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Alabama Permit Test study materials
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Alabama Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When you approach a steady red traffic light at an intersection, what must you do?

  1. Sound your horn and continue through
  2. Stop only if another vehicle is approaching
  3. Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line Correct answer.
  4. Slow to 15 mph and proceed if the way is clear

Explanation

A steady red light requires a full stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. You may only proceed when the light turns green or, where permitted, after stopping and yielding for a right turn. Rolling through or treating a red as a yield is a violation.

Question 2Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A flashing red traffic signal at an intersection should be treated the same as which of the following?

  1. A flashing yellow light
  2. A yield sign
  3. A green light
  4. A stop sign Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red light means stop completely, then proceed only when it is safe, exactly like a stop sign. A flashing yellow, by contrast, means slow down and use caution without a required stop.

Question 3Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What does a solid yellow traffic light indicate?

  1. Speed up to clear the intersection before the red
  2. Come to an immediate stop wherever you are
  3. The light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely Correct answer.
  4. The intersection is closed ahead

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is changing to red. You should stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution.

Question 4Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time, which vehicle has the right of way?

  1. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  2. The vehicle on the left
  3. The larger vehicle
  4. The vehicle that is traveling faster

Explanation

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This rule prevents collisions when vehicles arrive simultaneously.

Question 5Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are approaching a crosswalk where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. What is the correct action?

  1. Flash your headlights so the pedestrian waits
  2. Yield and allow the pedestrian to cross Correct answer.
  3. Continue if you are traveling at the speed limit
  4. Drive around the pedestrian in the next lane

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and should stop for a pedestrian waiting to cross. Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right of way.

Question 6Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the maximum speed limit in an Alabama school zone while children are present, unless otherwise posted?

  1. 35 mph
  2. 25 mph Correct answer.
  3. 45 mph
  4. 15 mph

Explanation

Alabama law sets a 25 mph speed limit in school zones when children are present unless a different limit is posted. Drivers should slow down and watch for children near schools.

Question 7Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When must you use your headlights while driving?

  1. Only when it is completely dark outside
  2. From sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor Correct answer.
  3. Only on roads without streetlights
  4. Only when it is raining heavily

Explanation

Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is reduced, such as in rain, fog, or smoke. They help you see and help others see you.

Question 8Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A solid white line on your side of the roadway indicates what?

  1. You may cross it freely to pass
  2. Parking is permitted anywhere along it
  3. It marks the edge of the travel lane or a shoulder boundary Correct answer.
  4. Traffic on your side moves in the opposite direction

Explanation

A solid white line typically marks the right edge of the roadway or the boundary of a lane, such as a shoulder. You should stay within your lane and cross only when necessary and safe.

Question 9Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving and a fire truck with lights and siren approaches from behind. What should you do?

  1. Continue at the same speed in the left lane
  2. Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes Correct answer.
  3. Stop in your lane and wait
  4. Speed up to stay ahead of the fire truck

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull over to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it has passed. This clears a path for emergency response.

Question 10Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

How far before making a turn should you signal your intention?

  1. At least 500 feet
  2. At least 50 feet
  3. At least 100 feet Correct answer.
  4. At least 200 feet

Explanation

You should signal at least 100 feet before turning so other drivers have time to react. Signaling earlier is safer and helps communicate your intentions.

Question 11Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When may you legally pass another vehicle on the right?

  1. When the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn, if there is a safe lane Correct answer.
  2. Whenever the vehicle ahead is moving slowly
  3. Only on a two-lane road with a broken yellow line
  4. Only when a police officer directs you to do so

Explanation

Passing on the right is generally allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is a lane or shoulder available to pass safely. Passing on the right in other situations, such as driving off the pavement, is not permitted.

Question 12Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the proper way to make a left turn from a two-way street onto another two-way street?

  1. Turn from the right lane into any open lane
  2. Turn from the left lane into the far right lane
  3. Turn from the lane nearest the center line into the lane nearest the center line Correct answer.
  4. Turn from any lane as long as you signal

Explanation

A left turn should begin from the lane closest to the center line and end in the lane closest to the center line of the new road. This keeps you out of oncoming traffic and other lanes.

Question 13Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are on a divided highway and see a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing. What must you do?

  1. Slow down and pass carefully
  2. Stop only if the bus is in your lane
  3. Stop, because the red lights apply to your direction of travel Correct answer.
  4. Continue at the speed limit if no children are visible

Explanation

On a divided highway, you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. Traffic in the opposite direction on a divided highway is not required to stop.

Question 14Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When are you permitted to drive in a carpool (HOV) lane?

  1. Only during daylight hours
  2. Only when you meet the posted occupancy requirement or are otherwise exempt Correct answer.
  3. Whenever traffic is heavy
  4. Whenever you are passing slower traffic

Explanation

HOV lanes may be used only by vehicles meeting the posted occupancy requirement, such as two or more people, or by vehicles exempted by law. Solo drivers may not use them just because traffic is heavy.

