Alabama permit test: turns, right-of-way and roundabouts
Turning rules, three-point turns, curves, right-of-way, turns on red, emergency vehicles, school buses and roundabouts. 24 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key turns, right-of-way and roundabouts rulesShow the rules
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel when you are actually turning. (p. 23, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Signal at least 100 feet before the turn and keep signaling until you actually turn. (p. 23, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Three-point turns are not permitted on interstate freeways, on curves, or near hilltops where approaching drivers cannot see you within 500 feet. (p. 25, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Traffic moves one way, counterclockwise, in a roundabout. (p. 59, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The truck apron is a paved area for the rear wheels of large trucks. (p. 60, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you miss your exit, drive around the roundabout again. (p. 60, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never turn left to enter a roundabout. (p. 60, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If the traffic light is inoperative, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. (p. 63, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Coming from either direction, you must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying its stop signals. (p. 64, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Vehicles entering from a private road or driveway must stop and yield to traffic on the public street or highway. (p. 65, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample turns, right-of-way and roundabouts questions
1.You are about to enter a roundabout. A car is already circling on your left. What should you do?
- AHonk and enter together
- BEnter first, since you are on the right
- CStop and wave it to stop
- DYield to the car already in the roundabout
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield to the car already in the roundabout
Yield to traffic on your left that is already in the roundabout, then enter when there is a safe gap.
2.A pedestrian holding out a white cane tipped with red is crossing at an intersection. What must you do?
- AProceed if your light is green
- BHonk so the person knows you are there
- CStop and give the right-of-way
- DDrive around the person slowly
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop and give the right-of-way
The law requires you to stop and yield at any intersection to a blind person with a white cane tipped with red held out, or using a guide dog.
3.You are turning left from a four-lane highway onto a two-way street. Where should you be and how should you turn?
- AInside lane; enter just right of the centerline
- BEither lane, whichever is clear
- CRight lane; swing wide across all lanes
- DInside lane; enter the far right lane
Show the answer
✓ A. Inside lane; enter just right of the centerline
For a left turn, move to the lane nearest the center line, turn from that inside lane without a wide swing, and enter the cross street just to the right of its centerline.
4.You are on a four-lane divided highway. A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing in the opposing roadway. Must you stop?
- ANo, not on this road
- BOnly within 20 feet of it
- CYes, every time
- DOnly if children are visible
Show the answer
✓ A. No, not on this road
A stop is not required on a divided highway of four or more lanes when the bus is stopped in the opposing roadway. On undivided roads of four to six lanes you must stop.