Alabama: Road signs
Regulatory, warning, guide and route signs and what each one means. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Road signs — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Which three types of traffic signs does the manual list, classified by function?”
StartRoad signs — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “How are chevron signs (large arrows warning of a sharp curve) normally placed?”
StartRoad signs — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “Which signs does the manual say you may see in both the previous and the current colors?”
StartAll 54 Road signs questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Which three types of traffic signs does the manual list, classified by function?
- Regulatory, warning, and guide signs
- Regulatory, warning, and construction signs
- Warning, construction, and school signs
- Regulatory, school, and railroad signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Regulatory, warning, and guide signs
The manual says the three types of traffic signs, classified by function, are regulatory, warning, and information or guide signs.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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For which type of sign does the manual say you must obey without hesitation?
- Warning signs
- Regulatory signs
- Guide signs
- Construction signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Regulatory signs
The introduction to Chapter 5 says that in the case of regulatory signs, you must obey them without hesitation.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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What advantage does the manual give for the greater use of symbols and pictures on road signs?
- Easier reading for drivers who cannot read English well
- Lower cost of putting signs up along the road
- Longer life in bad weather and heavy rain
- Quicker recognition at higher speeds and greater distances
Show answer
Correct answer: Quicker recognition at higher speeds and greater distances
The manual says symbols and pictures have the advantage of quicker recognition at higher speeds and at greater distances.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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What does a WRONG WAY sign (white words on a red background) tell you?
- You are entering a road that is closed to all traffic
- You are entering a one-way highway or ramp the wrong way
- Only emergency vehicles may use the road or ramp ahead
- You must stop here and then turn around to leave
Show answer
Correct answer: You are entering a one-way highway or ramp the wrong way
The manual says this sign shows a motorist is approaching a one-way highway or ramp from the wrong direction.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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A red DO NOT ENTER sign with a white bar marks what?
- A road where only emergency vehicles may enter
- A road closed for construction or repairs
- A ramp that you must enter slowly
- A one-way roadway with traffic coming against you
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-way roadway with traffic coming against you
The manual says this sign marks a one-way roadway with traffic coming against you, and you must not enter the one-way at that point.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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What does a DO NOT PASS sign mark?
- The end of a no passing zone
- A place where you may pass only on the right
- The beginning of a no passing zone
- A school zone with no passing buses
Show answer
Correct answer: The beginning of a no passing zone
The manual says this sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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A white sign shows an arrow curving around the right side of a black island shape. What does it tell you?
- You must not drive to the right of this sign
- You must stop before passing this sign
- Traffic must merge left at this sign
- You must not drive to the left of this sign
Show answer
Correct answer: You must not drive to the left of this sign
The manual says you must not drive to the left of this sign.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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What does a ONE WAY sign with an arrow mean?
- You may travel in either direction if no traffic is coming
- You may pass only on the left side of the arrow
- You may stop only in the direction of the arrow
- You may travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow
Show answer
Correct answer: You may travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow
The manual says you may travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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What are warning signs used for?
- To warn of hazardous conditions that require extra caution
- To tell you the maximum speed allowed on the road ahead
- To direct you to nearby towns, services, and routes
- To regulate the movement of traffic at intersections
Show answer
Correct answer: To warn of hazardous conditions that require extra caution
The manual says warning signs warn you of hazardous conditions ahead requiring you to drive with extra caution.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow with a square, sharp bend to the left. What does it warn of?
- A winding road ahead
- A side road entering from the left
- The left lane ends ahead
- A sharp turn to the left
Show answer
Correct answer: A sharp turn to the left
The manual says this sign warns of a sharp turn to the left.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow that bends in a smooth curve to the right. What does it warn of?
- A winding road ahead
- A side road entering from the right
- A curve to the right
- A merge from the right
Show answer
Correct answer: A curve to the right
The manual says this sign warns of a curve to the right.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow curving gently to the right and then back to the left. What does it warn of?
- A gradual curve to the right, then a curve to the left
- Winding road ahead
- A sharp turn to the left, then a sharp turn to the right
- A gradual curve to the left, then a curve to the right
Show answer
Correct answer: A gradual curve to the right, then a curve to the left
The manual says this sign warns of a gradual curve to the right and then a curve to the left.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow with several S-shaped wiggles. What does it warn of?
- A gradual curve to the right
- A dip in the roadway
- A road that narrows ahead
- A winding road ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A winding road ahead
The manual says this sign warns of a winding road ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a vertical line with a short bar joining it on the right side. What does it warn of?
