Free Alabama DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Set 1 · 25 free questions
Set 1 covers warning signs, penalties, and traffic lights, plus more from the Alabama ALEA written test. Every question comes with a hint and an explanation based on the Alabama Driver Manual.
Study mode: See the correct answer, hints, and detailed explanation after each question.
The actual Alabama ALEA knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need at least 24 correct (80%) to pass. This practice test is based on the Alabama Driver Manual. The test fee is $36. Tests are administered Computer-based at ALEA driver license office.
Inside Alabama practice test 1
This set has 25 questions. Here is what it covers and how learners do on it.
Topics in this set
- warning signs
- penalties
- traffic lights
- car light truck towing
- assumptions
- backing
- emergency vehicles
- lane changes
- ice snow
- car seatbelts child safety
Toughest question in this set
You are waiting to turn left at a green light but oncoming traffic is heavy. You should:
Tricky one: only about 40% get this right on the first try.
Try sample Alabama questions
These questions come from our bank of 591+. The real Alabama written test draws from similar material in the official driver handbook.
How long is the license suspension for a first DUI conviction in Alabama?
The safest way to follow a large truck on the highway is to:
You should never assume other drivers will:
The 25 questions in Alabama practice test 1
Plain-text version of this question set
What does this sign mean?
- A. A sharp hill descends just beyond this point ahead
- B. Two separate highways merge into a single lane soon
- C. A roundabout is ahead, so slow and prepare to yield
- D. The paved road surface ends a short distance ahead
Hint: The circular arrows show how traffic flows here.
Explanation: This warns of a roundabout ahead. Slow down, choose your lane, and yield to traffic already in the circle before you enter.
How long is the license suspension for a first DUI conviction in Alabama?
- A. 30 days
- B. 60 days
- C. 6 months
- D. 90 days
Hint: Alabama offers an alternative to full license suspension through ignition interlock devices.
Explanation: A first DUI conviction in Alabama results in a 90-day license suspension. This may be stayed if the offender installs an ignition interlock device for 90 days.
You are waiting to turn left at a green light but oncoming traffic is heavy. You should:
- A. Turn in front of the oncoming traffic
- B. Move into the intersection and wait
- C. Give up and go straight
- D. Wait behind the stop line
Hint: When you want to turn left but oncoming traffic prevents it, there is a proper way to wait.
Explanation: In most states you may move forward into the intersection on a green light and wait there for a gap in oncoming traffic or for the light to turn yellow, at which point oncoming traffic must stop and you can complete your turn. Keep your wheels pointed straight while you wait so you are not pushed into oncoming traffic if you are hit from behind, and never back out of the intersection. Note: a few states (for example Colorado) advise the opposite and tell drivers to wait at the stop line until there is a safe gap, since waiting in the intersection can block emergency vehicles and leave you exposed if the light changes. Of the choices given, moving into the intersection to wait is the most widely accepted technique. The other options are wrong: never turn in front of oncoming traffic, you do not have to give up and go straight, and waiting behind the stop line is only required in certain states.
The safest way to follow a large truck on the highway is to:
- A. Stay far enough back to see its mirrors
- B. Tuck in close behind to cut wind drag
- C. Match its speed from directly beside it
- D. Follow closely so it can see your lights
Hint: If its mirrors are hidden, so are you.
Explanation: Hang back far enough that the truck's mirrors are visible to you, which is also the point at which its driver can see you.
You should never assume other drivers will:
- A. Drive safely
- B. Stopping at all of the red lights
- C. Use turn signals
- D. See you, yield, or obey the law
Hint: The most fundamental principle of defensive driving is to never count on others to drive correctly.
Explanation: Never assume other drivers will see you, yield, or obey traffic laws. Defensive driving means being prepared for others' mistakes.
Before backing up, you should:
- A. Walk around your vehicle to check for obstacles
- B. Check your mirrors only
- C. Just look in your rearview mirror
- D. Sound your horn
Hint: The safest action before reversing happens outside your vehicle, not inside it.
Explanation: Always walk completely around your vehicle before backing up to check for children, pets, toys, or obstacles that might not be visible from the driver's seat. Mirrors and cameras have blind spots.
An ambulance with its lights and siren on passes you and clears a path through traffic. What should you do?
