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Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. To earn your Alabama motorcycle license, you must pass both a knowledge test and on-cycle skills test. Knowledge test questions are based on information from the AL DMV Motorcycle Operator Manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and safe riding practices. The written knowledge test consists of 30 questions. To pass you must correctly answer at least 24 questions (80%).
1.
When traveling behind a car, ride ______, where the driver is most likely to see you.
in the center portion of the lane
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in the driver's blind spot
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in the left part of the lane
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2.
Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are two critical skills in avoiding a crash. Most riders involved in a crash:
underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear.
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underbrake the rear tire and overbrake the front.
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overbrake the rear tire and pull in the clutch.
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3.
Where is the engine cut off switch located?
Near the left handgrip
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Near the right handgrip
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Near the left foot pedal
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4.
To discourage other vehicles from trying to share your lane, you should:
increase your speed.
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ride in the center lane position.
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turn on your high beam headlights.
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5.
Surfaces that provide poor traction include:
roads in residential areas.
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gravel roads.
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exit ramps.
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6.
You should start your motorcycle in:
neutral.
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first gear.
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second gear.
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7.
In _______ turns, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle.
normal
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quick, sharp
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All the other answers are correct.
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8.
The front brake is operated by:
the left-hand lever.
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the right-hand lever.
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the left-foot pedal.
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9.
If you encounter
a large surface so slippery that you
must coast:
stop and walk the bike across.
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consider letting your feet skim along the
surface.
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accelerate or maintain your speed.
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10.
When you ride with other motorcyclists, you should:
keep the group small.
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check your mirrors frequently.
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All of the above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure you've got all you need when applying. Ensure you bring the following documents to fulfill the necessary requirements:
- Proof of identity, such as a passport or a certified birth certificate
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of residency (at least two documents)
- Proof of school enrollment (if you are younger than 19)
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need a valid passport and a proof of your legal presence in the U.S.
To obtain a class D driver's license in Alabama, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
- For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
- For a restricted license, you must be 16 years old or older.
- For an unrestricted or regular license, you must be at least 17 years old. However, individuals aged 17 must hold a restricted license for at least six months before applying for a regular license. If you are 18 years old or older, you may apply for a driver’s license immediately (the road skills exam is required).
Individuals who are 18 or older, those aged 17 or older with valid licenses for six months or more, individuals 16 or older who are married and the head of the household, and emancipated individuals are exempt from the GDL program.
After completing a pre-application online for your first license or permit, you can check where the nearest Alabama DMV office is located and its business hours. Call the office or go in person to take your knowledge test.
Alabama provides the option to take the DMV written test in several foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese. For those who are hearing impaired, exams are offered also in American Sign Language at certain driver license offices.
The DMV written test test is based on the Alabama Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
After passing the required examination, new drivers receive a driver's license with the 'Y' restriction. This allows them to drive accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older or a certified driving instructor seated beside them. For drivers who are 16 years old or 17 with a license of less than 6 months, specific restrictions apply:
- No more than 1 non-family passenger, excluding parents, guardians, or supervising licensed drivers at least 21 years old.
- No driving between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or under certain exceptions like work, school events, religious events, or emergencies.
- It is unlawful to use handheld communication devices while driving.
Upon passing the road test, a regular license is issued, and the 'Y' restriction is removed.
In Alabama, the learner's license is valid for four years, with the option to renew it once. This waiting period ensures you have ample time to gain valuable driving experience and feel confident before the road exam.