Question 15Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What does a broken yellow line on your side of the center line mean?

  1. The road is one-way
  2. You may pass when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  3. You must drive in the left lane
  4. Passing is prohibited in both directions

Explanation

A broken yellow line on your side permits passing when there is a clear view and it is safe. A solid yellow line on your side would prohibit passing.

Question 16Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A driver approaching a yield sign must do what?

  1. Stop only if a pedestrian is present
  2. Come to a complete stop in every case
  3. Slow down and stop only if necessary to yield to traffic Correct answer.
  4. Maintain speed and merge without checking

Explanation

A yield sign requires you to slow down and give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting road. You need to stop only when necessary to avoid a collision.

Question 17Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving on a road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. During heavy fog, what should you do?

  1. Follow the vehicle ahead closely for guidance
  2. Maintain 45 mph because it is the legal limit
  3. Turn on your high beams and keep the same speed
  4. Reduce your speed to a level safe for the reduced visibility Correct answer.

Explanation

The posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions. In fog or other poor visibility, you must slow to a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see.

Question 18Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the correct action when an authorized emergency vehicle is stopped on the roadside with its lights flashing?

  1. Speed up to pass before it moves
  2. Stop completely in your lane
  3. Change lanes away from it if possible or slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  4. Honk to warn the responders

Explanation

Move over a lane if you can do so safely, or slow down and proceed with caution when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights on. This protects responders and stranded motorists.

Question 19Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When may you make a right turn on a steady red light in Alabama?

  1. Only between midnight and dawn
  2. Never under any circumstances
  3. After a complete stop, when there is no sign prohibiting it and you yield to traffic Correct answer.
  4. Without stopping if no traffic is present

Explanation

A right turn on red is allowed after coming to a complete stop, provided no sign prohibits it and you yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. This applies unless a posted sign says otherwise.

Question 20Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving on a two-lane road and want to pass a slower vehicle. Which condition must be met before passing?

  1. You must flash your headlights to warn oncoming traffic
  2. The passing zone must be clearly marked with a broken line on your side and the way ahead must be clear Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle ahead must be traveling under 30 mph
  4. You must be within 100 feet of the vehicle ahead

Explanation

Passing is permitted only where a broken line on your side allows it and you have a clear view and enough distance to complete the maneuver safely. Passing in a no-passing zone is illegal.

Question 21Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What should you do if you miss your exit on a freeway?

  1. Stop and back up along the shoulder
  2. Continue to the next exit and turn around there Correct answer.
  3. Reverse carefully in the travel lane
  4. Make a U-turn through the median

Explanation

If you miss an exit, continue to the next one and find a safe way back. Backing up, stopping on the shoulder to reverse, or making a U-turn across a median on a freeway is dangerous and illegal.

Question 22Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are entering a freeway from an on-ramp. How should you merge with traffic?

  1. Drive on the shoulder until you find a gap
  2. Merge immediately at the bottom of the ramp
  3. Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic and merge when there is a safe gap Correct answer.
  4. Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a large gap

Explanation

Use the acceleration lane to build speed to match freeway traffic, then merge into a safe gap. Stopping at the end of the ramp disrupts traffic and increases collision risk.

Question 23Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are stopped at a four-way stop and a vehicle arrives from the opposite direction at the same time. You both intend to go straight. Who goes first?

  1. Both vehicles may proceed at the same time
  2. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle on the left
  4. The vehicle that honks first

Explanation

When two vehicles facing each other arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously and both go straight, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If one is turning left, that vehicle must yield to the one going straight.

Question 24Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving on a road with a solid yellow line on your side and a broken yellow line on the other side. What does this mean for you?

  1. The lane is reserved for turning traffic
  2. You may pass if the way is clear
  3. Passing is prohibited for traffic in your direction Correct answer.
  4. You may cross into the oncoming lane to make a U-turn

Explanation

When the yellow line nearest you is solid, passing is prohibited for your direction of travel. The broken line on the opposite side allows oncoming traffic to pass when safe.

Question 25Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

Under Alabama law, when must a driver stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading children on an undivided two-lane road?

  1. Only when traveling behind the bus
  2. Only when children are visible in the roadway
  3. In both directions of travel, whether approaching from behind or meeting the bus Correct answer.
  4. Only if the bus has its stop arm extended and you are behind it

Explanation

On an undivided two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. The exception applies to divided highways, where only same-direction traffic must stop.

Question 26Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

  1. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  2. Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection
  3. The signal is out of order and you must turn around
  4. Stop only if another vehicle is approaching

Explanation

A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and cross the intersection carefully, yielding to traffic and pedestrians as needed. It does not require a full stop when the way is clear.

