Alabama permit test: passing, lanes and freeways
No-passing zones, changing lanes, the Move Over law, entering and leaving freeways and interchanges. 22 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key passing, lanes and freeways rulesShow the rules
- On a two-lane, two-way road you may pass on the left only if the pass can be completed safely without exceeding the speed limit. (p. 66, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Passing on the right is permitted on one-way roads and on roads marked for two or more lanes moving in the same direction. (p. 66, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you back out of a driveway, always back into the nearest lane and go from there. (p. 68, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Don't rely only on your mirror. (p. 68, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- To signal stop or decrease speed, extend your hand and arm downward. (p. 68, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Backing is prohibited on controlled-access highways except for emergency vehicles on duty. (p. 68, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On a two-lane road, move away from the stopped vehicle within your lane. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On roads with four or more lanes, move out of the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or wrecker. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Vehicles moving slower than the normal speed of traffic must keep to the right. (p. 78, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you miss an exit, never stop, back up or turn around. (p. 80, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample passing, lanes and freeways questions
1.You can't safely change lanes for a stopped tow truck with flashing amber lights. How much must you slow down?
- AAt least 10 mph below the limit
- BAt least 25 mph below the limit
- CAt least 5 mph below the limit
- DAt least 15 mph below the limit
Show the answer
✓ D. At least 15 mph below the limit
If you can't move over, slow to at least 15 mph below the posted limit. On a 55 mph road, that means 40 mph or less.
2.Your car breaks down on the freeway. What does the handbook advise?
- APull off fully, raise the hood, stay with the car
- BStand behind the car to wave traffic
- CPark on the shoulder edge and nap
- DLeave it in the lane and walk for help
Show the answer
✓ A. Pull off fully, raise the hood, stay with the car
Park entirely off the traveled lanes and stay with your vehicle if you can. Raise the hood and tie a white cloth to a door handle or antenna as a distress signal.
3.Which hand signal means you are stopping or slowing down?
- AArm extended straight out
- BArm extended upward
- CHand on the roof
- DArm extended downward
Show the answer
✓ D. Arm extended downward
To signal stop or decrease speed, extend your hand and arm downward.
4.You are about to exit a freeway. Where should you slow down?
- AIn the deceleration lane
- BOnly after stopping at the ramp's end
- COn the freeway as soon as you see the sign
- DIn the through lane before the exit
Show the answer
✓ A. In the deceleration lane
Move into the proper lane early, signal, enter the deceleration lane and reduce speed there. Never slow suddenly on the freeway itself.