Alabama permit-test flashcards

Read an existing practice question, consider its choices, then reveal the answer and explanation. This set has 20 sourced cards selected from the existing Alabama printable sample.

A short sample of car driving questions. Read the handbook to cover the other topics you need.

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Card 1 · Signals and right of way

Your signal turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing in front of you. What should you do?

  1. Yield until the pedestrian is clear.
  2. Move forward because the light changed.
  3. Sound your horn and turn around the pedestrian.
  4. Expect the pedestrian to return to the curb.
Show answer for card 1

Correct answer: Yield until the pedestrian is clear.

A green signal does not remove your responsibility to yield to people and vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Green signal; p. 54; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 2 · Signals and right of way

Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time. One is on your right. Who yields?

  1. The vehicle on your right yields to you.
  2. You yield to the vehicle on your right.
  3. The smaller vehicle goes first.
  4. The driver traveling farther has priority.
Show answer for card 2

Correct answer: You yield to the vehicle on your right.

At an uncontrolled intersection, a driver yields to the vehicle on the right when their arrivals are approximately simultaneous.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Uncontrolled intersections; p. 63; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 3 · Signals and right of way

Before entering a roundabout, you should:

  1. Expect circulating drivers to stop for you.
  2. Enter beside another vehicle without checking.
  3. Yield to vehicles already circulating.
  4. Drive clockwise to reach a nearby exit.
Show answer for card 3

Correct answer: Yield to vehicles already circulating.

Traffic in the roundabout has priority over entering traffic. Enter a suitable gap and follow the counterclockwise traffic flow.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Entering roundabouts; p. 57; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 4 · Signals and right of way

A school bus has stopped with red lights flashing and its stop arm extended on an undivided four-lane Alabama road. You are approaching in the opposite direction. What must you do?

  1. Continue because there are two lanes each way.
  2. Continue if you cannot see children crossing.
  3. Stop only if you are in the lane nearest the bus.
  4. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
Show answer for card 4

Correct answer: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.

On an undivided four- or six-lane road, both directions must stop. Alabama's opposite-direction exception requires separated roadways; lane count alone is not enough.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; School buses on undivided multilane roads; p. 61–62; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 5 · Signals and right of way

You have stopped for a school bus. What signal changes must occur before you proceed, once the way is safe?

  1. The stop arm retracts and the red lights stop flashing.
  2. The amber lights on another bus flash.
  3. One child reaches the sidewalk.
  4. Traffic behind you begins sounding horns.
Show answer for card 5

Correct answer: The stop arm retracts and the red lights stop flashing.

Remain stopped while the bus displays its stop arm and red flashing signals. Proceed only after the arm retracts, the red flashing stops, and the way is safe.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; School bus stop arm and red lights; p. 61; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 6 · Lanes, turns and parking

How far before a turn does the Alabama manual tell you to begin signaling?

  1. Only during the last 10 feet.
  2. At least 100 feet before the turn.
  3. Only after you begin steering.
  4. At least 1,000 feet before every turn.
Show answer for card 6

Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the turn.

Signal at least 100 feet before turning so other road users can understand your intention. A signal does not give you the right of way.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Turn signals; p. 21; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 7 · Lanes, turns and parking

What is a shared center left-turn lane intended for?

  1. Passing a slow vehicle.
  2. Continuous travel when the regular lane is busy.
  3. Preparing for or making a left turn.
  4. Parking while waiting for a passenger.
Show answer for card 7

Correct answer: Preparing for or making a left turn.

A two-way left-turn lane serves turning movements. It is not an extra through lane or a passing lane.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Two-way left-turn lane; p. 54; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 8 · Lanes, turns and parking

How close may you park to a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection in Alabama?

  1. As close as 3 feet.
  2. Within 5 feet if your hazard lights are on.
  3. On the crosswalk if you stay in the car.
  4. No closer than 20 feet.
Show answer for card 8

Correct answer: No closer than 20 feet.

The manual prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection. Do not block the crosswalk itself either.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Uncontrolled-intersection crosswalks; p. 29; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 9 · Lanes, turns and parking

When should you adjust the driver's seat and mirrors?

  1. Before you start driving.
  2. While entering the first busy intersection.
  3. After reaching normal traffic speed.
  4. Only after another driver warns you.
Show answer for card 9

Correct answer: Before you start driving.

Set the seat and mirrors before moving so you can see clearly, reach the controls and maintain an appropriate position for the restraints and airbag.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Adjusting seat and mirrors; p. 12; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 10 · Lanes, turns and parking

A car is passing you. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Accelerate until it falls back behind you.
  2. Keep a steady course and do not speed up.
  3. Move toward the centerline to discourage it.
  4. Brake suddenly without a traffic reason.
Show answer for card 10

Correct answer: Keep a steady course and do not speed up.

Do not compete with a passing driver. Maintaining your course without accelerating helps the other vehicle complete the pass safely.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Being passed; p. 64; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 11 · Safety and road sharing

Under good conditions, which following-time guideline does the Alabama manual describe?

  1. A half-second interval.
  2. A fixed one-car-length gap at any speed.
  3. A two-second interval.
  4. A one-second interval above 50 mph.
Show answer for card 11

Correct answer: A two-second interval.

