Alabama: Freeway driving
Entering, driving on and leaving the freeway, interchanges, ramps and planning your trip. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 36 Freeway driving questions with answers
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Backing is prohibited on controlled access highways such as freeways and expressways, except for whom?
- Any driver who has missed an exit
- Drivers on the right shoulder only
- Emergency vehicles performing their duties
- Vehicles with their hazard lights on
Show answer
Correct answer: Emergency vehicles performing their duties
Backing on freeways and expressways is prohibited except for emergency vehicles performing their duties.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 66 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 66)
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Which description of a freeway does the manual give?
- A multi-lane, controlled access, divided highway
- A two-lane highway with traffic signals at each crossing
- A one-way street with parking on both sides
- A divided highway with stop signs at every cross street
Show answer
Correct answer: A multi-lane, controlled access, divided highway
The manual describes freeways as multi-lane, controlled access, divided highways.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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Which of these is true of freeways, according to the manual?
- Cross traffic enters at every interchange
- There are stop signs at every ramp
- There are no stops and cross traffic
- Traffic must stop at each exit to yield
Show answer
Correct answer: There are no stops and cross traffic
The manual states there are no stops and cross traffic on the freeways.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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Among other things, safe use of freeways requires that you do what?
- Drive well below the speed of traffic
- Keep pace with traffic and stay alert
- Stay in the left lane at all times
- Stop to rest every few miles on the roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep pace with traffic and stay alert
Safe freeway use requires keeping pace with traffic and staying alert.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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What must slower moving vehicles on a freeway do?
- Stay in the left lane
- Stop on the shoulder
- Use the center lane only
- Keep to the right
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep to the right
Vehicles traveling less than the normal speed of traffic must keep to the right.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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What does the manual say about cutting from one lane to another on a freeway?
- It is the best way to keep pace with traffic
- It is allowed only in the left lane
- It is a dangerous practice
- It is required when traffic slows down
Show answer
Correct answer: It is a dangerous practice
The manual calls cutting from one lane to another a dangerous practice.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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On a freeway, how should you choose your lane?
- Pick the lane moving at the pace you prefer and stay in it
- Move to whichever lane has the fewest vehicles at each moment
- Keep changing lanes to stay ahead of traffic
- Stay in the lane closest to the exit you need
Show answer
Correct answer: Pick the lane moving at the pace you prefer and stay in it
The manual says to choose the lane moving at the pace you prefer and stay in it.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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If you must change lanes on a freeway to pass or leave it, what should you do?
- Signal only after you have started moving over
- Speed up first so other drivers must let you in
- Sound your horn and move over quickly
- Check traffic carefully and signal well in advance
Show answer
Correct answer: Check traffic carefully and signal well in advance
You must check traffic carefully and signal well in advance of the move.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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If your vehicle has a mechanical breakdown on a freeway, where should you park?
- In the right lane with your hazard lights on
- Entirely off the traveled portion of the freeway
- Partly on the shoulder and partly in the right lane
- In the acceleration lane of the next entrance ramp
Show answer
Correct answer: Entirely off the traveled portion of the freeway
The manual says to park entirely off the traveled portion.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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After a breakdown on a freeway, what does the manual say to do if at all possible?
- Stay with your vehicle
- Walk along the freeway to find a phone
- Flag down a passing driver for a ride
- Leave the vehicle and cross to the median
Show answer
Correct answer: Stay with your vehicle
The manual says to stay with your vehicle if at all possible.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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Which actions are the distress signals the manual describes for a freeway breakdown?
- Place a red cloth on the roof, turn on the high beams and sound the horn
- Close the hood and trunk, switch off all lights and stand behind the vehicle
- Open the trunk, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to a door handle or antenna
- Open all the doors, flash the headlights and keep the engine running at idle
Show answer
Correct answer: Open the trunk, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to a door handle or antenna
The manual lists an open trunk, a raised hood (weather permitting) and a white cloth on a door handle or antenna as distress signals.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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When is parking permitted on a freeway?
