20 questions from the Alabama driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the minimum blood alcohol concentration threshold for persons under 21 years of age to be considered under the influence?
Answer: .02 percent. The handbook lists specific BAC limits, stating that drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a limit of .02%.
Alabama driver handbook, page 35: “Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.”
2. According to the Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law, what is the minimum liability coverage required for death or bodily injury to one person?
Answer: $25,000. The handbook states that the minimum coverage limit for injury to a single person is $25,000.
Alabama driver handbook, page 70: “Liability insurance policies must be issued by insurers licensed to do business in Alabama for no less than: • $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person;”
3. When entering a freeway via an entrance ramp with an acceleration lane, what is the correct procedure for merging?
Answer: Increase speed to match that of vehicles in the through lanes and merge smoothly. The handbook instructs drivers to match the speed of through traffic and merge smoothly, rather than stopping or driving slowly.
Alabama driver handbook, page 78: “As you approach and enter the acceleration lane, increase speed to match that of vehicles in the through lanes, if possible. Watch for an opening, activate your turn signal, and merge smoothly with the other traffic.”
4. Where are pedestrians instructed to walk when on a roadway?
Answer: As far left as possible, in single file. The safety rules for pedestrians specify staying as far left as possible and walking in single file on roadways.
Alabama driver handbook, page 67: “When walking on a roadway, stay as far left as possible, in single file.”
5. When is a motor vehicle driver permitted to drive in a designated bicycle lane?
Answer: To park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, or to prepare for a turn. The handbook lists specific exceptions allowing a vehicle in a bike lane: parking where permitted, entering/leaving the highway, or preparing for a turn.
Alabama driver handbook, page 26: “Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a motor vehicle on such a roadway shall not drive in the bicycle lane except to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, or to prepare for a turn.”
6. What should you do if your accelerator pedal sticks?
Answer: Hook your toe under the pedal and attempt to raise it. The handbook suggests trying to physically lift the stuck pedal with your toe as a first step.
Alabama driver handbook, page 77: “If your accelerator pedal sticks, you may be able to free it by hooking your toe under the pedal and attempting to raise it.”
7. What should you do if your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor?
Answer: Try pumping the pedal to build up pressure. The handbook instructs drivers to pump the brake pedal to build pressure if it sinks to the floor.
Alabama driver handbook, page 76: “If your brake pedal suddenly sinks all the way to the floor, try pumping the pedal to build up the pressure.”
8. Under which condition is a bicycle rider allowed to ride away from the right curb or edge of the roadway?
Answer: When preparing for a left turn. The handbook lists preparing for a left turn as a specific exception to the rule of riding close to the right curb.
Alabama driver handbook, page 25: “Every person on a bicycle operating upon a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except under the following situations: o When passing another vehicle. o When preparing for a left turn.”
9. Where are three-point turns generally NOT permitted?
Answer: On interstate freeways, curves, or near the top of hills. The handbook lists specific locations such as interstate freeways, curves, and hilltops where visibility is limited, prohibiting three-point turns.
Alabama driver handbook, page 25: “Three-point turns are not permitted on interstate freeways, on curves, or near the top of hills where you cannot be seen by drivers of other vehicles approaching from either direction within 500 feet.”
10. How long is the suspension period for a driver who accumulates 24 or more points in a 2-year period?
Answer: 365 days. The handbook specifies that accumulating 24 or more points within two years leads to a suspension of 365 days.
Alabama driver handbook, page 21: “24 and above points in a 2-year period 365 days”
11. How should a driver treat an intersection if the traffic light is inoperative?
Answer: Treat the intersection as you would a four-way stop. The handbook instructs drivers to treat intersections with inoperative lights as four-way stops.
Alabama driver handbook, page 63: “If the traffic light is inoperative, treat the intersection as you would a four-way stop.”
12. What is the specific suspension duration for accumulating 12-14 points in a two-year period?
Answer: 60 days. The handbook states that accumulating 12 to 14 points in a two-year period results in a suspension lasting 60 days.
Alabama driver handbook, page 21: “schedule: 12-14 Points in a 2-year period 60 days”
13. What do the three signs appearing in a series indicate regarding highway lanes?
Answer: The number of highway lanes changes ahead, reminding drivers to merge into the adjacent lane. The handbook specifies that this series of signs warns of a lane reduction and instructs drivers to merge into the adjacent lane.
Alabama driver handbook, page 49: “Number of highway lanes change ahead. The three signs appear in a series as a repeating reminder to merge into the adjacent lane.”
14. According to the handbook, how far in advance should you signal your intentions before making a turn?
Answer: At least 100 feet before making the turn. The handbook states that drivers must begin signaling at least 100 feet prior to executing a turn.
Alabama driver handbook, page 23: “At least 100 feet before making the turn, signal your intentions.”
15. When starting a vehicle with a manual clutch on snow or ice, what is the recommended procedure?
Answer: Lower engine speed to its minimum and let the clutch out very slowly. The handbook advises lowering engine speed and releasing the clutch slowly to ensure smooth acceleration and avoid spinning wheels.
Alabama driver handbook, page 73: “To start on snow and ice, lower your engine speed to its very minimum. If you have a car with a clutch, let the clutch out very slowly in starting.”
16. Which statement accurately describes the effect of alcohol on a driver according to the handbook?
Answer: Alcohol is a depressant that slows reflexes and impairs judgment. The handbook defines alcohol as a depressant that negatively impacts reflexes, judgment, alertness, and observation skills.
Alabama driver handbook, page 36: “Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. It slows normal reflexes, interferes with judgment, reduces alertness, and impairs observation.”
17. When making a right turn from a four-lane or divided highway, which lane should you enter on the cross street?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook instructs drivers to make a tight turn specifically into the right lane of the cross street when turning right from a divided highway.
Alabama driver handbook, page 23: “In making a right turn from a four-lane or divided highway, enter the right lane well in advance of the turn and make a tight turn into the right lane of the cross street.”
18. If you are parked facing uphill next to a curb, how should you position your wheels?
Answer: Turn your wheels away from the curb. The handbook specifies that when facing uphill with a curb, wheels must be turned away from the curb to prevent the car from rolling into traffic if brakes fail.
Alabama driver handbook, page 30: “Facing uphill turn your wheels away from the curb and shift into low gear or PARK.”
19. Which vehicles are permitted to use the truck apron located on the inside of a roundabout?
Answer: Large trucks. The handbook distinguishes large trucks as the intended users of the apron, excluding cars, pickups, and SUVs.
Alabama driver handbook, page 60: “Truck aprons are not intended to be used by cars, pickup trucks, or SUVs.”
20. What should a driver do if they miss their intended exit while navigating a roundabout?
Answer: Drive around the roundabout again to reach the exit. The rules specify that drivers should continue around the circle to reach their exit rather than reversing or stopping.
Alabama driver handbook, page 60: “If you miss your exit, drive around the roundabout again to your exit.”