- A side road enters the highway ahead from the left
- A side road enters the highway ahead from the right
- Another road crosses the highway ahead
- Traffic merges from the right ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A side road enters the highway ahead from the right
The manual says this sign warns that a side road enters the highway ahead from the right.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a vertical line with a slanted line branching off it toward the upper right. What does it warn of?
- A side road joins ahead at an angle
- Another road crosses the highway ahead
- The road ahead goes downhill
- A divided highway ends ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A side road joins ahead at an angle
The manual says this sign warns that a side road enters the highway ahead at an angle.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign reads BUMP. What should you do?
- Slow down, because there is a dip ahead
- Stay on the pavement, because the shoulder is soft
- Slow down, because there is a bump ahead
- Expect the pavement to change to gravel ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, because there is a bump ahead
The manual says there is a bump ahead and you should slow down.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow rectangular sign shows an arrow with a head on both ends pointing left and right. What does it mean?
- Traffic may travel in both directions on this road
- You cannot go straight and must turn right or left
- Two-way traffic is ahead on the road you are on
- You may turn left here but not right, or go straight
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot go straight and must turn right or left
The manual says you cannot go straight ahead and must turn either to the right or left.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign reads SOFT SHOULDER. What does it tell you?
- The shoulder is much lower than the road surface
- The road surface ahead will change to gravel or dirt
- The pavement ahead is not as wide as the pavement you are on
- The side of the road is soft, so do not drive off the pavement
Show answer
Correct answer: The side of the road is soft, so do not drive off the pavement
The manual says the side of the road is soft and you should not drive off the pavement.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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A yellow diamond sign reads ROAD NARROWS. What does it mean?
- The road ahead is closed to traffic
- The bridge ahead has only one lane
- The road ahead is narrower than this road
- The pavement ahead will end
Show answer
Correct answer: The road ahead is narrower than this road
The manual says the road ahead is not as wide as the road you are on.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign shows two arrows pointing down and apart from each other. What does it mean?
- An island is ahead; you may drive on either side
- The road splits and you must keep to the right side
- A divided highway ends a short distance ahead
- Traffic merges onto the road from both sides ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: An island is ahead; you may drive on either side
The manual says this sign means there is an island ahead and you may drive on either side.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign reads DIP. What should you do?
- Slow down, because there is a bump ahead
- Stay on the pavement, because the shoulder is soft
- Merge, because a lane ends ahead
- Slow down, because there is a dip in the roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, because there is a dip in the roadway
The manual says there is a dip in the roadway and you should slow down.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow with a sharp turn to the left followed by a sharp turn to the right. What does it warn of?
- A sharp turn to the right, then a sharp turn to the left
- A sharp turn to the left, then a sharp turn to the right
- A gradual curve to the left, then a curve to the right
- A winding road ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A sharp turn to the left, then a sharp turn to the right
The manual says this sign warns of a sharp turn to the left and then a sharp turn to the right.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a bold T. What does it mean?
- You cannot go straight; the road turns right and left
- Another road crosses the highway ahead
- A side road enters the highway ahead from the right
- The street ahead has no outlet or exit road
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot go straight; the road turns right and left
The manual says you cannot go straight ahead because the road turns to both right and left.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign reads ONE LANE BRIDGE. What does it mean?
- Vehicles taller than the posted clearance cannot cross the bridge
- The bridge ahead is closed to trucks
- There is not room on the bridge ahead to meet or pass another car or truck
- You must stop on the bridge to let others pass
Show answer
Correct answer: There is not room on the bridge ahead to meet or pass another car or truck
The manual says there is not room on the bridge ahead to meet or pass another car or truck.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign reads STOP AHEAD (or shows a stop sign symbol with an arrow). What does it mean?
- There is a YIELD sign ahead
- There is a STOP sign ahead
- There is a traffic signal ahead
- There is a railroad crossing ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: There is a STOP sign ahead
The manual says this sign means there is a STOP sign ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign reads YIELD AHEAD (or shows a yield sign symbol with an arrow). What does it mean?
- There is a STOP sign ahead
- There is a traffic signal ahead
- Traffic ahead is merging from the right
- There is a YIELD sign ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: There is a YIELD sign ahead
The manual says this sign means there is a YIELD sign ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a right-turn arrow with a small speed plate below it. What does the plate advise?