The manual describes a two-second following method for good conditions. It is a starting guideline, not a guarantee that every situation leaves enough stopping room.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Two-second following guideline; p. 36; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 12 · Safety and road sharing

What is the safest time to reduce speed for a sharp curve?

  1. At the sharpest point using hard braking.
  2. Only after you feel the tires sliding.
  3. After leaving the curve.
  4. Before entering the curve.
Show answer for card 12

Correct answer: Before entering the curve.

Slow before the curve so the tires can use their traction for steering through it. Avoid entering too fast and relying on abrupt braking.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Curves; p. 23; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 13 · Safety and road sharing

After you recognize a hazard, your car travels while you move your foot toward the brake. Does that travel count toward the stopping distance?

  1. Yes; reaction time adds distance before braking begins.
  2. No; the car stops traveling until the pedal is pressed.
  3. No; only skid marks count as stopping distance.
  4. Only when the vehicle has a manual transmission.
Show answer for card 13

Correct answer: Yes; reaction time adds distance before braking begins.

The Alabama manual includes thinking or reaction distance as well as braking distance. Faster recognition does not make the vehicle stop instantly.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Thinking and reaction distance; p. 36–37; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 14 · Safety and road sharing

A tire suddenly blows out while you are moving. What should you do first?

  1. Stamp on the brake immediately.
  2. Hold the steering wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator.
  3. Turn sharply toward the nearest driveway.
  4. Accelerate to stabilize the damaged tire.
Show answer for card 14

Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator.

Keep the vehicle tracking as steadily as possible and slow gradually. Sudden braking or steering can make the loss of control worse.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Tire blowout; p. 73; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 15 · Safety and road sharing

A motorcycle is using a lane ahead. May you treat the unused part of that lane as your own passing space?

  1. Yes, if your car fits beside it.
  2. Yes, whenever the rider stays to one side.
  3. No; allow the motorcycle the full lane.
  4. Only while approaching a stop sign.
Show answer for card 15

Correct answer: No; allow the motorcycle the full lane.

Motorcycles need room to adjust position around hazards. Do not crowd a rider by trying to share the same lane with your car.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Motorcycle lane space; p. 26; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 16 · Permits and driver responsibilities

What is the minimum age for an Alabama Stage I learner license?

  1. 14.
  2. 16.
  3. 18.
  4. 15.
Show answer for card 16

Correct answer: 15.

Stage I starts at age 15. The applicant must also satisfy the examination and other application requirements.

Source: ALEA Graduated Driver License; Stage I — minimum age; current published page reviewed September 21, 2026. This page supplies current GDL requirements where the manual differs. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 17 · Permits and driver responsibilities

Does an Alabama applicant age 18 need to spend six months in Stage II before applying for Stage III?

  1. No; an adult may apply directly, while still meeting the testing requirements.
  2. Yes; every applicant must spend six months in Stage II.
  3. Yes; the holding period is longer for adults.
  4. No; adults receive a license without a road test.
Show answer for card 17

Correct answer: No; an adult may apply directly, while still meeting the testing requirements.

The GDL restrictions do not apply at 18. ALEA allows an adult to apply immediately for Stage III, but requires a passing road-skills result.

Source: ALEA Graduated Driver License; Stage III — age 18 applicants; current published page reviewed September 21, 2026. This page supplies current GDL requirements where the manual differs. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 18 · Permits and driver responsibilities

May an Alabama Stage II license holder use a handheld communication device while driving?

  1. Yes; if the conversation lasts less than a minute.
  2. No; Stage II prohibits handheld communication-device use while driving.
  3. Yes; if the passenger started the call.
  4. Only while driving below 25 mph.
Show answer for card 18

Correct answer: No; Stage II prohibits handheld communication-device use while driving.

ALEA lists the handheld-device prohibition as a Stage II restriction. Set up what you need before driving and stop safely before handling a device.

Source: ALEA Graduated Driver License; Stage II — handheld devices; current published page reviewed September 21, 2026. This page supplies current GDL requirements where the manual differs. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 19 · Permits and driver responsibilities

Which material should you use to prepare for the Alabama car knowledge test?

  1. Only the vehicle maintenance warranty.
  2. Only questions written for another state's motorcycle exam.
  3. The Alabama Driver Manual's laws, road signs and safe-driving guidance.
  4. Only directions to the testing office.
Show answer for card 19

Correct answer: The Alabama Driver Manual's laws, road signs and safe-driving guidance.

ALEA says the knowledge test draws from the Alabama Driver Manual and covers traffic laws, signs and safe driving. Independent quizzes supplement that source.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Knowledge test material; p. 11; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 20 · Permits and driver responsibilities

At the beginning of the road test, what should you do about your seat belt?

  1. Use it only after the examiner asks.
  2. Leave it unfastened during parking maneuvers.
  3. Wear it only on the freeway portion.
  4. Fasten it before driving.
Show answer for card 20

Correct answer: Fasten it before driving.

Make fastening your seat belt part of the pre-drive routine. The Alabama manual tells you to adjust and fasten it before starting the engine; this question does not claim a specific automatic-failure scoring rule.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Before driving; p. 20; reviewed September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

These are selected learning examples, not state examination questions or complete handbook coverage. Read the original source when a condition or exception is unclear.