Alabama permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 68 Alabama numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 49 number questions in our Alabama bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
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Numbers flashcards
49 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
For a driver 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration is it illegal to drive in Alabama?
.08 percent or more
In Alabama it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more, or while under the influence at any level.
Fines, points & penalties
What are Alabama's minimum liability insurance limits?
$25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $25,000 property
Alabama's Mandatory Liability Insurance Law requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.
Speed limits
If no other limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit in an Alabama urban district?
30 mph
Alabama's statutory limit in an urban district is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted.
Every Alabama number, by topic
Official test facts and Alabama laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
- Alcohol & drugs 10
- Fines, points & penalties 8
- Speed limits 14
- Distances & following gaps 16
- Parking 4
- Ages, permits & the test 6
- Time limits & deadlines 2
- Seat belts, lights & equipment 7
- Other numbers 1
Alcohol & drugs
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | alea.govQuoteUnder Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood, or while under the influence of alcohol. |
| 0.02% | BAC limit for drivers under 21 | alea.govQuoteCommercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more. |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | alea.govQuoteCommercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more. |
| $600 to $2,100 · one year · 90-day | Drunk driving (DUI)Fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail, or both, plus a 90-day license suspension | alea.govQuotePenalty for a first conviction is a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or by both fine and imprisonment. In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days. |
| under 21 | Drunk driving (DUI)The limit is.02 for drivers under 21 (and school bus and daycare drivers) and.04 for commercial drivers | alea.govQuoteCommercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more. |
| .08 percent | For a driver 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration is it illegal to drive in Alabama?Answer: .08 percent or more | Alabama Driver Manual, page 35QuoteUnder Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood |
| .02 percent | What is the blood alcohol limit for an Alabama driver under 21 years old?Answer: .02 percent | Alabama Driver Manual, page 35QuotePersons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more. |
| .04 percent | What is the blood alcohol limit for someone driving a commercial vehicle in Alabama?Answer: .04 percent | Alabama Driver Manual, page 35QuoteCommercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. |
| 90 days | Besides a fine and possible jail time, what happens to the driver license after a first DUI conviction in Alabama?Answer: It is suspended for 90 days | Alabama Driver Manual, page 35QuoteIn addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days. |
| 48 hours · 20 days · one-year | A driver is convicted of DUI for the second time within 10 years. Which penalty does Alabama require?Answer: 48 hours in jail or 20 days of community service, and a one-year revocation | Alabama Driver Manual, page 35QuoteA mandatory 48 hours jail or 20 days community service and one-year revocation of driver license is required after a second conviction. |
Fines, points & penalties
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $50 · $100 · $150 · 24 months | Phone useFines of up to $50 for a first conviction, $100 for a second and $150 for a third within 24 months, with 1, 2 and 3 points | alea.govQuoteFirst conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points; third conviction, $150 and 3 points on driver’s record within a 24-month period. |
| 15 mph | Move Over lawWith two or more lanes in your direction: vacate the closest lane, or if unsafe, slow to at least 15 mph below the posted limit | alea.govQuoteIf it is not safe to move over, the driver shall slow to a speed that is at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. |
| 15 mph · 25 mph · 10 mph · 20 mph | Move Over lawOn a two-lane road: move as far away as possible within your lane and slow to 15 mph below the limit (limit 25 mph or more) or to 10 mph (limit 20 mph or less) | alea.govQuoteslow to a speed that is 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater or travel at 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less |
| $25,000 · $50,000 · $25,000 | What are Alabama's minimum liability insurance limits?Answer: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $25,000 property | Alabama Driver Manual, page 70Quote$25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person; • $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons; and • $25,000 for damage or destruction of property. |