- When you stop briefly to read a map
- Only in a case of emergency
- When you are on the right-hand shoulder
- When you need to rest during a long trip
Show answer
Correct answer: Only in a case of emergency
Other than in an emergency, parking is not permitted on the freeway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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As you approach and enter the acceleration lane, what should you do about your speed?
- Slow down to a crawl until the through lanes are completely empty
- Keep a speed well below that of vehicles in the through lanes
- Stop at the end of the lane and wait for a gap
- Increase speed to match that of vehicles in the through lanes, if possible
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase speed to match that of vehicles in the through lanes, if possible
You increase speed to match the vehicles in the through lanes, if possible.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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What should you do after you see an opening while on the entrance ramp?
- Stop at the end of the ramp and wait until freeway traffic stops for you
- Merge quickly while sounding your horn to warn the drivers in the through lanes
- Activate your turn signal and merge smoothly with the other traffic
- Switch on your hazard lights and force your way into the through lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Activate your turn signal and merge smoothly with the other traffic
The manual says to watch for an opening, signal and merge smoothly.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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When should you come to a full stop in the acceleration lane?
- Only when it is absolutely necessary
- Whenever traffic in the through lanes is heavy
- Whenever you cannot find an opening right away
- Whenever the lane ahead is clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when it is absolutely necessary
You must not stop in the acceleration lane unless it is absolutely necessary.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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According to the manual, when drivers on the freeway do not allow room for those entering, what must you do?
- Force your way into the lane
- Speed up and cut in front of them
- Sound your horn to claim the right of way
- Yield to them
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to them
Freeway drivers should allow room, but entering drivers must yield if they do not.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 76 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 76)
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When a YIELD sign is in place at an entrance ramp with no acceleration lane, what must entering traffic do?
- Speed up and merge before the sign
- Obey the YIELD sign and stop if necessary
- Force their way into the traffic stream
- Keep going because freeway traffic must give way
Show answer
Correct answer: Obey the YIELD sign and stop if necessary
Entering traffic must obey the YIELD sign and stop if necessary instead of forcing its way in.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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What is an interchange?
- Two highways crossing at different levels, with separate connecting roads for transferring traffic
- Two highways crossing at the same level, with traffic signals controlling each movement
- A short one-way ramp leading from a freeway to the intersecting local roadway
- A multi-lane road that joins two freeways at the same level without any ramps
Show answer
Correct answer: Two highways crossing at different levels, with separate connecting roads for transferring traffic
An interchange is the intersection of two highways at different levels with separate connecting roads.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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What does the design of an interchange enable vehicles to do?
- Cross the highway only after stopping at a traffic signal and waiting for green
- Enter the highway only by merging directly from a stop sign at the ramp end
- Cross, enter, or leave either highway without interfering with other vehicles
- Leave the highway only by using a left-hand exit lane with a dedicated signal
Show answer
Correct answer: Cross, enter, or leave either highway without interfering with other vehicles
The interchange design lets vehicles cross, enter or leave either highway without interfering with others.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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Which of these is one of the four most common types of interchanges named in the manual?
- Roundabout
- Trumpet
- Pinwheel
- Staggered
Show answer
Correct answer: Trumpet
The four common types named are directional, cloverleaf, diamond and trumpet.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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Where is a directional interchange used?
- Where traffic needs to turn from all four directions using loop connections
- Where a roadway connects to a freeway and forms a T intersection
- Where four ramps let vehicles leave the main highway and turn left after exiting
- Where a high volume of traffic desires to transfer between only two legs of the interchange
Show answer
Correct answer: Where a high volume of traffic desires to transfer between only two legs of the interchange
A directional interchange serves high traffic volume between only two legs of the interchange.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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How does a cloverleaf interchange allow turning movements off or onto the freeway from four directions?
- Using traffic signals at each ramp
- Using a single T intersection
- Using loop type connections
- Using only left-turn lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Using loop type connections
A cloverleaf uses loop type connections for turning movements from four directions.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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What does a cloverleaf interchange eliminate?