- A. Follow close behind it to get through traffic
- B. Stay well back and never follow it closely
- C. Pass it as soon as the road ahead is clear
- D. Keep pace right beside it in the next lane
Hint: The path it clears is for the emergency, not for you.
Explanation: Never follow an emergency vehicle closely or use it to get through traffic. Stay well back so it can stop or turn suddenly. Many states set a minimum distance in law, so learn your state's number from its handbook.
Before changing lanes, you must:
- A. Check mirrors only
- B. Honk to warn other drivers
- C. Mirrors, signal, then blind spot
- D. Signal and change lanes immediately
Hint: A proper lane change involves a specific sequence of safety checks.
Explanation: Always follow the complete sequence: check mirrors, signal your intention, physically check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder, and then change lanes only when it's safe.
On ice or snow, you should:
- A. Brake hard to test traction
- B. Reduce speed and increase following distance
- C. Maintain normal speed and following distance
- D. Use cruise control for better control
Hint: Winter conditions demand both slower speeds and much greater space between vehicles.
Explanation: Ice and snow dramatically reduce traction. Slow down significantly and increase following distance to at least 8-10 seconds. Gentle, smooth movements are essential.
NHTSA guidance is that a front air bag works best when the driver's chest is:
- A. At least ten inches from the steering wheel
- B. As close to the wheel as comfort allows
- C. Directly against the center of the wheel
- D. Below the level of the steering column
Hint: The bag needs space to open before it meets you.
Explanation: Leaving about ten inches between your chest and the wheel gives the air bag room to inflate before it reaches you.
This road sign indicates:
- A. The center lane is for left turns only. Never use it to pass or to travel through traffic.
- B. This parking space is reserved for persons with disabilities who have a valid placard or plate.
- C. Proceed straight only; turning movements prohibited
- D. Pedestrian crossing ahead; watch for people walking
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this regulatory sign.
Explanation: The Center Lane Only sign (R3-9a) indicates: The center lane is for left turns only. Never use it to pass or to travel through traffic. The center lane is only used for vehicles turning left, and should never be used for passing or moving through traffic. The only time a vehicle should enter the center lane is at a point where the vehicle will have time to slow down or stop to make a safe left turn.
If you damage a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, you must:
- A. Leave a note and report it to police
- B. Only leave a note if damage is major
- C. Wait for 5 minutes then leave
- D. Just leave - no one saw it
Hint: Damaging a parked vehicle creates legal obligations even if no one witnessed the incident.
Explanation: If you hit a parked vehicle, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note with your contact information on the vehicle and report the crash to police.
Your car begins to hydroplane on a wet road. You should:
- A. Brake firmly and steer to the shoulder
- B. Ease off the accelerator
- C. Accelerate to push through the water
- D. Turn the steering wheel back and forth
Hint: The tires are riding on water. Give them a chance to reach the pavement again.
Explanation: Ease your foot off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight. As the car slows, the tires cut back through the water and regain contact with the road.
Wearing a seat belt:
- A. Reduces death or serious injury by about 50%
- B. Is only necessary on highways and freeways
- C. Is optional for adults
- D. Only protects in minor crashes
Hint: The statistical evidence for seat belt effectiveness is one of the most well-documented safety facts.
Explanation: Seat belts reduce the risk of death by about 45% and serious injury by 50% in crashes. They're the single most effective safety device in your vehicle.
Yellow pavement markings separate:
- A. Lanes going the same direction
- B. Opposite directions of travel
- C. Parking spaces
- D. Shoulders from travel lanes
Hint: The color of the pavement marking tells you the direction relationship between lanes.
Explanation: Yellow lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic flowing in the same direction.
What is the fine for a seat belt violation in Alabama?
- A. $10
- B. $25
- C. $50
- D. $75
Hint: Alabama's seat belt fine is assessed per unbelted occupant rather than per vehicle.
Explanation: The fine for a seat belt violation in Alabama is $25 per unbelted occupant. No points are assessed for seat belt violations.
At a two-lane roundabout in Alabama, you plan to make a U-turn. Which lane should you use to enter?
- A. The right lane
- B. The left lane
- C. Either lane, if you signal
- D. The truck apron
Hint: Think of a U-turn as the biggest left turn there is.