| $500 | An owner is convicted for the first time of driving without the required liability insurance. What is the maximum fine?Answer: $500 | Alabama Driver Manual, page 70Quotemay be fined up to $500 for the first violation and up to $1,000 for the second or subsequent violation |
| 60 days | Under the Alabama point system, how long is the suspension for a driver who builds up 12 to 14 points in a 2-year period?Answer: 60 days | Alabama Driver Manual, page 21Quote12-14 Points in a 2-year period 60 days |
| $100 | Your license was suspended and the suspension period has ended. What is the minimum reinstatement fee in Alabama?Answer: $100 | Alabama Driver Manual, page 19Quotemust pay a reinstatement fee of not less than $100 in addition to meeting other requirements of state law |
| $50 · 1 point | Under Alabama's Hands-Free Law that took effect in June 2024, what is the penalty for a first conviction?Answer: $50 fine and 1 point | Alabama Driver Manual, page 18QuoteFirst conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points |
Speed limits
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | Speed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph in an urban district | alea.govQuoteSTATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations |
| 15 mph | Speed limits: School zonesSet and posted locally (ALEA lists 15 mph) | alea.govQuote35 MPH All non-paved county roads 25 MPH Residential areas 15 MPH School zones |
| 55 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways55 mph on other roads | alea.govQuoteSTATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations |
| 45 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways45 mph on county paved roads | alea.govQuoteSTATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations |
| 35 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways35 mph on unpaved roads | alea.govQuoteSTATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations |
| 70 mph | Speed limits: Interstates70 mph on interstates | alea.govQuote70 MPH Interstate 65 MPH Roadways with four or more lanes 55 MPH Other roadways unless otherwise marked 45 MPH County roadways unless otherwise marked |
| 65 mph | Speed limits: Interstates65 mph on other highways with four or more lanes | alea.govQuote70 MPH Interstate 65 MPH Roadways with four or more lanes 55 MPH Other roadways unless otherwise marked 45 MPH County roadways unless otherwise marked |
| 30 mph | If no other limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit in an Alabama urban district?Answer: 30 mph | Alabama Driver Manual, page 62Quote30 miles per hour in an urban district |
| 35 mph | What is the statutory speed limit on an unpaved road in Alabama?Answer: 35 mph | Alabama Driver Manual, page 62Quote35 miles per hour unpaved road |
| 45 mph | Unless a different limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit on an Alabama county paved road?Answer: 45 mph | Alabama Driver Manual, page 62Quote45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) |
| 70 mph | What is the highest speed limit the Alabama manual lists, and where does it apply?Answer: 70 mph, where posted on interstates | Alabama Driver Manual, page 62Quote70 miles per hour where posted on interstate |
| 15 mph | On a four-lane highway, you approach a utility truck parked on the roadside with flashing lights while its crew works. What does Alabama's Move Over Act require?Answer: Move out of the lane next to it, or slow to 15 mph under the limit if you cannot | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division websiteQuotewrecker, utility service vehicle, maintenance, construction, or survey vehicle displaying flashing lights, or garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. If it is not safe to move over, the driver shall slow to a speed that is at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit |
| 10 mph | On a two-lane road with a posted limit of 20 mph, you pass a wrecker stopped with amber lights flashing. How fast may you go?Answer: 10 mph | Alabama Driver Manual, page 70Quotetravel 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less. |
| 35 mph | On wet roads, at about what speed does partial hydroplaning begin in a standard passenger car?Answer: About 35 mph | Alabama Driver Manual, page 74QuoteIn a standard passenger car, partial hydroplaning starts at about 35 mph and increases with speed to about 55 mph |
Distances & following gaps
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 100 miles · two hours | On a long trip, how often does the Alabama manual advise taking a break?Answer: Every 100 miles or every two hours | Alabama Driver Manual, page 34QuoteIt is advisable to take regular breaks every 100 miles or every two hours. |
| 100 feet | According to the Alabama manual, how far before a turn should you start signaling?Answer: At least 100 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 23QuoteAt least 100 feet before making the turn, signal your intentions. |
| 500 feet | Where are three-point turns NOT permitted?Answer: Near a hilltop where approaching drivers cannot see you within 500 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 25Quotenear the top of hills where you cannot be seen by drivers of other vehicles approaching from either direction within 500 feet. |
