Alabama DMV · Permit Test Prep
Alabama DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Alabama handbook
The Alabama knowledge test, administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), is a 30-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the official Alabama Driver Manual, covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving practices. You need 80% (24 out of 30) to pass, and Alabama sets no official time limit, so you can work at your own pace. Alabama runs a three-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program with a midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew and passenger limits that trip up a lot of first-timers. Work through the real, manual-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Alabama-specific questions, progress tracking, and a full explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Alabama DMV written test
The 30 questions on the real Alabama test are drawn from these chapters of the official Alabama Driver Handbook.
The Driver and Driver Readiness
Driver error and human factors, fatigue and highway hypnosis, emotions, distracted driving, and cell-phone use behind the wheel.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; traffic lights, flashing signals, railroad-crossing signals, and pavement markings.
Rules of the Road
Right-of-way, intersections, turning, signaling, changing lanes, and keeping to the right.
Speed Control and Safe Driving
Posted and basic speed limits, the danger of excessive speed, following distance, and avoiding rear-end collisions.
Passing and Lane Changes
No-passing zones, broken vs. solid center lines, blind spots, and returning to your lane safely.
Sharing the Road
Large trucks and buses, No-Zones, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Driving Conditions and Emergencies
Night driving, rain, snow and ice, tire blowouts, carbon monoxide, and what to do after a crash.
Alcohol, Drugs, and the Law
BAC limits, how alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, implied consent, and Alabama DUI penalties.
Practice Questions
12 free Alabama DMV practice questions
Real Alabama-specific questions sourced from the official Alabama Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · DUI Laws
Under Alabama law, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are all individuals considered definitely impaired?
- A.05 percent
- B.08 percent✓ Correct
- C.10 percent
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, greater impairment results as blood alcohol concentration increases. At .08 percent, all individuals are definitely impaired, and under Alabama law it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle at or above this level.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 33 · Alcohol
Question 2 · Speed Limits
The maximum posted speed limit on a road should only be driven under what conditions?
- AWhenever traffic is light, regardless of weather
- BIdeal driving conditions✓ Correct
- CDuring daylight hours on dry roads only
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, posted speed limits represent maximum legal speeds under normal, ideal conditions. Under the basic speed law, you must never drive faster than is reasonable given existing road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 60 · Speed Limits
Question 3 · Right of Way
When turning left at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to:
- AOnly vehicles traveling straight through the intersection
- BAll oncoming vehicles and any pedestrians crossing your path✓ Correct
- COnly emergency vehicles with lights activated
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, when making a left turn you must yield to all oncoming traffic as well as any pedestrians who are in or about to enter the intersection.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 63 · Turning
Question 4 · Pedestrian Laws
When must you yield to a pedestrian in Alabama?
- AOnly when the pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk
- BOnly when the pedestrian has the traffic signal in their favor
- CWhenever a pedestrian is lawfully crossing your path, whether in a marked crosswalk or not✓ Correct
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing their path at intersections and crossings. You are required to yield whenever a pedestrian is crossing where they have the right of way, not only in marked crosswalks.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 63 · Right of Way
Question 5 · Highway Driving
Why is following another vehicle too closely (tailgating) considered dangerous?
- AIt causes increased tire wear from frequent braking
- BMost rear-end collisions result from following too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance✓ Correct
- CIt forces other drivers to change lanes unnecessarily
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, most rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely. The space ahead of your vehicle is the easiest to control, and maintaining an adequate following distance is essential for safe driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 36 · How to Avoid Rear End Collisions
Question 6 · Lane Changes & Passing
Under Alabama law, in which situation is it lawful to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road using the opposing traffic lane?
- AWhenever the vehicle ahead is traveling more than 10 mph below the posted speed limit
- BOnly when the center line nearest to you is a broken (dashed) line and the pass can be completed safely✓ Correct
- COn any road, as long as no oncoming traffic is currently visible
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, No Passing Zones are marked by solid lines. Passing using the opposing lane is only permitted when the center line on your side is a broken dashed line. Even then, the pass must be completed safely with adequate visibility and distance.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 64 · No Passing Zones
Question 7 · Turns & Intersections
Before entering an intersection, in what order should you look to check for hazards?
- ARight, then left
- BLeft, then right, then left again✓ Correct
- CLeft only, since vehicles approaching from the left are closer to you
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, before entering an intersection you should look to the left, then right, then left again for approaching vehicles or crossing pedestrians. You look left a second time because vehicles from your left will be closer than those approaching from the right.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 62 · Right of Way and Yielding
Question 8 · Parking Rules
You are parking facing downhill on a two-way road with no curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
- AStraight ahead so the vehicle stays centered in the parking space
- BTo the left, toward the center of the road
- CTo the right, toward the edge of the road✓ Correct
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, when parking downhill on a road with no curb (or uphill with no curb), turn your front wheels to the right toward the road's edge so the vehicle will roll away from traffic if the brakes fail.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 29 · Parking
Question 9 · Accidents & Emergencies
What is one of the most common causes of tire blowouts according to the Alabama Driver Manual?
