Alabama permit test: safe driver habits
Good driving habits, safety belts and child restraints, concentration, the hands-free law, texting, fatigue and medical conditions. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- A first Hands-Free Law conviction is a $50 fine and 1 point. (p. 18, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- In Alabama you must carry your driver license (or learner permit) while driving and be ready to show it to any officer who asks. (p. 18, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- With an automatic transmission, make sure the selector is in park or neutral and press the brake pedal as you turn the key. (p. 22, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- In a manual-transmission car, push in the clutch before turning the ignition key. (p. 22, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Keep both hands on the wheel, removing one only to signal or for another task needed to operate the vehicle. (p. 22, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The child restraint law requires children through age 15 to be restrained in passenger cars, pickups, vans, minivans and SUVs. (p. 32, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Infants ride in a rear-facing infant-only or convertible seat until at least 1 year old or 20 pounds. (p. 32, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Alabama's safety belt law requires each occupant to be restrained, regardless of age. (p. 32, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Alabama requires a booster seat until a child is 6 years of age, then a seat belt until 15. (p. 32, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you are worried, ill, nervous, frightened, angry or depressed, let someone else drive. (p. 33, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.On a long trip, how often does the handbook advise taking a break?
- AEvery 100 miles or 2 hours
- BEvery 50 miles or 1 hour
- COnly when you need fuel
- DEvery 200 miles or 3 hours
Show the answer
✓ A. Every 100 miles or 2 hours
Take regular breaks every 100 miles or every two hours: get out, walk around and stretch.
2.A driver holding a phone drifts in and out of a traffic lane without signaling. Which law has the driver broken?
- AAlabama's Hands-Free Law
- BThe open container law
- CThe point reinstatement law
- DThe implied consent law
Show the answer
✓ A. Alabama's Hands-Free Law
Physically holding a wireless device violates the Hands-Free Law when the driver is seen crossing in and out of a lane without signaling, swerving or driving improperly.
3.A police officer stops you and asks for your driver license. What does Alabama law require?
- AHave it with you and show it when asked
- BShow it within 10 days at a police station
- CShow it only if you were speeding
- DGive your license number from memory
Show the answer
✓ A. Have it with you and show it when asked
In Alabama you must carry your driver license (or learner permit) while driving and be ready to show it to any officer who asks.
4.You are starting a car with a manual transmission. What should you do before turning the key?
- APut it in first gear
- BPush in the clutch
- CRelease the parking brake
- DPress the gas pedal
Show the answer
✓ B. Push in the clutch
In a manual-transmission car, push in the clutch before turning the ignition key.