| 500 feet | On a curve or hill, how much clear sight distance must you have before crossing the center line to pass?Answer: At least 500 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 67QuoteOn a curve or hill where you cannot see a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet. |
| two-second | In good conditions, what following-distance rule does the Alabama manual recommend?Answer: The two-second rule | Alabama Driver Manual, page 38Quotea new formula was introduced which is even more positive and easier to apply, the “two-second rule.” |
| five-second | Road and weather conditions are poor. How much following distance should you leave?Answer: A four- to five-second count | Alabama Driver Manual, page 38QuoteIf the road and weather conditions are not good, increase your following distance to a four or five second count. |
| 3 feet | When passing a person on a bicycle, how much space does Alabama law require between your vehicle and the rider?Answer: At least 3 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 26QuoteAlabama state law requires that you pass a person on a bicycle with a distance of not less than three feet |
| 430 feet | At 55 mph, about how far does a loaded truck need to stop, compared with a passenger car's 193 feet?Answer: About 430 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 30Quoteat speeds of 55 miles per hour, a passenger car needs 193 feet to stop safely and a loaded truck needs 430 feet. |
| 20 feet | On a two-lane road, you are behind a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and its stop arm out. How far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 64QuoteSTOP AT LEAST 20 FEET FROM THE BUS. |
| 500 feet | A fire truck passes you on an emergency run. How close may you follow it?Answer: No closer than 500 feet, unless on official business | Alabama Driver Manual, page 67QuoteOnly vehicles on necessary official business are permitted to follow within 500 feet of emergency vehicles on an emergency run. |
| 750 feet | How far before the tracks is the round yellow railroad warning sign usually placed in Alabama?Answer: 750 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 40QuoteIt means a highway railroad crossing is ahead and is placed 750 feet before the track. |
| 15 and 50 feet | When you must stop for a train at a railroad crossing, how far from the tracks should you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 41QuoteWhen approaching a railroad crossing. You must stop within 15 to 50 ft. |
| half-hour · half-hour · 500 feet | When does Alabama law require you to have your headlights on?Answer: From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when you cannot see 500 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 71Quoteheadlights (not parking lights only) must be turned on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and during other periods of limited visibility when you cannot see clearly for at least 500 feet. |
| 500 feet | At night, an oncoming vehicle approaches. Within what distance must you dim your high beams?Answer: 500 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 71QuoteYou must dim your headlights when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle |
| 200 feet | At night you are following another vehicle with your high beams on. Within what distance must you dim them?Answer: 200 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 71Quotewithin 200 feet when following another vehicle. |
| 100 to 500 feet | Your car breaks down at night and you have flares. Where should you place them?Answer: 100 to 500 feet behind the car on the right edge | Alabama Driver Manual, page 72QuoteIf you have flares or reflectors, place them from 100 to 500 feet to the rear of your vehicle on the right hand edge of the highway |
Parking
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | How close to a fire hydrant may you park in Alabama?Answer: No closer than 15 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 31QuoteWithin 15 feet of a fire hydrant. |
| 20 feet | How far must you park from a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection?Answer: At least 20 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 31QuoteWithin 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection. |
| 30 feet | How far must you park from a stop sign or traffic signal at the side of the road?Answer: At least 30 feet | Alabama Driver Manual, page 31QuoteWithin 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway. |
| 50 feet | How close to a railroad crossing may you park?Answer: No closer than 50 feet from the nearest rail | Alabama Driver Manual, page 31QuoteWithin 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. |
Ages, permits & the test
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Six months | A 16-year-old with a learner license wants to take the road test for a regular license. How long must they have held the learner license first?Answer: Six months | Alabama Driver Manual, page 12Quotehas held a Learner License (to include a comparable license issued by another state) for six months or until their 18th birthday |
