Alabama permit test: sharing the road
Bicycles, motorcycles, large vehicles and their No-Zones, and pedestrians. 25 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- People on bicycles under age 16 must wear a securely fastened protective helmet on public roads, paths and parks. (p. 26, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- In Alabama it is illegal for people on bicycles to ride on the sidewalk. (p. 26, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Alabama law requires at least three feet between your vehicle and a person on a bicycle when passing. (p. 26, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Give a motorcycle the same 2-second following distance as any other vehicle, and more when it's dark, raining or slippery. (p. 28, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Always dim your headlights when following a large vehicle at night. (p. 29, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Trucks and buses have huge blind spots directly behind them that can extend as far as 200 feet, so don't tailgate. (p. 29, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- You may not cross the center line to pass at a highway intersection, even when the road looks clear. (p. 67, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers must not block crosswalks when stopped at a stop sign or waiting at a red light. (p. 67, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Don't drive over an unprotected fire hose unless a police officer or fire department official tells you to. (p. 67, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers must stop for school children and for school safety patrols directing traffic. (p. 67, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.You are turning right across a bicycle lane, and no rider is near. What does Alabama law require?
- AWait one full minute for it to clear
- BMove into the bike lane before you turn
- CTurn from your lane, cutting across it
- DHonk once before crossing the lane
Show the answer
✓ B. Move into the bike lane before you turn
When turning across a bicycle lane, drive into the bike lane before making the turn, as long as doing so does not endanger a rider in the lane.
2.A bicycle lane runs along your street. When may you drive in it?
- AWhen no bicycle is in sight
- BTo park, enter or leave, or turn
- COnly on weekends and holidays
- DTo pass slow cars on the right
Show the answer
✓ B. To park, enter or leave, or turn
Cars stay out of a bike lane except to park where that's allowed, to get on or off the highway, or to get ready for a turn.
3.You are driving beside a large truck. How can you tell if the truck driver can see you?
- AYour headlights are switched on
- BYou are directly behind the truck
- CYou can see the driver's face in its mirror
- DYou are close to the rear bumper
Show the answer
✓ C. You can see the driver's face in its mirror
Trucks have large blind spots on each side. Check the truck's side mirror: when the driver's face isn't visible to you, you aren't visible to the driver.
4.Which riders must wear a securely fastened helmet when bicycling on Alabama public roadways?
- AAll riders
- BRiders under 12
- CRiders under 16
- DRiders under 18
Show the answer
✓ C. Riders under 16
People on bicycles under age 16 must wear a securely fastened protective helmet on public roads, paths and parks.