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Every Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle must have a driver license or learner’s permit. The DMV written test covers the contents of the Alabama DMV Driver’s Manual. It contains questions on Alabama road signs, traffic laws, and rules of safe driving. The Alabama DMV written knowledge test consists of 40 questions. To pass the AL DMV test, you must correctly answer at least 32 questions (80%). Practice with this sample test to familiarize yourself with the format of the Alabama driver's license test.
1.
If you remain in the back blind spot of a large vehicle:
you increase the chance of a crash.
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the large vehicle will take much longer to stop.
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you can reduce fuel consumption.
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2.
If you see a “lane closed ahead” sign you should:
make a U-turn. You are on the wrong side of the road.
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merge into the correct lane when it is safe.
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speed to the end of the closed lane and try to get into the other lane.
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3.
You should increase your following distance:
at night or if it is raining.
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when the road is slippery.
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All of the above.
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4.
You are traveling on a two-lane road and you want to pass a bicyclist who is ahead of you to your right. An oncoming vehicle is approaching. You should:
keep driving, you have the right-of-way.
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honk your horn to warn the pedestrian.
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slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass first.
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5.
The best way to deal with tailgaters is to:
let them pass if it's safe to do so.
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flash your brake lights.
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always keep your eyes focused ahead of your car.
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6.
If you continually pass the other vehicles on a road with one lane in each direction, you will:
help prevent the chances of a crash occurring due to traffic congestion.
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get to your destination much faster.
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increase your chances of being involved in an accident.
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7.
This road sign means:
Railroad crossing
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One way
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Limited parking
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8.
Alcohol:
makes you less aware of what is happening to your driving abilities.
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makes it easier to make correct decisions.
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improves your reaction time.
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9.
What do flashing red lights on a school bus indicate?
The bus is stopped to load or discharge passengers.
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Traffic that approaches from either direction may proceed.
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The bus is about to stop.
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10.
Roads are the most slippery:
the first rain after a dry spell.
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after it has been raining for an hour or more.
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for the first 2 hours of a rain storm.
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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.