The Ultimate Alabama Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Pass with Flying Colors

The day of your Alabama driving test is here, and you've practiced for hours. This cheat sheet isn't a substitute for studying the official driver's manual, but it's the perfect last-minute review to refresh your memory on the most critical points. Scan this guide, take a deep breath, and get ready to ace your test!

Critical Numbers to Etch in Your Brain

Your examiner will expect you to know these numbers. They are fundamental to road safety in Alabama.

• Speed Limits: Unless otherwise posted, these are the standard speed limits you must follow.

  • Residential Areas: 25 mph
  • School Zones: 15 mph (when children are present or lights are flashing)
  • Unpaved County Roads: 35 mph
  • Other Roadways/Highways: 55 mph
  • Rural Interstates: 70 mph

• Key Distances:

  • Signaling a Turn: You must signal continuously for at least 100 feet before making a turn.
  • Following Distance: Maintain a safe following distance. The "two-second rule" is a good minimum to follow under ideal conditions.
  • Parking Near a Fire Hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet.
  • Parking Near a STOP Sign or Crosswalk: Do not park within 30 feet of a controlled intersection.

The Maneuvers That Matter Most

Your road test will include specific maneuvers to demonstrate vehicle control. While parallel parking is often not required in Alabama, you should be prepared for the following.

Three-Point Turn (Turnabout)

This tests your ability to turn a vehicle around in a narrow space.

1. Start: Signal right and pull over to the right curb.
2. First Point: When traffic is clear, signal left. Turn your steering wheel completely to the left and move forward slowly until you are near the opposite curb.
3. Second Point: Signal right. Turn your steering wheel completely to the right and back up slowly, looking over your right shoulder.
4. Third Point: Stop, shift to drive, and straighten out in the correct lane. The key is to only back up once and not hit the curb.

Backing in a Straight Line

The examiner will ask you to back your vehicle for about 50 feet.

• Look over your right shoulder through the rear window, not just in your mirrors or at a backup camera.
• Maintain a slow, steady speed and keep the car straight.

Stopping Smoothly and Correctly

• Complete Stops: Always come to a full and complete stop behind the white stop line. No "rolling stops."
• Brake Smoothly: Avoid sudden, jerky stops. Anticipate the need to slow down.
• Check Behind You: Briefly check your rearview mirror as you begin to brake.

Lane Changes and Turns

• S.M.O.G.: Signal, check your Mirrors, look Over your shoulder (blind spot), and then Go. Do this every time you change lanes.
• Turn into the Correct Lane: When turning, you must turn from the correct lane into the corresponding lane.
• Cancel Your Signal: Make sure your turn signal turns off after you complete your turn.

Examiner's Pet Peeves: Avoid These Point Deductions!

These common mistakes might not cause an automatic fail, but they will cost you points.

• Not Checking Mirrors Frequently: The examiner wants to see you constantly scanning your surroundings. Check your rearview and side mirrors every few seconds.
• Driving with One Hand: Keep both hands on the steering wheel unless you are briefly operating a vehicle control. A good position is 9 and 3 or 8 and 4.
• Being Too Timid: Hesitating too long at an intersection or driving excessively slow can be marked as an error. Be confident and decisive.
• Forgetting to Yield: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and at intersections when required. Pull over and stop for any emergency vehicle with its lights and siren on.
• Not Turning into the Right Lane: Slower traffic keeps right. After making a left turn onto a multi-lane road, move to the right lane when it is safe to do so.

You've done the hard work of learning to drive. This cheat sheet is just a final confidence boost. Remember to relax, drive safely, and follow the examiner's instructions. You've got this!