Alabama DMV road test

What's on the Alabama DMV road test?

ALEA's road test study guide lists what you may be asked to do:

• Know where the controls are: brakes, parking brake, lights, dimmer, wipers, ignition and gears
• Sit up with both hands on the wheel, and hold the clutch down when you start, shift, or drop below 10 mph (manual cars)
• Make a smooth stop from low speed, checking your mirror
• Back up about 50 feet, slowly and straight, looking over your right shoulder
• Stop before the crosswalk at stop signs and red lights
• Do a three-point turn on a narrow street without bumping the curb or using a driveway
• Stop on a hill within 18 inches of the curb, turn the wheels and set the parking brake, then start again without rolling back
• Signal at least 100 feet before turns, and check blind spots when passing or changing lanes
• Keep right, keep a two-second following distance, use the horn only to warn, and stay within the speed limit

What makes you fail

The study guide says you may fail for any of these:

• Being involved in an accident
• Breaking a traffic law
• Driving recklessly or dangerously
• Not cooperating with the examiner
• Making several errors in safe driving from habit or too little practice

The car you bring

Before the test starts, the examiner inspects the car for working brake lights, left and right turn signals and a horn. You must show proof of current insurance and the vehicle registration. A rental car is allowed only if your name is on the rental agreement as an additional driver. If your license will need corrective lenses, wear them.

Who comes with you

A 16-year-old must come with a parent or guardian, who consents to the license. If they can't come, form DL-31 lets them authorize another adult to sign. If you're 18 or older and testing for the first time, bring a licensed driver along with the insured car. Before Stage II, also have your 50-hour practice form or driver education completion form ready.