Question 27Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A steady red arrow pointing left is displayed. What may you do?

  1. Proceed straight through the intersection
  2. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic
  3. Turn left only if no pedestrians are present
  4. Wait until the arrow changes before turning left Correct answer.

Explanation

A red arrow is a stop signal for the movement it controls. You must remain stopped until a green arrow or other permissive signal appears for that direction.

Question 28Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What must you do when you approach a stop sign at an intersection with a marked stop line?

  1. Stop at the stop line, then proceed when safe Correct answer.
  2. Stop past the line where you can see cross traffic
  3. Slow to a rolling stop and continue
  4. Stop only if a vehicle is visible on the cross street

Explanation

A stop line marks the point where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign. Stopping there keeps the crosswalk and intersection clear and gives the best view of cross traffic.

Question 29Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are approaching an intersection where the traffic signal is dark because of a power failure. How should you treat the intersection?

  1. Sound your horn and continue at the speed limit
  2. Yield only to vehicles coming from the right
  3. Proceed through without slowing since the signal is off
  4. Treat it as a four-way stop Correct answer.

Explanation

When a signal is not functioning, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Each vehicle stops and then proceeds in turn based on arrival order.

Question 30Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the general rule for passing a vehicle traveling in the same direction?

  1. Pass on the left after signaling and confirming the way is clear Correct answer.
  2. Pass on the right whenever the lane is clear
  3. Pass on the shoulder to avoid crossing the center line
  4. Pass on either side as long as you exceed the speed limit briefly

Explanation

The normal passing maneuver is made on the left. The driver must signal, check that the passing lane and oncoming lane are clear, and complete the pass only when it can be done safely.

Question 31Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When is it unsafe and unlawful to begin a pass?

  1. When the vehicle ahead is traveling below the speed limit
  2. When you are on a road with two lanes in your direction
  3. When approaching a curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  4. When you have already signaled your intention to pass

Explanation

Passing is prohibited where visibility is limited, such as on curves, hills, or at intersections, because you cannot confirm the oncoming lane is clear. A pass must be started only with a clear view ahead.

Question 32Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on a four-lane road divided by a raised median. You are traveling in the opposite direction. What must you do?

  1. Slow to 15 mph and pass carefully
  2. Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing
  3. Stop only if children are visible on your side
  4. Continue at your normal speed because a median separates the directions Correct answer.

Explanation

On a divided highway with a raised median or physical barrier, traffic in the opposite direction is not required to stop for a school bus. Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Question 33Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving behind a school bus on an undivided two-lane road when its red lights begin flashing. What is required?

  1. Stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing Correct answer.
  2. Pass the bus slowly on the left
  3. Continue if you are more than 100 feet behind
  4. Stop only if the bus extends its stop arm

Explanation

On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights. You may proceed only after the lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving.

Question 34Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering that reads "SPEED LIMIT 55" indicate?

  1. A suggested speed for good conditions
  2. The speed you must maintain in the left lane
  3. The maximum lawful speed in ideal conditions Correct answer.
  4. The minimum speed allowed on the road

Explanation

A regulatory speed limit sign sets the maximum lawful speed under favorable conditions. Drivers must reduce speed when weather, traffic, or road conditions require it.

Question 35Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is Alabama's basic speed law for all drivers?

  1. Drive no faster than the vehicle ahead
  2. Drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions Correct answer.
  3. Drive at least the minimum posted speed
  4. Drive at the posted limit at all times

Explanation

The basic speed law requires drivers to operate at a speed that is safe for current conditions, even if that is below the posted maximum. Posted limits apply only under favorable conditions.

Question 36Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway and a faster vehicle approaches from behind. What should you do?

  1. Brake to encourage the other driver to pass on the right
  2. Maintain your speed to keep traffic predictable
  3. Move to the right lane when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  4. Speed up so the other vehicle cannot pass

Explanation

Slower traffic should keep right, and a driver being overtaken should move right when it is safe to allow the faster vehicle to pass. Blocking the left lane impedes traffic flow.

Question 37Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the purpose of a center left-turn lane marked with solid and broken yellow lines?

  1. To allow vehicles to make U-turns anywhere along the road
  2. To serve as a bicycle lane during peak hours
  3. To allow through traffic to pass slower vehicles
  4. To provide a lane for vehicles turning left from either direction Correct answer.

Explanation

A two-way left-turn lane in the center of the road lets drivers from either direction decelerate and wait for a gap before turning left. It is not a travel or passing lane.

Question 38Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You want to change lanes on a multi-lane road. What is the correct sequence?

  1. Check the mirror and move immediately
  2. Honk, then move into the adjacent lane
  3. Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, then move when clear Correct answer.
  4. Signal and move at the same time

Explanation

A safe lane change requires signaling your intention, checking mirrors and the blind spot, and moving only when there is adequate space. Other drivers need time to see and react to your signal.

