Alabama permit test: your vehicle and required equipment
Required equipment, loads, window tint, insurance and documents at traffic stops, and vehicle maintenance. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key your vehicle and required equipment rulesShow the rules
- A load must not extend more than 5 feet beyond the front and rear of the vehicle. (p. 69, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On every class of vehicle, only the top 6 inches of the windshield may have a clear tint material. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Alabama requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A first insurance violation can bring a fine of up to $500; a second or later one up to $1,000. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On passenger cars, side and rear window tint must allow at least 32 percent of light through. (p. 70, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Mirrors must let the driver see 200 feet to the rear. (p. 81, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Every vehicle needs a working muffler that prevents excessive noise. (p. 81, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- All required lights must be visible from at least 500 feet away. (p. 81, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A tire is illegal once its tread is less than 1/16 inch deep. (p. 82, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Bells, sirens or exhaust whistles may not be used except on emergency vehicles. (p. 82, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample your vehicle and required equipment questions
1.You want to tint the side windows of your sedan. How much light must the tint let through?
- AAt least 70 percent
- BAt least 32 percent
- CAt least 50 percent
- DAt least 20 percent
Show the answer
✓ B. At least 32 percent
On passenger cars, side and rear window tint must allow at least 32 percent of light through. SUVs, trucks and vans follow this rule for front side windows only.
2.How far behind you must your rear-view mirrors let you see?
- A350 feet
- B100 feet
- C200 feet
- D500 feet
Show the answer
✓ C. 200 feet
Mirrors must let the driver see 200 feet to the rear.
3.Your load sticks out 4 feet past the rear of your vehicle in daytime. What must you attach to its end?
- ANothing under 5 feet
- BA white light visible for 200 feet
- CA red flag at least 12 inches square
- DAn orange cone on top
Show the answer
✓ C. A red flag at least 12 inches square
If a load projects 4 feet or more from the rear, attach a red flag at least 12 inches square in daytime and a red light at night.
4.What brakes must every automobile in Alabama have?
- AA parking brake only
- BA foot brake and a parking brake
- CAntilock brakes on all wheels
- DA foot brake only
Show the answer
✓ B. A foot brake and a parking brake
Every car needs two separate ways to apply the brakes: the regular foot brake and a parking brake.