Explanation: The Alabama manual's two-lane roundabout guide says to use the left lane for left turns and U-turns, the right lane for right turns, and to follow markings or signs for going straight. The truck apron is for the rear wheels of large trucks, not for cars.
This sign means:
- A. Merge into the right lane
- B. Lane added from the right
- C. Exit lane
- D. The right lane ends ahead
Hint: The diagram on this sign shows an additional travel path joining the existing roadway.
Explanation: This sign indicates that a new lane is being added from the right. Traffic in the new lane must yield to through traffic.
A combination has a GCWR over 26,000 pounds, and the trailer being towed has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. Which Alabama license class covers it?
- A. Class D, the regular car license
- B. Class B commercial license
- C. Class A commercial license
- D. Class C commercial license
Hint: Look at the weight of the vehicle being towed, not only the total.
Explanation: In Alabama, Class A covers combination vehicles with a GCWR over 26,000 pounds when the towed vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 pounds. Class B allows a towed vehicle of no more than 10,000 pounds. Class D does not cover this combination.
Your accelerator pedal sticks while you drive. What does the Alabama manual suggest trying first to free it?
- A. Pumping the brake pedal several times
- B. Lifting it with your toe under it
- C. Shifting into reverse to stop the wheels
- D. Pulling the parking brake as hard as you can
Hint: The first try uses your foot on the stuck pedal itself.
Explanation: The Alabama manual says you may be able to free a stuck accelerator by hooking your toe under the pedal and trying to raise it. If that does not work, you can turn the engine off to slow the vehicle down.
What does this sign mean?
- A. The bridge surface freezes before the road surface. Use extreme caution in cold weather.
- B. The road ahead makes two sharp turns in opposite directions.
- C. The road surface may become slippery when wet. Reduce speed.
- D. The divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for two-way traffic.
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this warning sign.
Explanation: The Divided Highway Ends sign (W6-2) indicates: The divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for two-way traffic. This sign warns that the median separating opposing traffic is ending and you will encounter head-on traffic.
What does this sign mean?
- A. Work is being done on the road shoulder. Stay in your lane.
- B. The road is reduced to one lane ahead. Be prepared to take turns with oncoming traffic.
- C. Follow the detour route to bypass a closed section of road.
- D. Divided highway ends ahead; prepare for oncoming traffic
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this construction sign.
Explanation: The Shoulder Work sign (W21-5) indicates: Work is being done on the road shoulder. Stay in your lane. This sign warns that the shoulder is being repaired or is unusable due to construction activity.
What does this sign mean?
- A. The bridge ahead allows only one lane of traffic. Yield to oncoming vehicles already on the bridge.
- B. There is a low place in the road ahead. Slow down to avoid losing control or an uncomfortable jolt.
- C. The road ahead splits into two. Choose your direction early and watch for traffic in both branches.
- D. The road surface ahead is rough. Slow down to keep control and to avoid damage to your vehicle.
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this warning sign.
Explanation: The Rough Road sign (W8-8) indicates: The road surface ahead is rough. Slow down to keep control and to avoid damage to your vehicle. The pavement ahead is in poor condition, with holes, ruts or broken edges. Slow down before you reach it. Hitting rough pavement at speed can cost you steering control, damage tires and suspension, and shift an unsecured load.
On a multi-lane road, which lane should you use for normal driving?
- A. The center lane, to stay clear of merging traffic
- B. The left lane, so that slower traffic can merge freely
- C. The right lane, except when passing or avoiding hazards
- D. Any lane, provided you keep pace with traffic
Hint: On multi-lane roads, one specific lane is designated as the default travel lane for most driving.
Explanation: Use the right lane for normal travel on multi-lane roads. The left lane is for passing. Move left to pass or to allow merging traffic.
The Alabama manual explains why motorcycles are hard to pick out in traffic. About how wide is a motorcycle compared with a car's five to six feet?
- A. About four feet wide
- B. About three and a half feet wide
- C. About the same as a small car
- D. About two feet wide
Hint: It is roughly a third of a car's width.
Explanation: The Alabama manual says motorcycles are only about two feet wide, compared with the five-to-six-foot width of a car. That small size is one reason drivers fail to see them or misjudge how far away and how fast they are. Look carefully for motorcycles, especially before turning left.