The Alabama written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices
The Alabama written test — officially called the knowledge test — asks 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers material from the Alabama Driver Manual, which the Department of Public Safety publishes and makes available free online and at any license office.
The test is not timed, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You take it on a computer at your local DMV office after you pass the vision screening. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
- All questions come from the Alabama Driver Manual, which you can read free before you test.
- Road signs, right-of-way rules, and parking laws make up the bulk of the test.
- You can retake the test when ready if you fail, with no waiting period between attempts.
- The test is offered in English only in Alabama; interpreters are not provided.
Road sign questions and what they ask
Road sign questions show you a sign and ask what it means or what you should do when you see it. Expect questions about stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, warning signs (like curves ahead or pedestrian crossing), and informational signs (like rest area or hospital). The test focuses on signs you encounter regularly while driving, not obscure regulatory signs.
A typical question looks like this: "What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign mean?" The answer is that it warns you of a hazard ahead. Another common type: "When you see a red octagon sign, you must:" and the correct answer is "come to a complete stop." Study the sign section of the Alabama Driver Manual — it has pictures of every sign the test covers.
Right-of-way and traffic control questions
These questions ask who goes first at intersections, what to do at traffic lights, and how to handle situations with pedestrians or other vehicles. Examples include: "At a four-way stop, if two cars arrive at the same time, who goes first?" (The car on the right.) Or: "When a traffic light is yellow, you should:" (Slow down and prepare to stop, unless you are too close to stop safely.)
Pedestrian right-of-way is tested heavily. You will see questions like "You must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk even if the pedestrian does not have a walk signal" (true) and "You can turn right on red if no traffic is coming" (true, unless a sign says otherwise). The test also covers school buses — you must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing, even in the opposite direction on a two-lane road.
Parking, speed, and safe driving practice questions
Parking questions ask where you can and cannot park — never in front of a fire hydrant, never in a handicapped space without a permit, never in a no-parking zone. Speed questions cover the basic rule: never drive faster than the posted limit or faster than conditions allow, even if the limit is 55 mph and the road is icy.
Safe driving questions cover seat belts (required for all passengers), following distance (the three-second rule: stay three seconds behind the car ahead), and what to do in bad weather or when your brakes fail. You will also see questions about distracted driving — using a phone while driving is illegal in Alabama for all drivers, and texting is illegal for drivers under 19.
Impaired driving and substance use questions
The test includes questions about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will see questions like "What is the legal blood alcohol content limit for drivers 21 and older in Alabama?" (0.08 percent) and "If you are under 21, what is the legal limit?" (0.02 percent or any detectable amount). The test also covers the consequences of a DUI conviction and why impaired driving is dangerous.
Questions also cover prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that can impair driving. The test asks whether you should drive if you are taking medication that makes you drowsy (no) and what you should do instead (wait until the effect wears off or find another way to get where you need to go).
How to study the Alabama Driver Manual
The Alabama Driver Manual is available free as a PDF on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Read the entire manual — it is about 40 pages — and pay special attention to the sections on road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules. These three areas make up most of the test.
After you read the manual, use the practice test questions that appear in the manual itself or on the Department of Public Safety website. Practice tests let you see the format and types of questions before you sit for the real test. Take the practice test more than once, and review any questions you miss. If a question confuses you, go back to the manual and reread that section.
What happens if you fail the test
If you answer fewer than 24 questions correctly, you fail and do not receive a license that day. You can retake the test when ready — there is no waiting period — or you can leave and come back another day. Many people retake it the same day after reviewing the manual for 30 minutes to an hour.
Keep in mind that if you fail the written test three times, you must wait seven days before you can take it again. This rule applies only after three failures in a row. If you pass on your fourth attempt, the counter resets. There is no limit on the total number of times you can take the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Alabama Driver Manual on my phone during the test?
No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area, including phones, books, or notes. The test is closed-book. You must study before you arrive at the DMV office.
What if I do not speak English well?
The Alabama written test is offered in English only. Interpreters are not provided. If English is not your first language, spend extra time studying the manual and practice tests to become familiar with the wording of test questions.
Do I have to pass the written test before I take the road test?
Yes. You must pass the written test first. Only after you pass can you schedule the road test with an examiner. The written test and road test are separate appointments.
How long is the written test valid if I pass?
Your passing score is valid for 12 months. You must schedule and pass your road test within that year, or you will need to retake the written test.
Are the test questions the same every time I take it?
No. The test is drawn from a larger question bank, so different people see different questions. However, all questions cover the same topics and come from the Alabama Driver Manual, so studying the manual prepares you for any version of the test.