Alabama DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Alabama driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Alabama-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Alabama driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Alabama test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Alabama-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Alabama Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	30 questions, must score 24/30 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15
Minimum License Age	16
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 70 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 6 per violation. 12 points in 2 years results in a 60-day suspension.

Rules Specific to Alabama

Alabama law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use
Passing a stopped school bus carries a fine of $150 to $300 for the first offense
Learner's permit holders must log 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 hours at night

Sample Alabama Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Alabama. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

A driver under age 21 is considered DUI per se in Alabama at which blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold?
- A. 0.00% BAC or higher
- B. 0.02% BAC or higher
- C. 0.05% BAC or higher
- D. 0.08% BAC or higher
Answer: 0.02% BAC or higher. Alabama has a lower “per se” BAC threshold for drivers under 21. A BAC at or above that limit can trigger DUI consequences even if you feel fine.
In Alabama, which statement correctly describes the rear-facing child seat requirement?
- A. A rear-facing child safety seat is required for any child under 6 years old
- B. A rear-facing child safety seat is required for any child under 4 years old
- C. A rear-facing child safety seat is required for a child under 1 year old or under 20 pounds
- D. A rear-facing child safety seat is required only until a child is 6 months old
Answer: A rear-facing child safety seat is required for a child under 1 year old or under 20 pounds. Very young or small children need rear-facing support for their head, neck, and spine. Use the correct seat type for the child’s age and weight.
In Alabama, on a roadway posted at 45 mph or more, if you cannot safely change lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, how must you adjust your speed?
- A. Reduce your speed by at least 5 mph below the posted limit
- B. Reduce your speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit
- C. Reduce your speed by at least 15 mph below the posted limit
- D. You may continue at the posted limit if your lane is clear
Answer: Reduce your speed by at least 15 mph below the posted limit. Alabama’s Move Over law requires extra caution around stopped emergency vehicles. Slow significantly when you cannot move over to create a safer buffer.
In Alabama, you may not park your vehicle within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A. Within 5 feet
- B. Within 10 feet
- C. Within 15 feet
- D. Within 25 feet
Answer: Within 15 feet. Parking too close to a hydrant can block firefighters’ access in an emergency. Obey posted signs and keep required clearances.
Unless a different limit is posted, what is the maximum speed limit on Alabama interstate highways?
- A. 65 mph
- B. 70 mph
- C. 75 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 70 mph. Interstate speed limits vary by roadway and can be lower in some areas. Always follow posted signs when they differ from the general limit.
In Alabama, a Stage II (restricted) driver may not drive between which hours unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or covered by an exception?
- A. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- B. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 6 a.m.
- D. 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Answer: Midnight and 6 a.m.. Restricted drivers can't drive from 12 midnight to 6 a.m. unless a parent or guardian, or a licensed driver 21 or older with parental consent, is with them, or another listed exception applies.
How many points does Alabama assess for passing a stopped school bus?
- A. 2
- B. 3
- C. 4
- D. 5
Answer: 5. Passing a stopped school bus is a 5-point violation, the same as failure to yield the right-of-way.
How many points does Alabama assess for speeding 26 mph or more over the limit?
- A. 2
- B. 3
- C. 4
- D. 5
Answer: 5. Speeding 1 to 25 mph over is 2 points. Speeding 26 mph or more over is 5 points.
How many points does Alabama assess for following too closely?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Answer: 3. Following too closely is a 3-point violation.
In Alabama, you may not park within how many feet of a flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic signal at the side of the road?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 30 feet
- D. 50 feet
Answer: 30 feet. Parking is not allowed within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal at the roadside.
In Alabama, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection?
- A. 10 feet
- B. 15 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 30 feet
Answer: 20 feet. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection is prohibited.
How far before a railroad track is Alabama's round yellow railroad warning sign normally placed?
- A. 100 feet
- B. 350 feet
- C. 500 feet
- D. 750 feet
Answer: 750 feet. The round yellow sign with a black X and RR is placed 750 feet before the track.
When does Alabama law require headlights?
- A. Only between sunset and sunrise
- B. From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when you can't see clearly for at least 500 feet
- C. Only when it is raining
- D. Only on unlit highways
Answer: From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when you can't see clearly for at least 500 feet. Headlights (not just parking lights) are required from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is under 500 feet.
Under normal conditions, about how far ahead do high-beam headlights light the road, according to the Alabama manual?
- A. 100 feet
- B. 200 feet
- C. 350 feet
- D. 1,000 feet
Answer: 350 feet. High beams normally light the roadway about 350 feet ahead, so never drive faster than you can stop within that distance.
What is the penalty for a first conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law?
- A. A warning
- B. $50 fine and 1 point
- C. $100 fine and 2 points
- D. $250 fine and license suspension
Answer: $50 fine and 1 point. First conviction: $50 and 1 point. Second: $100 and 2 points. Third within 24 months: $150 and 3 points.
What are Alabama's minimum liability insurance limits?
- A. $20,000 / $40,000 / $10,000
- B. $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
- C. $30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000
- D. $50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000
Answer: $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000. Alabama requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more, and $25,000 for property damage.
What following distance does the Alabama manual say to keep, including behind a motorcycle?
- A. 1 second
- B. 2 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 2 seconds. The manual uses a 2-second following distance, including behind motorcycles, and more when it's dark, raining, or slippery.
When passing a bicyclist in Alabama, how much space does state law require?
- A. At least 2 feet
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. Half a lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. Alabama law requires at least three feet between your vehicle and a person on a bicycle.
After an Alabama crash with injury, death, or $500 or more in damage where the at-fault party was uninsured, how soon must Form SR-31 be sent?
- A. Within 5 days
- B. Within 10 days
- C. Within 30 days
- D. Within 60 days
Answer: Within 30 days. A written SR-31 report must be sent within 30 days by the driver involved if the at-fault party was not insured.

Alabama Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Alabama permit test?

The Alabama knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Alabama?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Alabama is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Alabama?

Alabama calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the Alabama driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 6 per violation. 12 points in 2 years results in a 60-day suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Alabama?

Typical limits in Alabama are up to 70 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Alabama government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Alabama Driver Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Alabama driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Alabama government agency.