The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Alabama ALEA knowledge test (Class D) is approximately 30 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 24 correct and can miss up to 6. Note: Alabama requires 80% to pass — the same standard used by most states.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may reschedule at your local Alabama ALEA office. Contact ALEA at 334-676-6000 or visit www.alea.gov (Alabama Driver's Guide, Chapter 1).
The knowledge exam is taken at a Alabama ALEA driver license station. Visit www.alea.gov for locations and information.
The knowledge test fee is $5.00 (no checks accepted). Automated testing is available to all applicants. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving.
The legal BAC limit in Alabama is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Alabama uses Under-21 DUI rule for minors — driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more under age 21 is a DUI offense. Alabama law suspends driving privileges for 90 days on a first offense (Chapter 9).
1st DUI: $600–$2,100 fine, up to 1 year jail, 90-day suspension. 2nd DUI (within 10 yrs): $1,100–$5,100 fine, mandatory 48 hrs or 20 days community service, 1-year revocation. 3rd DUI: $2,100–$10,100 fine, mandatory 60-day jail (cannot be probated or suspended), 3-year revocation. 4th+ DUI: Class C felony — $4,100–$10,100 fine, 5-year revocation, 1 year 1 day – 10 years imprisonment. Multiple DUI convictions escalate charges (Chapter 9).
Learner Permit: minimum age 15. Must hold for at least 6 months and be at least 17 before applying for a Class D License. Supervisor must be a licensed adult 21+ — seated beside you. No experience requirement. Alabama GDL restricts 16-year-olds: no driving midnight–6 AM (with exceptions) and no more than 1 non-family passenger. Class D after holding permit 6 months AND being at least 17 (Chapter 1).
Alabama uses the 2-second rule at any speed. Watch the car ahead pass a fixed point — count "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you reach it first, drop back. Increase to 4 seconds in bad weather, wet pavement, low visibility, or when following a motorcycle (Chapter 5).
Alabama statutory limits: 70 mph interstate (where posted), 65 mph where posted, 55 mph other locations, 45 mph county paved roads (unless posted), 35 mph unpaved roads, 30 mph urban districts. School zone limits are posted. Always obey posted signs (Chapter 6).
Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping. Signal also when changing lanes, pulling from a parking space, entering or leaving a highway, and pulling to the side of the road. You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless prohibited. A left turn on red is only allowed when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street (Chapter 5, 6).
You must stop when approaching a school bus from either direction displaying alternately flashing red lights. Do not proceed until: (1) the bus has resumed motion, (2) you are signaled by the driver, or (3) the red lights are no longer flashing. Exception: if traveling in the opposite direction on a highway with 4+ lanes and at least 2 lanes in each direction, you may continue. Also no stop required if bus is in a designated loading zone where pedestrians cannot cross (Chapter 6).
Alabama law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see clearly ahead for 500 feet. Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following. Also use low beams in fog, rain, sleet, snow, or dust (Chapter 5).
Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of any traffic control device (stop sign, signal, yield sign, flashing beacon), 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. When parallel parking, finish with your wheels turned parallel to the curb and your vehicle properly aligned within the space (Chapter 3).
Alabama child restraint law (Chapter 3): infants rear-facing until at least 1 year or 20 lbs; forward-facing seat until at least 5 years or 40 lbs; booster seat until age 6; seat belt until age 15. Alabama's safety belt law requires every occupant — regardless of age — to be restrained.
Alabama requires 80% to pass — the same standard as most states. Aim for 85%+ on practice tests so test-day nerves don't drop you below the threshold.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Alabama test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the ALEA office.
Download the Alabama Driver Manual at www.alea.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Alabama statutory limits: interstate 70 mph (where posted), 65 mph where posted, 55 mph other locations, 45 mph county paved (unless posted), 35 mph unpaved, 30 mph urban districts. Always obey posted signs and reduce speed in work zones.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
520+ questions based on the official Alabama Driver Manual. Free, no signup required.
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