Alabama Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, press the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns that direction.

Front brake supplies about 70 percent of stopping power on a dry paved surface; apply both brakes together and squeeze the front lever progressively.

In a curve, hold steady or slightly increasing throttle and look through the turn to the exit; braking hard mid-corner reduces traction available for leaning.

Minimum following distance for a motorcycle is 2 seconds in ideal conditions; add 1 second for each adverse factor (rain, gravel, night, heavy traffic).

Riding position in a lane: left third for visibility to oncoming traffic, center third for lane-blocking protection, right third when passing parked cars or turning left.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds; a motorcycle's small profile makes it easy for drivers to overlook.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections and toll booths - that is where engine oil and coolant drip and collect.

Group riding: staggered formation with a 2-second gap to the rider directly ahead and a 1-second gap to the rider beside you; single file in curves and on entry ramps.

A motorcycle's turn signal is usually not self-canceling; cancel it manually after every lane change and turn.

Alabama requires a Class M endorsement on a valid driver license to operate a motorcycle on public roads; a permit restricts riding to daylight hours and prohibits carrying passengers.

Alabama law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet meeting federal DOT standards.

Two motorcycles may share a lane only if the operator of the other motorcycle consents; no more than two abreast in a single lane.

Lane splitting (riding between moving traffic lanes) is not authorized in Alabama; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

A motorcycle may not be operated on a sidewalk, and may not pass another vehicle in the same lane by riding between lanes of traffic.

When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.

At a steady red light or stop sign, a motorcycle operator must come to a complete stop; a right turn on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

Following an emergency vehicle with lights and siren is prohibited closer than 500 feet; move to the right and stop when one approaches.

Alabama's implied consent law: refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest results in license suspension even if never convicted of DUI.

Sign shape carries meaning: octagon = stop, inverted triangle = yield, diamond = warning, pennant = no passing zone, rectangle = regulatory or guide, round = railroad advance warning.

Sign color carries meaning: red = stop/prohibit, yellow = warning, orange = construction, green = guide/distance, blue = services, brown = recreation/cultural, white = regulatory.

A solid yellow center line means no passing in either direction when doubled; a single broken yellow line permits passing when the way is clear.

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes moving in the same direction; crossing it is discouraged or prohibited.

Flashing yellow signal = proceed with caution; flashing red signal = stop, then proceed when clear, treated like a stop sign.

A railroad crossbuck sign or pavement markings with an X and two R's indicate a crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR is the advance warning.

A five-sided (pentagon) yellow sign marks a school zone or school crossing ahead; reduce speed and watch for children.

A yellow diamond with a curved arrow indicates a curve ahead; the speed shown on an advisory plaque is the recommended maximum for that curve.

Alabama's DUI threshold for riders 21 and older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent; for riders under 21 the limit is 0.02 percent.

A commercial driver license holder is subject to a 0.04 percent BAC threshold while operating a commercial vehicle.

Alcohol impairs balance, throttle control, and judgment before the rider feels intoxicated; a motorcycle demands more coordination than a car, so impairment shows up sooner.

Alabama's implied consent law applies to motorcycle operators; refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers automatic license suspension.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge when they render the operator incapable of safe driving, even with a valid prescription.

First-offense DUI penalties can include license suspension, fines, mandatory education or treatment, and possible jail time; penalties escalate with prior convictions.

Alcohol is eliminated at roughly one standard drink per hour, and nothing (coffee, cold showers, food) speeds that rate up.

Fatigue multiplies impairment: 18 hours awake produces driving effects comparable to a BAC near the legal limit.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, press the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns that direction.

Front brake supplies about 70 percent of stopping power on a dry paved surface; apply both brakes together and squeeze the front lever progressively.

In a curve, hold steady or slightly increasing throttle and look through the turn to the exit; braking hard mid-corner reduces traction available for leaning.

Minimum following distance for a motorcycle is 2 seconds in ideal conditions; add 1 second for each adverse factor (rain, gravel, night, heavy traffic).

Riding position in a lane: left third for visibility to oncoming traffic, center third for lane-blocking protection, right third when passing parked cars or turning left.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds; a motorcycle's small profile makes it easy for drivers to overlook.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections and toll booths - that is where engine oil and coolant drip and collect.

Group riding: staggered formation with a 2-second gap to the rider directly ahead and a 1-second gap to the rider beside you; single file in curves and on entry ramps.

A motorcycle's turn signal is usually not self-canceling; cancel it manually after every lane change and turn.

Alabama requires a Class M endorsement on a valid driver license to operate a motorcycle on public roads; a permit restricts riding to daylight hours and prohibits carrying passengers.

Alabama law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet meeting federal DOT standards.

Two motorcycles may share a lane only if the operator of the other motorcycle consents; no more than two abreast in a single lane.

Lane splitting (riding between moving traffic lanes) is not authorized in Alabama; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

A motorcycle may not be operated on a sidewalk, and may not pass another vehicle in the same lane by riding between lanes of traffic.

When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.

At a steady red light or stop sign, a motorcycle operator must come to a complete stop; a right turn on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

Following an emergency vehicle with lights and siren is prohibited closer than 500 feet; move to the right and stop when one approaches.

Alabama's implied consent law: refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest results in license suspension even if never convicted of DUI.

