violation in Alabama brings:
Answer: Higher fines and more points on later convictions
Penalties increase with repeat convictions (e.g., $50/1pt, then $100/2pts, then $150/3pts).
If you become drowsy while driving, you should:
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest fixes drowsiness — pull over and rest.
A first texting/hand-held device conviction in Alabama is about:
Answer: $50 fine and 1 point
First conviction is roughly a $50 fine and 1 point (increasing with repeats).
Alabama's seat-belt requirement:
Answer: Applies and is enforced; secure children too
Buckle up — it's the law and it's enforced; secure children as well.
To drive safely, keep your eyes:
Answer: Moving — scan ahead, mirrors, and sides
Keep scanning ahead and checking mirrors to spot hazards.
Emergencies & Crashes If you are involved in any crash in Alabama, you must:
Answer: Stop and give your name, address, registration, and show your license
Stop for any crash and exchange the required information.
Traffic Lanes, Passing & Turning
At intersections controlled by signals, Alabama allows right on red after stopping unless:
Answer: A 'No Turn on Red' sign is posted
Right on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.