Question 39Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When are you required to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian?

  1. Only when a crossing guard is present
  2. Only when the pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk
  3. Only when the pedestrian has pressed a signal button
  4. When the pedestrian is crossing in a crosswalk or when you are turning and they are in your path Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and to pedestrians in the path of a turn. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way.

Question 40Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are turning left at an intersection and a pedestrian is crossing the street you are entering. What must you do?

  1. Complete the turn ahead of the pedestrian
  2. Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries
  3. Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path Correct answer.
  4. Turn behind the pedestrian without stopping

Explanation

A driver turning must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway being entered. You should wait until the pedestrian has safely cleared your intended path.

Question 41Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on a slick road?

  1. Accelerate to regain traction
  2. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid Correct answer.
  3. Apply firm, continuous braking
  4. Steer sharply in the opposite direction of the skid

Explanation

Easing off the accelerator and steering in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding helps the tires regain traction. Abrupt braking or steering can worsen the skid.

Question 42Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When driving in rain, what is the main reason to increase your following distance?

  1. To allow faster vehicles to pass on the right
  2. Because rain reduces the posted speed limit
  3. To keep spray off the vehicle behind you
  4. Because wet roads increase stopping distances Correct answer.

Explanation

Wet pavement reduces tire grip and lengthens stopping distance, so a larger following gap is needed to allow time to stop. Rain also reduces visibility, adding to the need for space.

Question 43Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the recommended following distance under normal driving conditions?

  1. Two seconds or more behind the vehicle ahead Correct answer.
  2. One second behind the vehicle ahead
  3. Exactly three car lengths regardless of speed
  4. Half a car length at any speed

Explanation

A following gap of at least two seconds gives a driver time to perceive and react to a sudden stop. The gap should be increased in poor weather, at night, or when following large vehicles.

Question 44Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

A large truck ahead of you is making a right turn. Why should you avoid passing it on the right?

  1. Trucks may swing wide to the left before turning right Correct answer.
  2. Trucks cannot see vehicles behind them
  3. Trucks always stop before turning
  4. Trucks are required to turn from the left lane

Explanation

Large vehicles often need to swing left before completing a right turn because of their wide turning radius. Passing on the right can put you in the space the truck needs and in a blind spot.

Question 45Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign generally indicate?

  1. A service such as food or lodging
  2. A warning of a road condition or hazard ahead Correct answer.
  3. A route marker for a state highway
  4. A regulatory requirement such as a speed limit

Explanation

Yellow diamond signs warn drivers of upcoming conditions such as curves, intersections, or lane changes. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to respond.

Question 46Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You see a sign warning of a winding road ahead. What is the safest response?

  1. Reduce speed before the curves and stay within your lane Correct answer.
  2. Maintain your speed and stay in the center of your lane
  3. Move to the left lane to straighten the curves
  4. Accelerate through the curves to maintain momentum

Explanation

A winding road warning tells you to slow down before entering the curves and to keep your vehicle within its lane. Entering curves too fast risks losing control or crossing the center line.

Question 47Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

When are you allowed to drive across a sidewalk to enter a driveway?

  1. Only after yielding to pedestrians and when it is safe Correct answer.
  2. Only if the driveway is marked with a sign
  3. Never, because sidewalks are for pedestrians only
  4. Whenever you need to reach the driveway

Explanation

Drivers may cross a sidewalk to enter or leave a driveway, but must yield to pedestrians using the sidewalk. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in this situation.

Question 48Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What is the safest way to handle a vehicle that is tailgating you?

  1. Speed up well beyond the limit to create distance
  2. Brake sharply to warn the driver
  3. Increase the space ahead of you and let the driver pass when possible Correct answer.
  4. Wave the driver around on a curve

Explanation

Creating more room ahead lets you stop gradually rather than abruptly, reducing the chance the tailgater will rear-end you. If the driver persists, allow them to pass when it is safe.

Question 49Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

You are parking on a two-way street. In which direction should your wheels be turned when parking uphill with a curb?

  1. Straight ahead
  2. Turned toward the curb
  3. Turned in either direction
  4. Turned away from the curb Correct answer.

Explanation

When parking uphill with a curb, turning the front wheels away from the curb lets the curb stop the vehicle if it rolls backward. When parking downhill, the wheels should be turned toward the curb.

Question 50Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws

What should you do before opening your door on the street side after parallel parking?

  1. Leave the door open as a warning to others
  2. Check mirrors and look over your shoulder for approaching traffic and cyclists Correct answer.
  3. Open the door only after honking
  4. Open the door quickly to alert traffic

Explanation

Checking mirrors and looking over your shoulder before opening a door helps prevent collisions with passing vehicles and cyclists. Opening a door into traffic can cause serious crashes.