Alabama: Emergency vehicles and work zones
Yielding to emergency vehicles, the Move Over law, traffic stops and work zones. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Emergency vehicles and work zones — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Besides when directed by a police officer, when must you stop at a construction site?”
StartEmergency vehicles and work zones — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “If an officer who stops you is out of uniform, what will he or she do?”
StartAll 35 Emergency vehicles and work zones questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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A sign reads ROAD CONSTRUCTION 1500 FT. What should you do as you approach?
- Stop completely and wait until the road crew waves you on
- Speed up so you clear the construction area quickly
- Take the nearest detour because the road ahead is closed
- Watch for a flagman and one-way traffic, and proceed with caution
Show answer
Correct answer: Watch for a flagman and one-way traffic, and proceed with caution
The sign warns you are about to enter a construction area, so you watch for a flagman, one-way traffic and other signs and proceed with caution.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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A diamond-shaped sign shows a figure holding a flag in an outstretched hand. What does it warn of?
- A pedestrian crossing ahead
- A school crossing guard ahead
- A flagman ahead
- A police checkpoint ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A flagman ahead
The manual pairs this sign with the meaning "Flagman ahead."
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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A diamond-shaped sign shows a figure shoveling. What does it warn of?
- Workers in or near the roadway
- Mowing equipment ahead
- A flagman ahead
- A road crew painting lines ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Workers in or near the roadway
The manual states this sign means workers in or near the roadway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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A yellow diamond sign reads MOWERS AHEAD. What does it mean?
- Farm animals may cross ahead
- Workers are paving the road ahead
- A landscaping crew is parked ahead
- Mowing equipment is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Mowing equipment is ahead
The manual states the sign means mowing equipment ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What is the purpose of large flashing or sequencing arrow panels in work zones?
- Warn drivers that a railroad crossing is just ahead
- Guide drivers into certain lanes and show part of the road is closed
- Tell drivers the work zone has ended and speed may increase
- Signal that a flagman is directing traffic ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Guide drivers into certain lanes and show part of the road is closed
Arrow panels guide drivers into certain traffic lanes and inform them that part of the road or street ahead is closed.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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When may large flashing or sequencing arrow panels be used in work zones?
- Only at night
- Both day and night
- Only during daylight hours
- Only when workers are present
Show answer
Correct answer: Both day and night
The manual says arrow panels may be used in work zones both day and night.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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An emergency vehicle approaches and you have not yet entered the roundabout. What should you do?
- Pull over and allow it to pass
- Enter the roundabout and stop in the circle
- Enter and continue through to your exit
- Enter and pull onto the truck apron
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull over and allow it to pass
If you have not entered the roundabout, you pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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An emergency vehicle approaches and you are already in the roundabout. What should you do?
- Stop immediately in the roundabout and let it pass
- Pull over inside the roundabout on the truck apron
- Continue to your exit, then pull over and let it pass
- Speed up and exit before it reaches you
Show answer
Correct answer: Continue to your exit, then pull over and let it pass
If you have entered, you continue to your exit and then pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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Besides when directed by a police officer, when must you stop at a construction site?
- Only when workers are visible
- Only when the lane is closed
- Only when a sign says SLOW
- When ordered to stop by a flagman
Show answer
Correct answer: When ordered to stop by a flagman
A complete stop is required when ordered to stop by a flagman at a construction site or at any time directed by a police officer.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 61 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 61)
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What must you do when an emergency vehicle displaying flashing red or blue lights and a siren approaches from behind?
- Speed up to get out of the way of the vehicle
- Continue at the same speed in the left lane
- Pull over to the curb or side of the road and stop
- Slow down and keep driving in the lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull over to the curb or side of the road and stop
You must pull over to the curb or side of the road and come to a complete stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 61 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 61)
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If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in an intersection, what should you do?
- Stop immediately where you are
- Back up out of the intersection
- Clear the intersection before stopping
- Wait in the middle of the intersection for the emergency vehicle to pass
Show answer
Correct answer: Clear the intersection before stopping
The manual says to clear the intersection before stopping for an emergency vehicle.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 63 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 63)
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What must drivers do for a school bus displaying an extended stop arm?
- Slow down and pass with caution
- Stop
- Stop only if children are visible
- Pass on the right side of the bus
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop
The manual lists stopping for a school bus displaying an extended stop arm among the things drivers must do.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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How close may vehicles not on necessary business follow an emergency vehicle on an emergency run?
- Not within 100 feet
- Not within 200 feet
- Not within 500 feet
- Not within 1,000 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Not within 500 feet
Only vehicles on necessary official business may follow within 500 feet of an emergency vehicle on an emergency run.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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When may you drive over an unprotected fire hose?
- Only when authorized by police or fire officials
- Whenever no fire truck is in sight on the street
- If you drive over it slowly
- When the hose is on a side street
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when authorized by police or fire officials
Do not drive over an unprotected fire hose unless a police officer or fire department official authorizes it.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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When you see emergency lights behind you, what should you do with your turn signal?
- Leave it off and stop in your lane
- Activate your hazard lights and keep driving
- Signal and pull off as soon as safely possible
- Use it only after the officer approaches
Show answer
Correct answer: Signal and pull off as soon as safely possible
The manual says to stay calm, activate your turn signal and pull off the roadway as soon and as safely as possible.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What should you turn off when you are stopped by a law enforcement officer?
- The headlights and the turn signal
- The ignition and radio
- Only the radio
- The dome light and the air conditioner
Show answer
Correct answer: The ignition and radio
The manual says to turn off the ignition and radio.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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During a traffic stop, what should you do unless the officer instructs otherwise?
