Alabama permit test: pavement markings
Lane lines, no-passing markings, crosswalks and stop lines. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key pavement markings rulesShow the rules
- Yellow lines are sometimes used to mark obstructions and islands, which must be passed on the right. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The solid white edge line marks where the travel lane ends; only vehicles pulling onto or off the shoulder should cross it. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If the solid yellow line is on your side of the center line, you may not pass. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Broken white lines divide lanes moving in the same direction and may be crossed when passing. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Broken center lines are used where there are no restrictions on passing, so you may pass when it is safe. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The four general types are centerline striping, edge striping, crosswalks, and pavement messages. (p. 54, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Pavement messages, lettered in white paint, warn of conditions ahead such as SCHOOL ZONE or RR CROSSING. (p. 55, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Travel in the same direction is allowed on both sides of a double solid white line, but crossing it is prohibited. (p. 55, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A driver must stop at all crosswalks occupied by pedestrians when there are no controlling signals. (p. 55, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Two solid yellow center lines mean no passing in either direction; the diagram caption says crossing is permitted only as part of a left turn. (p. 55, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings questions
1.A yellow line marks an island or obstruction in the road ahead. On which side must you pass it?
- AEither side
- BOn the right
- COver the island
- DOn the left
Show the answer
✓ B. On the right
Yellow lines are sometimes used to mark obstructions and islands, which must be passed on the right.
2.A two-lane road has two solid yellow center lines. When may you cross them?
- AWhen the road ahead is clear
- BTo pass a cyclist safely
- COnly as part of a left turn
- DTo pass a slow farm vehicle
Show the answer
✓ C. Only as part of a left turn
Two solid yellow center lines mean no passing in either direction; the diagram caption says crossing is permitted only as part of a left turn.
3.There is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line, next to a broken line. May you pass?
- AYes, if the road is clear
- BOnly to pass a bicycle
- CNo, you may not pass
- DYes, but only uphill
Show the answer
✓ C. No, you may not pass
If the solid yellow line is on your side of the center line, you may not pass. Drivers on the broken-line side may pass when safe.
4.A solid white line marks the right edge of the highway. Who may cross it?
- AAny car going faster than traffic
- BTraffic moving to or from the shoulder
- CDrivers passing on the right
- DNo one, at any time
Show the answer
✓ B. Traffic moving to or from the shoulder
The solid white edge line marks where the travel lane ends; only vehicles pulling onto or off the shoulder should cross it.