Practice test 2 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: A. It may not turn off on its own

   Many motorcycle turn signals do not turn off on their own, so wait to see the rider actually turn.

   Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Motorcycles

2. Question 2: C. A hospital is nearby

   A blue sign with a white "H" points the way to a nearby hospital.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Guide and service signs

3. Question 3: C. No, it is illegal in Alabama

   The manual says that in Alabama "it is illegal for people on bicycles to ride on the sidewalk."

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

4. Question 4: B. 35 mph

   Alabama's statutory limits list "35 miles per hour unpaved road" where no other limit is posted.

   Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — Speed Limits

5. Question 5: C. Left turns by traffic from both directions

   This is a two-way left-turn lane. Drivers from both directions use it only to make left turns.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

6. Question 6: A. Stop and let the person cross

   Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way. Stop and let them finish crossing.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

7. Question 7: A. Gravity keeps pulling the car forward

   Going downhill, gravity keeps pulling the car forward, so it takes longer to stop; slow down and leave more space.

   Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

8. Question 8: B. It throws snow and may stop suddenly

   Snowplows throw snow, move slowly and may stop or turn suddenly, so stay well back.

   Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Emergency and work vehicles

9. Question 9: D. Half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise

   Headlights must be on "from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise" and when visibility is poor.

   Handbook: Chapter 7: Adjust to Driving Conditions — Night Driving

10. Question 10: D. Under 16

    People on bicycles "under the age of 16 years are required to wear" a securely fastened helmet.

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

11. Question 11: A. Yes, alcohol can still be in your blood

    Yes. After heavy drinking, alcohol can still be in your blood the next morning, even after sleep.

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

12. Question 12: C. A gap in traffic to merge into

    Look for a safe gap in traffic, signal, and match your speed to merge into it.

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

13. Question 13: A. You may not pass other vehicles here

    This sign means do not pass. You must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

14. Question 14: C. Yes, if that speed is unsafe for conditions

    Yes. Under the basic speed rule you can be ticketed for driving at the limit when conditions make that speed unsafe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule

15. Question 15: B. Stop in a safe place and rest

    The only cure for being drowsy is rest. Stop in a safe place and sleep or switch drivers.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Fatigue

16. Question 16: C. Ease off the gas and steer back gently

    Ease off the gas, then steer back onto the pavement gently once you have slowed down.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Running off the road

17. Question 17: B. Slow down, honk, and steer right

    Slow down, warn the driver with your horn and steer right. Do not steer left into its lane, since it may move back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

18. Question 18: C. It is getting ready to stop

    Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop. Slow down and get ready to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — School buses

19. Question 19: A. You go with care; cross traffic stops

    Flashing red means the cross street must stop. Your flashing yellow means you may go on with care.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Signals and right of way

20. Question 20: D. Turning left

    This sign bans left turns. You may go straight or turn right if those moves are allowed.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

21. Question 21: D. Keep a safe following distance

    A safe following distance gives you time to react and stop if the car ahead stops suddenly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

22. Question 22: D. Cover the brake so you can stop fast

    Taking your foot off the gas and covering the brake cuts the time it takes to stop if a child runs out.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

23. Question 23: D. Leave more space than usual

    Towing adds weight, so it takes longer to stop. Leave more space than usual.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

24. Question 24: A. You are driving against traffic

    A wrong way sign means you are driving against the flow of traffic. Pull over safely and turn back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

25. Question 25: C. Only where signs show it is allowed

    Alabama says "Double right turns are only permitted at intersections that are properly signed," so other places use normal right-turn rules.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signs, Signals and Road Markings — Regulatory Signs

26. Question 26: C. Follow the signs around a closed road

    A detour sign leads you around a closed road. Follow the detour signs to get back on your route.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Work zone signs

27. Question 27: A. No, a stop is not required

    On a divided highway with four or more lanes, "a stop is not required" when the bus is stopped in the opposing roadway.

    Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws — Stopping

28. Question 28: B. A safe speed for the curve in good conditions

    The yellow plaque shows an advisory speed, a safe speed for the curve in good conditions. In bad weather go slower than 35 MPH.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

29. Question 29: C. Wreckers with flashing amber lights

    The law applies to stopped emergency vehicles and to "wreckers displaying flashing amber lights."

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

30. Question 30: D. Extended by 6 months or until age 18

    A violation results in "the restrictive period being extended by 6 months" or until the driver reaches 18.

    Handbook: Additional Information: GDL Summary — Enforcement