20 questions from the Alabama driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What action is required when approaching a STOP sign if there is no marked stop line?
Answer: Stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the absence of a stop line, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side.
Alabama driver handbook, page 62: “If no stop line is marked, the vehicle must stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.”
2. If a railroad crossing has no warning device, what action should a driver take?
Answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down, look, and listen for trains if there are no warning devices at the crossing.
Alabama driver handbook, page 41: “If a railroad crossing has no warning device, slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding.”
3. Under what condition may a holder of an Alabama Learner License with a 'Y' restriction operate a motor vehicle?
Answer: Only when accompanied by a licensed driver in the passenger seat. The handbook states that the 'Y' restriction requires a licensed driver to be present in the seat beside the driver.
Alabama driver handbook, page 12: “The “Y” restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver.”
4. How should a driver correct a skid in a front-wheel drive vehicle?
Answer: Step lightly on the gas to increase front wheel speed. For front-wheel drive vehicles, increasing front wheel speed helps the front end catch up to the sliding rear end to straighten the vehicle.
Alabama driver handbook, page 74: “STEPPING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS WILL INCREASE FRONT WHEEL SPEED, so the front end can catch up with the sliding rear end and straighten out the skid.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the minimum clear passing distance required when passing on a curve or hill?
Answer: At least 500 feet. The handbook states that a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet is required when passing on a curve or hill.
Alabama driver handbook, page 67: “On a curve or hill where you cannot see a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet.”
6. What action is required when approaching a steady circular yellow signal?
Answer: Clear the intersection. The handbook defines the steady yellow signal as an instruction to clear the intersection, noting that it follows a green signal.
Alabama driver handbook, page 56: “A circular steady yellow means clear the intersection. It follows a green signal.”
7. What action is required if a load projects 4 feet or more from the rear of a vehicle during the daytime?
Answer: Attach a red flag at least 12 inches square. The handbook specifies that a red flag of at least 12 inches square is required for daytime visibility when the load extends 4 feet or more.
Alabama driver handbook, page 69: “If a load projects 4 feet or more from the rear of a vehicle, a red flag at least 12 inches square must be attached at its end in daytime”
8. How long is a Class D Alabama driver license with a 'Y' restriction valid?
Answer: Four years. The handbook states directly that the license issued after passing the examination is valid for a period of four years.
Alabama driver handbook, page 12: “This license is valid for four years.”
9. What is the required action for a driver preparing to enter a curve?
Answer: Slow down before entering the curve to avoid running over the center line or leaving the roadway. The handbook advises slowing down prior to entering curves to prevent drifting out of the lane.
Alabama driver handbook, page 25: “Slow down before entering curves because of the danger of running over the center line or leaving the roadway.”
10. According to Alabama law, what is the minimum distance a motor vehicle must maintain from a bicycle when passing?
Answer: Three feet. The handbook states that the required passing distance is not less than three feet.
Alabama driver handbook, page 26: “Alabama state law requires that you pass a person on a bicycle with a distance of not less than three feet between your motor vehicle and the person on a bicycle.”
11. What does the yellow round railroad warning sign with a black X and the letters RR indicate?
Answer: A highway railroad crossing is ahead. The handbook defines the round yellow sign with the black X and RR letters as a warning that a highway railroad crossing is ahead.
Alabama driver handbook, page 40: “The round railroad warning sign: It is yellow with a black X and the letters RR. It means a highway railroad crossing is ahead and is placed 750 feet before the track.”
12. What is the maximum distance a vehicle on necessary official business may follow behind an emergency vehicle on an emergency run?
Answer: Within 500 feet. The handbook specifies that following within 500 feet is permitted only for vehicles on necessary official business during an emergency run.
Alabama driver handbook, page 67: “Only vehicles on necessary official business are permitted to follow within 500 feet of emergency vehicles on an emergency run.”
13. What is the recommended action when encountering a sudden tire blowout?
Answer: Hold tightly to the steering wheel, steer straight, and ease up on the accelerator. The handbook advises holding the wheel steady, steering straight, and easing off the accelerator, specifically noting not to brake until control is regained.
Alabama driver handbook, page 75: “To regain control, hold tightly to the steering wheel, steer straight and ease up on the accelerator. Do not brake until the vehicle is under control.”
14. When entering a roundabout, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: Vehicles already in the roundabout. Drivers must yield to traffic that is already circulating within the roundabout before entering.
Alabama driver handbook, page 60: “Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way.”
15. Under the Alabama Graduated Drivers License (GDL) rules, which of the following is a valid exception allowing a student aged 16 or 17 to operate a vehicle between 12 midnight and 6 a.m.?
Answer: Driving to or from a school sponsored event. The handbook lists going to or from a school sponsored event as a permitted exception for driving during restricted hours, while the other options are not listed as valid exceptions.
Alabama driver handbook, page 86: “Going to or from a school sponsored event.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the correct hand signal for making a LEFT TURN?
Answer: Hand and arm extended out. The handbook states that for a left turn, the hand and arm should be extended out.
Alabama driver handbook, page 68: “LEFT TURN ......hand and arm extended out.”
17. Who is authorized to accompany a 15-year-old driver with a valid learner license in the front seat?
Answer: A licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older. The handbook requires the accompanying person to be either a parent/guardian or a licensed driver aged 21 or older, making option A the correct choice among the provided alternatives.
Alabama driver handbook, page 86: “accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or a person who is 21 years of age or older who is a licensed driver and occupies the front seat next to the driver”
18. When is a driver permitted to cross a solid white edge stripe?
Answer: Only by traffic moving to or from the shoulder. The handbook specifies that solid white edge stripes are intended for traffic entering or exiting the shoulder, not for general lane changes or turns.
Alabama driver handbook, page 54: “This line indicates the outside edge of the traffic lane, and may be crossed only by traffic moving to or from the shoulder.”
19. What action is required when an emergency vehicle is displaying flashing lights and sounding a siren?
Answer: Pull to the side of the roadway and stop. Drivers are instructed to pull to the side and stop when encountering an emergency vehicle with active lights and sirens.
Alabama driver handbook, page 65: “Whether the emergency vehicle is overtaking or meeting you, pull to the side of the roadway and stop.”
20. What is the minimum age requirement for a child to transition from an infant-only or convertible rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat?
Answer: At least 1 year of age. The handbook specifies that rear-facing seats are required until the infant is at least 1 year old or weighs 20 pounds.
Alabama driver handbook, page 32: “Infant-only seat or convertible seat used in the rear-facing position until an infant is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.”