Alabama: Signals and vehicle controls — Part 4 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Why should you be cautious about using the windshield washer and wipers at high speeds on extremely cold days?” · “Which muffler-related devices does the manual say are forbidden?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Alabama Driver Manual" (November 2024), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division.
All 18 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Why should you be cautious about using the windshield washer and wipers at high speeds on extremely cold days?
- The wiper blades can tear off the glass at high speed
- The fluid can damage the paint on the hood and fenders
- The wiper motor can overheat and start a fire in the dash
- The solution can freeze on the windshield and block your vision
Show answer
Correct answer: The solution can freeze on the windshield and block your vision
Even with antifreeze, high speed and extreme cold can freeze the solution and block your view.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 70 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 70)
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What is recommended on the drive wheels for general driving during snow?
- Smooth racing tires
- Slightly under-inflated tires
- Snow treads
- Bald tires
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Correct answer: Snow treads
Snow treads on the drive wheels greatly improve traction, including starting and stopping.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 71 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 71)
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Which statement about snow treads on ice is correct?
- They give the best traction on ice
- They give proper traction on ice only at low speeds
- They make tire chains unnecessary on ice
- They do not give proper traction on ice
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Correct answer: They do not give proper traction on ice
The manual says snow treads do not give proper traction on ice.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 71 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 71)
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Which is best for extremely icy conditions, hard packed snow and very deep snow?
- Reinforced tire chains
- Snow treads
- Slightly deflated tires
- Wider tires
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Correct answer: Reinforced tire chains
Reinforced tire chains are the best choice for those extreme conditions.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 71 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 71)
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When does Alabama law require headlights to be turned on, in terms of windshield wipers?
- Whenever the sky is overcast, even without precipitation
- Only when the temperature is below freezing outside
- When the wipers are in use because of rain, sleet, or snow
- Only when the wipers are on their highest speed setting
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Correct answer: When the wipers are in use because of rain, sleet, or snow
Headlights are required whenever wipers are in use because of rain, sleet, or snow.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 71 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 71)
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If you use your windshield wipers only intermittently, Alabama law:
- Requires headlights to be used
- Does not require headlight usage
- Requires parking lights to be used
- Requires four-way flashers to be used
Show answer
Correct answer: Does not require headlight usage
Intermittent wiper use does not require headlights.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 71 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 71)
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In fog or heavy snow, which lights should you keep on?
- Headlights on high beam
- Headlights on low beam
- Parking lights only
- No lights, to avoid glare
Show answer
Correct answer: Headlights on low beam
Low beams reduce the glaring reflection on fog or snow.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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Which two separate methods of applying brakes must all automobiles have?
- A regular foot brake and an engine brake
- A hydraulic brake and a power brake
- A front-wheel brake and a rear-wheel brake
- A regular foot brake and a parking brake
Show answer
Correct answer: A regular foot brake and a parking brake
Automobiles must have a regular foot brake and a parking brake.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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What must every vehicle be equipped with to eliminate excessive or unusual noise?
- A muffler cutout in good working order
- A muffler in good working order
- A bypass device in good working order
- A horn silencer in good working order
Show answer
Correct answer: A muffler in good working order
Every vehicle must have a muffler in good working order.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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Which muffler-related devices does the manual say are forbidden?
- Muffler cutouts, bypasses or similar devices
- Mufflers made of steel or aluminum
- Mufflers that are more than one year old
- Mufflers that are fitted with a long tailpipe
Show answer
Correct answer: Muffler cutouts, bypasses or similar devices
Muffler cutouts, bypasses or similar devices are forbidden.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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What must a vehicle exhaust system never do?
- Produce any visible vapor when the engine is still cold
- Make any sound at all when the vehicle is idling
- Leak carbon monoxide fumes into the interior of the vehicle
- Extend past the rear bumper of the vehicle at the back
Show answer
Correct answer: Leak carbon monoxide fumes into the interior of the vehicle
The exhaust system must not leak carbon monoxide fumes into the vehicle, so it should be checked periodically.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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Which vehicles must be equipped with windshield wipers in good working order?
- Only vehicles driven at night or in rain
- Every motor vehicle having a windshield
- Only passenger cars, not trucks
- Only vehicles driven in winter weather
Show answer
Correct answer: Every motor vehicle having a windshield
Every motor vehicle having a windshield must have wipers in good working order.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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Rear view mirrors are required on all vehicles to let the driver see how far to the rear?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 500 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
Required rear view mirrors must let the driver see 200 feet to the rear.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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What is the minimum number of headlights a motor vehicle must have?
- One
- Three
- Two
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Two
Motor vehicles must have at least two headlights.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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What color must the required headlights be?
- White
- Yellow
- Blue
- Amber
Show answer
Correct answer: White
The required headlights are white lights.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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A motor vehicle must have at least how many red taillights?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- One
Show answer
Correct answer: One
The manual requires at least one red taillight.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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All lights on a motor vehicle must be visible from a distance of at least how far?
- 100 feet
- 500 feet
- 350 feet
- 1,000 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 500 feet
All lights must be visible from at least 500 feet.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)
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At a minimum, how far must the high beam of the headlight illuminate objects?
- 350 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
- 1,000 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 350 feet
The high beam must illuminate objects at a minimum of 350 feet.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 79 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 79)