Alabama Driver Manual - Driver Licensing, Traffic Laws, and Safety

Flashcards cover licensing requirements, identification documents, driving rules, safety laws, signs, and safety procedures from the Alabama Driver Manual.

Who issues Alabama driver licenses?

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division.

What is the minimum age to obtain a Learner License in Alabama?

15 years old.

What does the 'Y' restriction on a Learner License mean?

The holder may operate only when accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat.

What documents are required to obtain an Alabama driver license (Identification requirements)?

Two forms of ID with at least one photo from the Primary Listing, plus three forms of non-photo ID (one from the Primary or Secondary lists).

What is the purpose of the two-second rule?

To maintain a safe following distance by counting two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.

What is Alabama's legal BAC limit for non-commercial drivers?

0.08% BAC. (0.04% for commercial drivers; 0.02% for drivers under 21).

What does the Alabama Implied Consent Law require of drivers?

Any driver who operates on public highways is deemed to consent to chemical tests for BAC; refusal can result in license suspension.

What are No-Zones?

Danger zones around large vehicles (trucks/buses) where the driver cannot see you; avoid lingering in these spots.

When should you dim your headlights?

Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.

What does Alabama’s Safety Belt and Child Restraint Law require?

All front-seat occupants must wear seat belts; children up to age 15 must be restrained; violations carry fines and points.

What is the 'death zone' around a stopped school bus?

The area around a school bus where children are loading/unloading; traffic must stop and remain stopped when the bus displays extended stop signs/lights.

What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed in Alabama?

1/16 inch.

When must you file a crash report (SR-31) in Alabama?

If there is injury, fatality, or property damage of $500 or more; file within 30 days with the local law enforcement/State Troopers; submit to ALEA.

What are the three main types of traffic signs and their colors?

Regulatory (black/white), Warning (yellow, diamond), Informational/Guide (green, blue, brown).

What CDL classifications exist in Alabama?

Class A, Class B, Class C, with endorsements N, H, X, T, P, S.

What is the proper procedure for entering a freeway?

Use the entrance ramp and acceleration lane, match speed with traffic, merge safely; do not stop in the acceleration lane.

What is the Move Over Law?

When approaching emergency vehicles stopped with flashing lights on multi-lane roads, move over a lane or slow to at least 15 mph below the posted limit; in two-lane roads, pull over and slow as possible.

What are common GDL restrictions for 16-18 year olds in Alabama?

Usually no more than one non-family passenger (unless supervised by a licensed driver 21+), and nighttime restrictions; no handheld devices; learner license duration before upgrading.

How does alcohol affect driving and what is the general risk?

Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reflexes, reduces vision; higher BAC means greater impairment; DUI penalties apply.

What are the penalties for a first DUI offense in Alabama?

Fine between $600 and $2,100, up to one year in jail, and license suspension (typically 90 days); additional penalties possible.

What is Alabama's basic speed law?

Drive at a speed reasonable for existing conditions (road, weather, and vehicle).

What does a No Passing Zone sign indicate?

Passing is not allowed; typically marked by solid yellow lines and warning signs.

When should child safety seats and boosters be used in Alabama?

Infant rear-facing until 1 year or 20 pounds; forward-facing until 5 years or 40 pounds; booster seat until age 6; seat belt until age 15.

What are typical speed limits by location in Alabama?

Urban districts: 30 mph; unpaved roads: 35 mph; county paved roads: 45 mph; other locations: 55 mph; 65 mph where posted; 70 mph on interstate.

What should you do during a traffic stop?

Pull over safely, turn off the engine and radio, keep hands on the steering wheel, provide license/insurance/registration when asked, and avoid reaching for documents until instructed.

What should you do at railroad crossings?

Look, listen, and stop if warning devices require; do not pass when crossing is active; avoid changing gears on the crossing.

What are the bicycle rules for sharing the road in Alabama?

Riders should stay as far right as practical, may ride two abreast, ride with traffic, use bicycle lanes when available, wear a helmet under 16, and have lights/reflectors.

What should you do to avoid rear-end collisions?

Maintain a safe following distance (two-second rule or more in poor conditions); watch brake lights; adjust speed to traffic flow.

What should you do if your car experiences a tire blowout?

Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and do not brake until the vehicle is under control.

What is the recommended action for hydroplaning?

Ease off the accelerator to slow, and ensure tires have deep tread to prevent hydroplaning.

What should you do if you are in fog or snow driving?

Reduce speed, keep headlights on low beam, and pull off the road if visibility is severely limited.

What are the rules for emergency vehicles approaching you?

Pull over to the curb/side and stop; yield; do not continue until the emergency vehicle passes.

What is the purpose of road signs shapes and colors?

Shapes/colors encode sign type: regulatory (e.g., stop, red), warning (yellow/diamond), informational/guide (green/blue/brown).