Sign shape carries meaning: octagon = stop, inverted triangle = yield, diamond = warning, pennant = no passing zone, rectangle = regulatory or guide, round = railroad advance warning.

Sign color carries meaning: red = stop/prohibit, yellow = warning, orange = construction, green = guide/distance, blue = services, brown = recreation/cultural, white = regulatory.

A solid yellow center line means no passing in either direction when doubled; a single broken yellow line permits passing when the way is clear.

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes moving in the same direction; crossing it is discouraged or prohibited.

Flashing yellow signal = proceed with caution; flashing red signal = stop, then proceed when clear, treated like a stop sign.

A railroad crossbuck sign or pavement markings with an X and two R's indicate a crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR is the advance warning.

A five-sided (pentagon) yellow sign marks a school zone or school crossing ahead; reduce speed and watch for children.

A yellow diamond with a curved arrow indicates a curve ahead; the speed shown on an advisory plaque is the recommended maximum for that curve.

Alabama's DUI threshold for riders 21 and older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent; for riders under 21 the limit is 0.02 percent.

A commercial driver license holder is subject to a 0.04 percent BAC threshold while operating a commercial vehicle.

Alcohol impairs balance, throttle control, and judgment before the rider feels intoxicated; a motorcycle demands more coordination than a car, so impairment shows up sooner.

Alabama's implied consent law applies to motorcycle operators; refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers automatic license suspension.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge when they render the operator incapable of safe driving, even with a valid prescription.

First-offense DUI penalties can include license suspension, fines, mandatory education or treatment, and possible jail time; penalties escalate with prior convictions.

Alcohol is eliminated at roughly one standard drink per hour, and nothing (coffee, cold showers, food) speeds that rate up.

Fatigue multiplies impairment: 18 hours awake produces driving effects comparable to a BAC near the legal limit.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, press the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns that direction.

Front brake supplies about 70 percent of stopping power on a dry paved surface; apply both brakes together and squeeze the front lever progressively.

In a curve, hold steady or slightly increasing throttle and look through the turn to the exit; braking hard mid-corner reduces traction available for leaning.

Minimum following distance for a motorcycle is 2 seconds in ideal conditions; add 1 second for each adverse factor (rain, gravel, night, heavy traffic).

Riding position in a lane: left third for visibility to oncoming traffic, center third for lane-blocking protection, right third when passing parked cars or turning left.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds; a motorcycle's small profile makes it easy for drivers to overlook.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections and toll booths - that is where engine oil and coolant drip and collect.

Group riding: staggered formation with a 2-second gap to the rider directly ahead and a 1-second gap to the rider beside you; single file in curves and on entry ramps.

A motorcycle's turn signal is usually not self-canceling; cancel it manually after every lane change and turn.

Alabama requires a Class M endorsement on a valid driver license to operate a motorcycle on public roads; a permit restricts riding to daylight hours and prohibits carrying passengers.

Alabama law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet meeting federal DOT standards.

Two motorcycles may share a lane only if the operator of the other motorcycle consents; no more than two abreast in a single lane.

Lane splitting (riding between moving traffic lanes) is not authorized in Alabama; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

A motorcycle may not be operated on a sidewalk, and may not pass another vehicle in the same lane by riding between lanes of traffic.

When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.

At a steady red light or stop sign, a motorcycle operator must come to a complete stop; a right turn on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

Following an emergency vehicle with lights and siren is prohibited closer than 500 feet; move to the right and stop when one approaches.

Alabama's implied consent law: refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest results in license suspension even if never convicted of DUI.

Sign shape carries meaning: octagon = stop, inverted triangle = yield, diamond = warning, pennant = no passing zone, rectangle = regulatory or guide, round = railroad advance warning.

Sign color carries meaning: red = stop/prohibit, yellow = warning, orange = construction, green = guide/distance, blue = services, brown = recreation/cultural, white = regulatory.

A solid yellow center line means no passing in either direction when doubled; a single broken yellow line permits passing when the way is clear.

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes moving in the same direction; crossing it is discouraged or prohibited.

Flashing yellow signal = proceed with caution; flashing red signal = stop, then proceed when clear, treated like a stop sign.

A railroad crossbuck sign or pavement markings with an X and two R's indicate a crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR is the advance warning.

A five-sided (pentagon) yellow sign marks a school zone or school crossing ahead; reduce speed and watch for children.

A yellow diamond with a curved arrow indicates a curve ahead; the speed shown on an advisory plaque is the recommended maximum for that curve.

Alabama's DUI threshold for riders 21 and older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent; for riders under 21 the limit is 0.02 percent.

A commercial driver license holder is subject to a 0.04 percent BAC threshold while operating a commercial vehicle.

Alcohol impairs balance, throttle control, and judgment before the rider feels intoxicated; a motorcycle demands more coordination than a car, so impairment shows up sooner.

Alabama's implied consent law applies to motorcycle operators; refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers automatic license suspension.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge when they render the operator incapable of safe driving, even with a valid prescription.

First-offense DUI penalties can include license suspension, fines, mandatory education or treatment, and possible jail time; penalties escalate with prior convictions.

Alcohol is eliminated at roughly one standard drink per hour, and nothing (coffee, cold showers, food) speeds that rate up.

Fatigue multiplies impairment: 18 hours awake produces driving effects comparable to a BAC near the legal limit.