- The speed limit for the whole road ahead of the curve
- The minimum speed required on the curve ahead
- The top safe speed at which you can make the turn
- The speed limit for trucks on the curve ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: The top safe speed at which you can make the turn
The manual says this sign advises you of the top safe speed at which you can make the turn.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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A yellow rectangular sign shows a large chevron (arrow shape) pointing left. What does it warn of?
- A sharp turn or curve in the direction of the arrow
- A lane that ends in the direction of the arrow
- A one-way road in the direction of the arrow
- A side road entering in the direction of the arrow
Show answer
Correct answer: A sharp turn or curve in the direction of the arrow
The manual says this sign warns of a sharp turn or curve in the direction of the arrow.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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How are chevron signs (large arrows warning of a sharp curve) normally placed?
- One sign only, at the start of the curve
- Only on the left side of the road
- Only at the end of the curve
- In a series
Show answer
Correct answer: In a series
The manual says the chevron signs are normally placed in a series.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a vehicle tilting off the edge of the pavement. What does it warn of?
- The side of the road is soft, so stay on the pavement
- The road ahead goes downhill
- The road shoulder is much lower than the road surface
- The road surface ahead is slippery when wet
Show answer
Correct answer: The road shoulder is much lower than the road surface
The manual says this sign warns that the road shoulder is much lower than the road surface.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a fire truck. What should you watch for?
- Trucks entering the highway
- Fire hydrants along the road ahead
- Emergency vehicles stopped on the shoulder
- Fire trucks entering the street or highway
Show answer
Correct answer: Fire trucks entering the street or highway
The manual says this fire station sign means to watch for fire trucks entering the street or highway.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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A yellow diamond sign reads PAVEMENT ENDS. What does it mean?
- The road ahead is closed to through traffic
- The pavement ahead is not as wide as this pavement
- The road surface ahead will change to gravel or dirt
- The road ahead is steep and goes downhill
Show answer
Correct answer: The road surface ahead will change to gravel or dirt
The manual says the road surface ahead will change to gravel or dirt, so be prepared for the change.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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A yellow diamond sign reads DEAD END. What does it mean?
- The street has no outlet
- The road ahead is closed for repairs
- The street ahead is one-way
- A divided highway ends ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: The street has no outlet
The manual says the street has no outlet.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What do the yellow signs reading LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT and RIGHT LANE ENDS warn about?
- A school zone begins a short distance ahead
- A detour around a closed road begins ahead
- The speed limit changes a short distance ahead
- The number of highway lanes changes ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of highway lanes changes ahead
The manual says these signs mean the number of highway lanes changes ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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Why do the LANE ENDS and MERGE signs appear as three signs in a series?
- To warn that a no passing zone begins ahead
- As a repeating reminder to merge into the adjacent lane
- To show that a detour around a closed road begins
- To warn that the speed limit drops in the next mile
Show answer
Correct answer: As a repeating reminder to merge into the adjacent lane
The manual says the three signs appear in a series as a repeating reminder to merge into the adjacent lane.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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Where is the pennant-shaped NO PASSING ZONE sign placed?
- On the left side of a two-lane road
- On the right side of any road
- In the center of the roadway
- On the left side of a freeway ramp
Show answer
Correct answer: On the left side of a two-lane road
The manual says this sign is placed on the left side of a two-lane road to warn of the beginning of a no passing zone.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a height in feet and inches between an up arrow and a down arrow. What does it mean?
- Vehicles heavier than the weight shown cannot cross the structure ahead
- Vehicles or loads higher than the clearance shown cannot go under the structure ahead
- Vehicles longer than the length shown cannot enter the structure ahead
- Vehicles wider than the width shown cannot go under the structure ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Vehicles or loads higher than the clearance shown cannot go under the structure ahead
The manual says vehicles or loads higher than the clearance shown cannot go under the structure ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows two arrows, one pointing up and one pointing down, side by side. What does it mean?
- You are leaving a two-way roadway and entering a one-way roadway
- A divided highway with a median begins ahead
- Traffic ahead will merge from both sides of the road
- You are leaving a one-way roadway for a two-way roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: You are leaving a one-way roadway for a two-way roadway
The manual says you are leaving a separated one-way roadway and entering a two-way roadway; it also reminds drivers they are on a two-way road.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a straight arrow with a second line joining it from the lower right. What does it mean?