- Get out and walk toward the officer
- Move to the passenger seat
- Stand beside the rear bumper
- Stay inside your vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Stay inside your vehicle
You should stay inside your vehicle unless the officer instructs you to exit.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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Where should you keep your hands during a traffic stop so they are easily seen?
- On the dashboard
- In your lap
- On the steering wheel
- On the back of your head
Show answer
Correct answer: On the steering wheel
The manual says to keep both hands on the steering wheel to ensure they are easily seen.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What should you ask your passengers to do during a traffic stop?
- Remain calm and stay inside with hands in view
- Step out and stand away from the vehicle
- Record the stop on their phones
- Help look for your documents
Show answer
Correct answer: Remain calm and stay inside with hands in view
The manual says to ask passengers to remain calm and stay inside the vehicle with their hands in plain view.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What should you do with your cell phone and other devices during a traffic stop?
- Keep using them to record the officer
- Hand them to the officer
- Use them to call a lawyer first
- Put them down and focus on the officer
Show answer
Correct answer: Put them down and focus on the officer
The manual says to put down your cell phone and other devices and give the officer your full attention.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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If there are weapons in the vehicle during a traffic stop, when should you inform the officer?
- Only if the officer asks
- Upon first contact
- After the officer checks your license
- Only when you are asked to exit
Show answer
Correct answer: Upon first contact
The manual says to inform the officer of any weapons upon first contact.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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During a traffic stop, when may you search for your driver license or other documents?
- Only after the officer instructs you to
- As soon as you stop
- While the officer walks to your car
- Before turning off the ignition
Show answer
Correct answer: Only after the officer instructs you to
The manual says not to make sudden moves or search for documents until instructed to do so.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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If a traffic stop occurs at night, what should you do?
- Turn off all lights
- Turn on only your high beams
- Turn on the interior lights
- Leave your parking lights off
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn on the interior lights
At night you should turn on your interior lights to assist the officer.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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If an officer who stops you is out of uniform, what will he or she do?
- Ask you to follow to the police station
- Show you law enforcement credentials
- Wait for a uniformed officer to arrive
- Ask you to show your own credentials first
Show answer
Correct answer: Show you law enforcement credentials
An officer out of uniform will show law enforcement credentials, or you may ask to see them.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What should you do if your driver license, insurance, or registration are out of your reach during a traffic stop?
- Reach quickly before the officer arrives
- Step out and get them from the trunk
- Wait for the officer to find them
- Inform the officer before reaching for them
Show answer
Correct answer: Inform the officer before reaching for them
The manual says to inform the officer prior to reaching for documents that are out of reach.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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Rather than arguing with an officer over a citation, what may you choose to do?
- Refuse to sign the citation
- Leave the scene once you have explained
- Contest the citation in court
- Ignore the citation
Show answer
Correct answer: Contest the citation in court
The manual says you may contest the citation in court, where you can share your perspective.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What does your signature on a traffic citation mean?
- It is not an admission of guilt
- It is an admission of guilt
- It waives your right to go to court
- It pays the fine in advance
Show answer
Correct answer: It is not an admission of guilt
Accepting and signing a citation is not an admission of guilt.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What may result if you refuse a traffic citation?
- A warning only
- Automatic dismissal of the citation
- A license renewal reminder
- Your arrest
Show answer
Correct answer: Your arrest
The manual says refusal of a traffic citation may result in arrest.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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If you feel an officer acted inappropriately during a stop, what should you do?
- Argue with the officer about it on the roadside
- Document it and report it to the officer's agency
- Drive away from the stop
- Wait a year before reporting it
Show answer
Correct answer: Document it and report it to the officer's agency
The manual says to document the behavior and report the officer to his or her agency in a timely manner.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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On a roadway with four or more lanes, what must you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying flashing lights?
- Stop behind it until it leaves
- Stay in your lane and sound the horn
- Vacate the lane closest to it
- Move into the lane closest to it
Show answer
Correct answer: Vacate the lane closest to it
Under the Move-Over law, motorists on roadways with four or more lanes must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or wrecker.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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Under the Move-Over law, what must a driver do when changing lanes is unsafe or not possible?
- Slow to at least 15 mph below the limit
- Stop completely until it is safe
- Slow to 5 mph below the posted limit
- Keep driving at the posted speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow to at least 15 mph below the limit
When a lane change is unsafe or impossible, the driver must slow to at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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On a two-lane road, what must a driver do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or wrecker with flashing lights?
- Stop in your lane and wait until the vehicle leaves
- Move into the opposite lane to pass it quickly
- Keep the same speed and stay in the same position
- Move as far away as possible within your lane and slow down
Show answer
Correct answer: Move as far away as possible within your lane and slow down
On a two-lane road the driver must move as far away as possible within the lane and slow down.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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On a two-lane road where the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, how fast must a driver travel when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
- 5 miles per hour
- 10 miles per hour
- 15 miles per hour
- 20 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 miles per hour
On a two-lane road with a posted speed of 20 mph or less, the driver must travel 10 miles per hour.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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On a two-lane road with a posted speed of 25 mph or greater, how much must a driver slow below the posted limit when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
- 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
- 5 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
- 10 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
- 25 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
On a two-lane road with a posted speed of 25 mph or greater, the driver must slow to 15 mph less than the limit.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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Besides stopped emergency vehicles with flashing emergency lights, the Move-Over law also applies to which vehicles?
- Mail trucks with hazard lights on
- Any vehicle stopped on the shoulder
- Wreckers displaying flashing amber lights
- School buses displaying flashing red lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Wreckers displaying flashing amber lights
The Move-Over law covers emergency vehicles with flashing emergency lights and wreckers displaying flashing amber lights.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)