- AOver-inflation of the tire
- BUnder-inflation of the tire✓ Correct
- CDriving at highway speeds for extended periods
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, under-inflation is one of the most common reasons for blowouts. When a tire loses air rapidly it will pull the car to the side. Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential to prevent blowouts.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 74 · Tire Blowout
Question 10 · Weather & Visibility
On a slippery road, how should you adjust your following distance compared to a dry road?
- ADecrease it — braking is faster on smooth surfaces
- BKeep it the same — your brakes work independently of road conditions
- CIncrease it — it takes longer to stop when traction is reduced✓ Correct
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, following distance must be increased on slippery roads because reduced traction means your vehicle needs more distance to stop safely. The type and condition of the road surface directly affects stopping distance.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 36 · How to Avoid Rear End Collisions
Question 11 · Traffic Signs & Signals
When approaching an intersection controlled by a flashing yellow light, what are you required to do?
- ACome to a complete stop and wait for the light to change to green
- BSlow down, proceed with caution, and yield to cross traffic✓ Correct
- CProceed at normal speed since flashing yellow lights are only advisory
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, a flashing yellow light is a warning signal requiring you to slow down and proceed with caution. You must be prepared to yield to crossing traffic. A complete stop is not required unless cross traffic or pedestrians are present.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 55 · Traffic Signals
Question 12 · General Rules
What does a double solid yellow centerline on a two-lane road indicate?
- APassing is permitted from the left lane only
- BPassing is not permitted from either direction✓ Correct
- CThe center of the road is reserved for turning vehicles
Why: According to the Alabama Driver Manual, when the broken line is replaced by two solid yellow lines, passing is prohibited for traffic moving in both directions. Neither lane of traffic may cross the double solid yellow lines to pass.
Source: Alabama Driver Handbook, page 52 · Pavement Markings
988+ more Alabama practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeAlabama-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Alabama and frequently show up on the test.
Graduated Driver License (GDL) night curfew
Stage II restricted-license holders may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, or for documented work, school, religious, or medical reasons. Alabama begins the GDL process with a Stage I learner license at age 15.
GDL passenger restriction
A Stage II driver may not carry more than one passenger other than parents, legal guardians, or family members, unless a supervising licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat.
Statewide ban on texting and handheld devices
Texting while driving is illegal for all Alabama drivers, with fines of $25, $50, and $75 for first, second, and third offenses. Stage II GDL drivers may not use any handheld communication device while driving.
Alabama Move Over Act
On a highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you must vacate the lane nearest a stopped emergency or law-enforcement vehicle. If you cannot move over safely, slow to at least 15 mph below the posted speed limit.
White cane / guide dog right-of-way
At any intersection, Alabama law requires you to stop and yield the right-of-way to a blind pedestrian who is using a guide dog or carrying a white cane tipped with red.
How to get your Alabama driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Alabama's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Alabama: 15 for a Stage I learner license; 16 for a Stage II restricted license; 17 (or 18+) for an unrestricted license. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Alabama Driver Manual (alea.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Alabama written test has 30 questions, and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $5 knowledge-test fee, plus $36.25 to issue the Stage I learner license.
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Alabama requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Alabama issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Alabama DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Alabama test
1,000+ Alabama-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Alabama Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Alabama questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Alabama DMV.
FAQ
Alabama DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Alabama knowledge test?
- The Alabama knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving rules from the official Alabama Driver Manual. You must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass.
What's the passing score for the Alabama permit test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 6 of the 30 questions. The threshold is the same for first-time testers and retakes.
How old do I have to be to get a learner license in Alabama?
- You can apply for a Stage I learner license at age 15 through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). A Stage II restricted license is available at 16, and an unrestricted license at 17 (or at 18 and older with no GDL holding period).
Can I take the Alabama knowledge test online?
- No. Alabama requires the knowledge test to be taken in person at an ALEA driver license office. You can schedule an appointment through alea.gov before you go.
How many times can I retake the Alabama test if I fail?
- If you do not pass, you may retake the knowledge test after a short waiting period set by the office. Each attempt is covered by the $5 test fee, and there is no statewide cap on retakes.
How much does an Alabama learner license cost?
- The knowledge test costs $5, and it is $36.25 to issue the Stage I learner license once you pass. There is no separate charge for taking the written exam beyond the $5 test fee.
Is there a time limit on the Alabama knowledge test?
- No. Alabama (ALEA) does not publish an official time limit for the knowledge test, so you can work through all 30 questions at your own pace. Most testers finish well within 30 minutes.
What is the Alabama GDL night curfew?
- Stage II restricted-license holders may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, or driving for documented work, school, religious, or medical reasons. Stage II drivers are also limited to one non-family passenger and may not use a handheld device while driving.
Coming Soon
Alabama motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Alabama motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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