Alabama ALEA road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Knowing where the controls are and how to use them (brake, parking brake, lights, dimmer, wipers, ignition, gear selector)
• Clutch use (manual transmission)
• Posture: both hands on the wheel, sitting up straight
• Smooth stop from low speed
• Backing about 50 feet slowly and straight, looking to the rear
• Stop sign: full stop before the crosswalk or stop line
• Traffic lights
• Turnabout (three-point turn) in a narrow street, backing only once, without bumping the curb or using a driveway
• Approach to corner
• Right of way, including pulling over for emergency vehicles
• Stop (park) on an upgrade: parallel to the curb within 18 inches, wheels turned, parking brake set
• Start on an upgrade without racing the engine or rolling back
• Turns: signal at least 100 feet before the intersection and turn into the proper lane
• Passing and merging, checking blind spots
• Keeping in lane
• Use of horn
• Following distance (two-second rule)
• Speed: obey limits and keep a speed reasonable for conditions

Mistakes that end the test

• Being involved in an accident
• Violating the law
• Driving recklessly or dangerously
• Failing to cooperate with the examiner
• Making several errors in safe driving practice because of habit or lack of practice

Your car

• Working brake lights, left and right turn signals and horn
• Proof of insurance and registration
• Rental only if the applicant is listed on the agreement as an additional driver

After you pass

Drivers under 17 (Stage III after 6 months on Stage II), or 18 get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• No more than one passenger other than parents, legal guardians or family members
• No driving midnight to 6 a.m. unless with a parent or guardian, with a licensed driver 21 or older and parental consent, going to or from work or a school or religious event, or in a medical, fire or law-enforcement emergency
• No handheld communication devices while driving
• Permission from a parent, grandparent or guardian is required
• Violations extend the restricted period by 6 months or until 18 (no points, no criminal penalty)
• A second moving violation, or an offense worth 4 or more points (such as reckless driving, racing or illegal passing), brings an automatic 60-day suspension
• Restrictions don't apply at 18 or older, at 17 or older after holding a license 6 months, to married 16-year-olds who are heads of household, or to emancipated minors
• Stage II needs permission from a parent, grandparent or legal guardian and a passed road skills exam. Stage III comes at 17 after 6 months on Stage II, or right away at 18 or older with a passed road skills exam

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.