- Another road crosses over the highway a short distance ahead
- A side road enters the highway ahead from the left at an angle
- You will merge with traffic going in the same direction
- The lane you are in will end ahead and traffic must merge
Show answer
Correct answer: You will merge with traffic going in the same direction
The manual says this sign means you will be merging with other traffic traveling in the same direction.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a plus-shaped cross. What does it mean?
- A side road enters the highway ahead from the right
- A hospital is ahead
- Two highways merge ahead
- Another road crosses the highway ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Another road crosses the highway ahead
The manual says another road crosses the highway ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a truck tilted on a steep slope. What does it mean?
- The road ahead goes uphill
- The road ahead goes downhill
- The road surface ahead is slippery when wet
- There is a dip in the roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: The road ahead goes downhill
The manual says the road ahead goes downhill.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a car with wavy skid marks behind it. What does it mean?
- Slippery when wet
- The road ahead goes downhill
- There is a bump ahead
- The side of the road is soft
Show answer
Correct answer: Slippery when wet
The manual says this sign means slippery when wet.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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A yellow diamond sign shows the road narrowing on both sides at a bridge. What does it mean?
- There is a dip in the roadway
- A side road enters the highway ahead
- Narrow bridge ahead
- The road ahead goes downhill
Show answer
Correct answer: Narrow bridge ahead
The manual says this sign means a narrow bridge ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a cow. What does it mean?
- Watch for deer crossing the road
- Cattle crossing
- Watch for trucks entering the highway
- A school bus stop is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Cattle crossing
The manual says this sign means cattle crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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A yellow diamond sign shows a leaping deer. What should you watch for?
- Cattle crossing the road
- Trucks entering the highway
- Children crossing the road
- Deer crossing the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Deer crossing the road
The manual says this sign means to watch for deer crossing the road.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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Which signs does the manual say you may see in both the previous and the current colors?
- Stop, yield, and railroad crossing signs
- Bicycle, pedestrian, and school crossing signs
- Speed limit, no turn, and one-way signs
- Construction, detour, and lane-ends signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Bicycle, pedestrian, and school crossing signs
The note on the page says you may see the previous and current colors of the bicycle, pedestrian and school crossing signs.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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A blue square sign shows a white letter H. What does it indicate?
- A hospital
- A hotel
- A helicopter landing area
- A rest area
Show answer
Correct answer: A hospital
The manual pairs the blue square sign with the letter H with the meaning Hospital.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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A group of blue signs shows a gas pump, a fork and knife, and a bed. What do they indicate?
- Gas, food and lodging
- Gas, repairs and parking
- Gas, camping and parking
- Rest area, food and a phone
Show answer
Correct answer: Gas, food and lodging
The manual pairs these three blue symbol signs with the meaning Gas - Food - Lodging.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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Which type of route is identified by a blue five-sided marker with a yellow route number?
- A state route
- A U.S. route
- A county route
- An interstate route
Show answer
Correct answer: A county route
The manual shows this blue marker with a yellow number as the County Route sign.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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Which type of route is identified by a shield with a red band across the top and a large number on blue?
- A county route
- An interstate route
- A U.S. route
- A state route
Show answer
Correct answer: An interstate route
The manual shows this red-topped blue shield as the sign for Interstate Routes.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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Which type of route is marked by a black-and-white shield-shaped sign with a number such as 80?
- A state route
- A county route
- An interstate route
- A U.S. route
Show answer
Correct answer: A U.S. route
The manual shows the black-and-white shield with a number as the U. S. Routes marker.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
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Which type of route is marked by a black-and-white sign shaped like the outline of Alabama with a number such as 21?
- A U.S. route
- A county route
- A state route
- An interstate route
Show answer
Correct answer: A state route
The manual shows the sign shaped like the state outline as the State Routes marker.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
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What are mileposts erected along most sections of the state's main highways for?
- To pinpoint locations, such as emergency incidents
- To show the speed limit of each highway section
- To mark the distance to the next rest area or exit
- To tell drivers where tolls must be paid ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: To pinpoint locations, such as emergency incidents
Mileposts help drivers pinpoint locations, identify where emergency incidents happen and aid highway maintenance.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
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Where should zero mileage begin on the mileposts of the state's main highways?
- At the north and east state lines, or at the nearest large city
- At each county line along the route, counting up from there
- At the capital city, counting outward in all directions
- At the south and west state lines, or at junctions where routes begin
Show answer
Correct answer: At the south and west state lines, or at junctions where routes begin
The manual says zero mileage should begin at the south and west state lines or at junctions where routes begin.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)