| 6 months · age 18 | A 16-year-old with a restricted license breaks one of the GDL restrictions, such as the passenger limit. What is the result?Answer: The restricted period is extended by 6 months or until age 18 | Alabama Driver Manual, page 86QuoteViolation of any of the above restrictions will result in the restrictive period being extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18 years of age. |
| 50 hours | Besides holding the learner license for at least 6 months, what must a teen complete before moving to a Stage II restricted license?Answer: 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice or an approved driver education course | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division websiteQuoteverifying that the applicant has COMPLETED a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice |
| 60 days | A 16-year-old with a graduated license is convicted of illegal passing. What happens to the license?Answer: It is automatically suspended for 60 days | Alabama Driver Manual, page 86Quotereckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the wrong side of the road, or any other offense where four or more points are assessed, their license will automatically be suspended for 60 days |
| 30 days | You move to a new address within Alabama. How long do you have to notify the Driver License Division?Answer: 30 days | Alabama Driver Manual, page 16QuoteAfter changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days |
| 1 year · 20 pounds | Under Alabama's child restraint law, how long must a baby ride in a rear-facing infant or convertible seat?Answer: Until at least 1 year old or 20 pounds | Alabama Driver Manual, page 32QuoteInfant-only seat or convertible seat used in the rear-facing position until an infant is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. |
Time limits & deadlines
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days · $500 | CrashesWritten report (Form SR-31) to ALEA's Safety Responsibility Unit within 30 days for injury, death or damage of $500 or more when the at-fault party was uninsured | alea.govQuoteIn case of injury, a fatality, or if damage to any vehicle or property in the crash amount to $500 or more, a written (Form SR-31) must be sent within 30 days, by the driver involved if the “at fault’’ party was not insured at time of mishap. |
| 30 days | A crash causes $800 in vehicle damage, and the at-fault driver had no insurance. Within how many days must the written SR-31 report be sent to ALEA?Answer: 30 days | Alabama Driver Manual, page 40Quoteif damage to any vehicle or property in the crash amount to $500 or more, a written (Form SR-31) must be sent within 30 days |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| age 1 or 20 lb | Seat beltsRear-facing infant or convertible seat until at least age 1 or 20 lb | alea.govQuote(1) Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least one year of age or 20 pounds. |
| age 5 or 40 lb | Seat beltsForward-facing seat until at least age 5 or 40 lb | alea.govQuote(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds. (3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age. (4) Seat belts until 15 years of age. |
| age 6 | Seat beltsBooster seat until age 6 | alea.govQuote(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds. (3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age. (4) Seat belts until 15 years of age. |
| 6 years | Under Alabama law, until what age must a child use a booster seat?Answer: 6 years old | Alabama Driver Manual, page 32QuoteBooster seat until a child is 6 years of age. |
| 32 percent | How dark may the side and rear windows of a passenger sedan be tinted in Alabama?Answer: They must let at least 32 percent of light through | Alabama Driver Manual, page 70Quoteall windows (side and rear) may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission. |
| 16 inch | Under Alabama law, a tire becomes illegal when its tread depth is less than:Answer: 1/16 inch | Alabama Driver Manual, page 82Quotea tire is illegal if your tread is less than 1/16 inch deep. |
| under 16 | In Alabama, which bicycle riders must wear a securely fastened helmet on public roads and paths?Answer: Riders under 16 | Alabama Driver Manual, page 26QuotePeople on bicycles who are under the age of 16 years are required to wear a securely fastened protective helmet |
Other numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Three to twelve times | Compared with dry pavement, how much distance can it take to stop on snow or ice?Answer: Three to twelve times as much | Alabama Driver Manual, page 73QuoteRemember that on snow or ice it takes three to twelve times as much distance to stop your car as on dry pavement. |
Memory tips
Straight from the handbook:
“a new formula was introduced which is even more positive and easier to apply, the “two-second rule.””
“Remember that on snow or ice it takes three to twelve times as much distance to stop your car as on dry pavement.”
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Alabama permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 68 of them for Alabama, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Alabama Driver Manual, Alabama statutes or ALEA pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.
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