Practice test 1 of 10 — Alabama permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: C. It slows how fast alcohol is absorbed

   Food slows how fast alcohol is absorbed, but it does not stop you from becoming impaired.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

2. Question 2: A. Yes, there is usually an unmarked crosswalk

   At most intersections there is an unmarked crosswalk even with no painted lines, and you must yield to people using it.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

3. Question 3: A. Leave the lane closest to it

   On roads with four or more lanes, drivers "must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or wrecker."

   Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — Move-Over Law

4. Question 4: C. 500 feet

   You may not pass on a curve or hill if you "cannot see a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet."

   Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — No Passing Zones

5. Question 5: C. Clear the intersection, then pull over

   Do not stop in an intersection. Clear it first, then pull to the right and stop.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

6. Question 6: B. People crossing and cross traffic on green

   When turning right on red, yield to people in the crosswalk and to cross traffic that has a green light.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Turning at intersections

7. Question 7: B. Before you start to drive

   Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive, so you can see well and are not distracted on the road.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle equipment

8. Question 8: B. Proof of insurance

   In most states you must carry proof of insurance or financial responsibility and show it when asked.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Licensing rules

9. Question 9: D. Three to twelve times as much

   On snow or ice "it takes three to twelve times as much distance to stop" as on dry pavement, so keep well back.

   Handbook: Chapter 7: Adjust to Driving Conditions — Slippery Roads Are Hazardous

10. Question 10: A. Yes, at all times

    The Alabama manual says "People on bicycles may ride two abreast at all times."

    Handbook: Chapter 3: The Driving Task — Sharing the Road with Bicycles

11. Question 11: A. No, unless signs or markings allow it

    Driving on the shoulder to pass is generally not allowed unless signs or markings say you may.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Passing

12. Question 12: B. Signal right before your exit

    Signal right just before your exit so others know you are leaving the roundabout.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Roundabouts

13. Question 13: D. Directions, exits and distances

    Green guide signs show directions, exits and how far it is to places ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

14. Question 14: D. Your tires cannot push water away fast enough

    At higher speed, tires cannot clear the water fast enough and can ride up on a thin layer of it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

15. Question 15: C. Well before the intersection

    Move into the correct lane well before the intersection so you do not swerve at the last moment.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Turns

16. Question 16: B. Look through the gap and pull over

    Look through the gap under the hood or out the side window, slow down and pull off the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle failures

17. Question 17: D. To build skill while risk is high

    In most states, new drivers have limits while they gain skill, since crash risk is highest in the first months.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Licensing rules

18. Question 18: B. Trains cannot stop quickly or steer away

    A train cannot steer and may need a mile or more to stop, so you must always yield to it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Railroad crossings

19. Question 19: A. About four times as far

    Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling your speed makes it about four times as far.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

20. Question 20: A. People may be crossing the road ahead

    This pedestrian crossing sign warns that people may be crossing. Slow down and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

21. Question 21: C. Go on to the next exit

    Never back up or turn around on a highway. Drive on to the next exit.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

22. Question 22: A. It slows your reactions and blurs vision

    Alcohol slows your reactions, blurs vision and weakens coordination, even in small amounts.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

23. Question 23: B. Being tired or distracted

    Being tired or distracted slows how fast you notice and react, which adds to your stopping distance.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

24. Question 24: A. A sharp right turn that needs a low speed

    The bent arrow means a sharp turn to the right, which needs a much lower speed than a gentle curve.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

25. Question 25: B. At the south and west state lines

    Alabama mileposts help pinpoint crashes, and "Zero mileage should begin at the south and west state lines" or where a route begins.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signs, Signals and Road Markings — Informational or Guide Signs

26. Question 26: A. Services such as gas, food and lodging

    Blue signs show services for drivers, such as gas, food, lodging and hospitals.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

27. Question 27: B. From a one-way street onto a one-way street going left

    From a one-way street, you may turn left on red when "the street you turn left onto is a one-way street" with traffic moving right to left.

    Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — Stopping

28. Question 28: C. Parks, recreation and places of interest

    Brown signs guide you to parks, recreation areas and places of cultural or historic interest.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

29. Question 29: A. With a quick flick of your headlights

    Signal the driver ahead before you pass; the manual says "a flick of headlights at night is helpful."

    Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — No Passing Zones

30. Question 30: C. 30 days

    A new resident with a valid license from the previous state may drive "for 30 days after becoming a resident."

    Handbook: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive — An Alabama Driver License Is Not Required for These People