AL DMV Road Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When parallel parking, what is the proper way to begin the maneuver?
- Pull up next to the car in front of the parking space, then back into the space (Correct answer)
- Pull into the space head-on, then reverse to straighten out
- Reverse into the space directly without any adjustment
- Park in front of the space, then pull backward into it
Correct answer: Pull up next to the car in front of the parking space, then back into the space
This method is the standard and safest technique for parallel parking. By aligning your vehicle alongside the car in front of the desired space, you create the necessary angle and distance to back into the spot smoothly. This approach allows for better visibility and control, minimizing the risk of hitting other vehicles or the curb.
Question 2: What should you do if you approach a four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle?
- Proceed without stopping if the other vehicle is smaller
- Both vehicles must stop, and then the one on the right has the right of way (Correct answer)
- Speed through the intersection to avoid confusion
- Wait for the other vehicle to go first without stopping
Correct answer: Both vehicles must stop, and then the one on the right has the right of way
At a four-way stop, all drivers must come to a complete stop. The general rule is that the driver who arrived first proceeds first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way to proceed safely, helping to prevent confusion and collisions at intersections.
Question 3: When making a right turn on red, what must you do?
- Turn immediately without stopping
- Slow down, but do not stop if the intersection is clear
- Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic (Correct answer)
- Only turn if there is a sign permitting it
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic
Making a right turn on red is permitted in most states, including Alabama, but only after coming to a full and complete stop. Drivers must then yield to all pedestrians and any vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from cross traffic before safely completing the turn. This ensures the safety of others and prevents accidents.
Question 4: How should you handle a situation where you are driving on a two-lane road and an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from behind?
- Continue driving as usual and ignore the emergency vehicle
- Speed up to clear the lane quickly
- Pull over to the right side of the road and stop (Correct answer)
- Move to the left lane and keep driving
Correct answer: Pull over to the right side of the road and stop
When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sirens approaches from behind, drivers are legally required to yield the right-of-way. This means safely pulling over to the extreme right edge of the roadway and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed. This action clears the path for emergency responders to reach their destination quickly and safely.
Question 5: What should you do if you encounter a pedestrian crossing the street at an unmarked crosswalk?
- Continue driving and ignore the pedestrian
- Slow down but do not stop
- Stop and yield to the pedestrian (Correct answer)
- Honk your horn to alert the pedestrian
Correct answer: Stop and yield to the pedestrian
Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, even if they are crossing at an unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in such situations, and drivers are legally obligated to stop and allow them to cross safely. Failing to do so can result in fines and endanger the pedestrian, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety.
When parallel parking, what is the proper way to begin the maneuver?