Free Alabama DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need a pass mark the DMV does not publish (our practice tests use 80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A driver ahead points their left arm down like this. What does it mean?
What's on the Alabama Practice Test 3
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real Alabama knowledge test. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 15
- Safe driving 8
- Emergencies 4
- Vehicle equipment 3
- Alcohol & drugs 3
- Speed limits 1
- Right of way 1
- Parking 1
52 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for Alabama. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. On a divided highway with four or more lanes, a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the opposite side. What must you do?
- A. Continue with care; no stop needed (correct)
- B. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus
- C. Stop until the stop arm is pulled in
- D. Slow to 15 mph below the limit
Why: Alabama does not require drivers on the other side of a divided highway with four or more lanes to stop for the bus. On a four- to six-lane undivided highway, you must stop.
Source: official Alabama driver handbook, p.61 (PDF p.63), Stopping
2. Which of these vehicles must always stop before crossing any railroad crossing in Alabama?
- A. A church bus (correct)
- B. A pickup truck
- C. A motorcycle
- D. A rental moving van
Why: School buses, church buses, other passenger buses, and trucks carrying flammable, explosive or hazardous loads must stop at every railroad crossing. Be ready to stop when you follow one.
Source: official Alabama driver handbook, p.39 (PDF p.41), Stopping for Railroad Crossings
3. What is the difference between a black-on-white speed sign and a yellow speed sign below a warning sign?
- A. They mean the same - both are legal limits
- B. White is the legal limit; yellow is advisory (correct)
- C. Yellow is the legal limit; white is advisory
- D. White is for trucks; yellow is for cars
Why: A black-on-white speed sign is the legal speed limit. A yellow speed plate below a warning sign (e.g., on a curve) is an advisory speed - the safe recommended speed for that hazard.
4. When may a driver enter or cross a bike lane?
- A. To pass slower cars when traffic is heavy
- B. Never, under any circumstances
- C. To turn or cross to parking, yielding to cyclists (correct)
- D. To wait in it while the car ahead of you turns
Why: Bike lanes are for bicyclists. You may enter or cross one only when needed to turn, enter or leave a driveway or alley, or park where allowed, and you must yield to bicyclists first. States differ on details: California lets you merge into the bike lane before a turn, while Connecticut and Hawaii only let you cross it.
Source: official Alabama driver handbook
5. A driver ahead points their left arm down like this. What does it mean?
- A. They will turn left
- B. They will turn right
- C. They will slow down or stop (correct)
- D. They are parking on the left
Why: The left arm extended downward means the driver is slowing down or stopping, so get ready to slow down too.
Source: official Alabama driver handbook
6. A sign that reads 'DO NOT ENTER' on a red and white background means:
- A. Enter only after a full stop
- B. You may not enter the road ahead (correct)
- C. Only local traffic may enter
- D. Enter only if no cars are coming
Why: A 'Do Not Enter' sign means you must not enter the road or ramp ahead - usually because it is one-way or an exit ramp. Entering would put you in oncoming traffic.
More Alabama facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Alabama permit practice test page.
Alabama DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DMV
- Passing score
- Not published
- Correct needed
- a pass mark the DMV does not publish (our practice tests use 80%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Motor Vehicles
More Alabama Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Alabama Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.