Alabama permit test: speed, following and stopping distance
Avoiding rear-end collisions, stopping distance, speed regulations and statutory speed limits. 19 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key speed, following and stopping distance rulesShow the rules
- Most rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely. (p. 38, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The longer four- or five-second count also applies when you drive vehicles longer than cars. (p. 38, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you see brake lights or the gap shrinking, move your foot to the brake pedal promptly so you are ready to stop. (p. 38, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The handbook's chart shows 60 feet of thinking distance plus 168 feet of braking distance at 55 mph, for 228 feet in total. (p. 39, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Alabama's statutory limit on an unpaved road is 35 mph. (p. 62, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Slow down when approaching crests of hills and curves, railroad crossings, and flags, flares or fuses on the road. (p. 62, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- When coming from an alley, private driveway or building in a business or residence district, always stop before crossing the sidewalk or crosswalk area. (p. 62, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The highest statutory limit is 70 mph, where posted on interstate highways. (p. 62, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, following and stopping distance questions
1.In good conditions, what following distance does the Alabama manual recommend?
- AOne second
- BFive car lengths
- CTwo seconds
- DOne car length
Show the answer
✓ C. Two seconds
Use the two-second rule: when the car ahead passes a fixed object, you should not reach it before you finish counting two seconds.
2.You are on a paved county road with no speed limit sign. What is the limit?
- A45 mph
- B65 mph
- C55 mph
- D35 mph
Show the answer
✓ A. 45 mph
Unless posted otherwise, Alabama's statutory limit on a county paved road is 45 mph.
3.You come to a STOP sign with no stop line and no crosswalk marked. Where should you stop?
- ABefore entering, where you can see
- BOnly if other cars are present
- CPast the edge of the cross street
- DAnywhere within 50 feet of the sign
Show the answer
✓ A. Before entering, where you can see
With no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the crossing street at the point nearest it where you have a clear view of approaching traffic.
4.Where no other limit is posted or set, what is Alabama's statutory speed limit in "other locations"?
- A55 mph
- B45 mph
- C50 mph
- D65 mph
Show the answer
✓ A. 55 mph
The statutory limit is 55 mph in other locations; 65 and 70 mph apply only where posted.