- Left turn and cross traffic conflicts for all movements
- The need for acceleration lanes on every ramp
- Speed limits on the connecting roads
- All merging between ramps and the main roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Left turn and cross traffic conflicts for all movements
The manual says a cloverleaf eliminates left turn and cross traffic conflicts for all movements.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 77 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 77)
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How many ramps characterize a diamond interchange?
- Two
- Three
- Six
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Four
A diamond interchange is characterized by four ramps.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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At a diamond interchange, when are left turns made?
- Before entering the exit ramp, from the through lane
- After leaving the freeway
- On loop ramps while leaving the freeway
- On the freeway just before the exit
Show answer
Correct answer: After leaving the freeway
In a diamond interchange left turns are made after leaving the freeway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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Which interchange provides access to a freeway when another roadway connects, forming a “T” intersection?
- Trumpet interchange
- Cloverleaf interchange
- Diamond interchange
- Directional interchange
Show answer
Correct answer: Trumpet interchange
A trumpet interchange provides access when another roadway connects, forming a T intersection.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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What should you do to prepare for your exit when leaving a freeway?
- Wait until you pass the exit sign, then cross the lanes
- Stay in the left lane until the ramp begins
- Move into the proper lane well in advance
- Brake hard once you see the exit
Show answer
Correct answer: Move into the proper lane well in advance
You prepare for the exit by moving into the proper lane well in advance.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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After you signal your turn to leave the freeway, where should you move to reduce your speed?
- Into the acceleration lane
- Into the deceleration lane
- Onto the left shoulder
- Into the left-most through lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Into the deceleration lane
You signal, move into the deceleration lane and reduce speed as you prepare to enter the exit ramp.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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Which action does the manual say you should never do on the freeway?
- Signal before changing lanes
- Move into the deceleration lane
- Match the speed of traffic in the through lanes
- Reduce speed suddenly
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce speed suddenly
The manual says never to reduce speed suddenly on the freeway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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As you move onto the exit ramp, what should you be prepared to do?
- Speed up to merge with the through traffic on the exit ramp
- Stop in the deceleration lane until the intersecting road is clear
- Yield or stop when you come to the intersecting roadway
- Turn around on the ramp if the intersecting roadway is busy
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield or stop when you come to the intersecting roadway
Be prepared to yield or stop at the intersecting roadway at the end of the exit ramp.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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What should you do if you miss your exit on a freeway?
- Proceed to the next exit and come back
- Stop and back up to the exit
- Turn around at the nearest opening
- Back up along the shoulder to the ramp
Show answer
Correct answer: Proceed to the next exit and come back
You must not stop, back up or turn around; proceed to the next exit and come back.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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When planning a freeway trip, what should you use to decide exactly where to get on and off?
- The odometer
- A map
- Your gasoline gauge
- A trooper’s advice
Show answer
Correct answer: A map
The manual says to use a map and decide exactly where to get on and off the freeway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Before a freeway trip, what should you check so you can get fuel if you do not have enough?
- Your odometer trip reading
- Your speedometer calibration
- Your tire valve stem caps
- Your car’s gasoline gauge
Show answer
Correct answer: Your car’s gasoline gauge
The manual says to check your car’s gasoline gauge and get fuel if you do not have enough.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Besides fuel, what does the manual say to check before a freeway trip?
- Horn volume and radio reception
- Paint condition and window tint
- Water and oil needs
- Floor mat wear and sun visor position
Show answer
Correct answer: Water and oil needs
The manual says to check for water and oil needs.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which statement about service stations on freeways is true?
- There are no service stations located directly on freeways
- Service stations are located in the median at every exit
- Service stations are allowed on the right shoulder only
- A service station is located directly on the freeway every ten miles
Show answer
Correct answer: There are no service stations located directly on freeways
The manual states that there are no service stations located directly on freeways.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Before a freeway trip, what should you check about your tires, including spares?
- That they are the same brand and are all new
- That they are inflated to maximum pressure and free of dirt
- That they have been rotated and balanced recently
- That they are properly inflated, have good tread and are free of cuts
Show answer
Correct answer: That they are properly inflated, have good tread and are free of cuts
Tires, including spares, should be properly inflated, have good tread and be free of cuts.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)