The Alabama road test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check that you are eligible to take the road test.
• You can prepare the documents and vehicle the examiner will check.
• You can perform the skills in ALEA's Road Test Study Guide, including the turn about and stop on upgrade.
• You can name the reasons an examiner can fail you.
• You can book a test or use a walk-in slot.

What you need to know and understand

• Under 18, you must be at least 16 and have held your learner license for six months.
• A 16 year old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The examiner inspects the brake lights, left and right turn signals and horn before the test.
• You must show proof of insurance and the vehicle registration. A rental car is allowed only if your name is on the agreement.
• You surrender your learner license at the road test.
• Road skills tests can be booked online up to two weeks ahead at select offices, and walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.

Your test-day checklist

Whatever your age, you need a vehicle that passes the examiner's equipment check, plus proof of current insurance and the vehicle registration.

• Your learner license.
• Under 18: ALEA's 50-hour verification form or a driver education completion certificate.
• A parent or guardian with you if you are 16, as their permission is needed for the Stage II license.
• Proof of current insurance and the vehicle's registration.
• Glasses or contacts if your license requires them.
• Payment in cash or a money order (no checks). ALEA's GDL page lists $36.25 for a Stage II license, but confirm the current fee with the office.

The skills the examiner may ask for

You may be asked to show all or some of these, based on ALEA's Road Test Study Guide:

• Knowing where the controls are, such as lights, wipers, dimmer switch and parking brake.
• Good posture with both hands on the wheel, and a smooth stop from low speed after checking your mirror.
• Backing about 50 feet slowly and straight while looking over your right shoulder.
• Stop signs and traffic lights: stop before the crosswalk or behind the stop line.
• Turn about (three-point turn) on a narrow street, backing only once, without touching the curb or using a driveway.
• Turns: signal at least 100 feet ahead, slow before the crosswalk and finish in the proper lane.
• Lane keeping, passing and merging with blind-spot checks, using the 2-second following rule and keeping to the speed limit.

Stopping and starting on a hill

1. Signal and stop parallel to the curb, within 18 inches of it.
2. Turn the wheels sharply left, or right if there is no curb, and let the car roll back gently until the back of the front wheel rests against the curb.
3. Turn off the ignition, set the parking brake and put an automatic car in Park (a manual car goes in reverse gear).
4. To leave, look over your left shoulder and pull out slowly when clear, without racing the engine or rolling back.

Why people fail

The study guide says you can fail for being involved in a crash, breaking the law, driving recklessly or dangerously, not cooperating with the examiner, or making several errors because of habit or lack of practice. Our Alabama road test checklist guide gives a fuller day-before routine.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a stop sign. Come to a full stop behind the line or before the crosswalk.
• Forgetting blind-spot checks when changing lanes or pulling away from the curb.
• Bringing a car with a broken brake light or no insurance card. The test cannot start.
• Using a driveway for the turn about. The guide says to back only once and not use a driveway.

Test yourself: The Alabama road test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alabama Road Test Checklist
• Alabama 50 Hours Driving
• Alabama GDL Law