Skip to content
QuiznExam

Alabama Distracted Driving Test – 20 Questions with Answers

Test your knowledge of distracted driving and safe driving practices in Alabama with 20 practice questions covering texting, cell phone use, passengers, navigation, eating, fatigue, and other common driving distractions.

20
Questions
15 min
Time limit
Medium
Difficulty

No sign-up needed · Last updated:

Save your score

At least 8 characters.

Forgot password?

Related quizzes

All 20 questions and answers Spoilers: this shows the questions and answers. Try the quiz first! Open

  1. 1. What is distracted driving?

    • A. Driving only during bad weather
    • B. Any activity that diverts your attention from driving
    • C. Driving below the posted speed limit
    • D. Checking your mirrors while driving
    Show answer

    B. Any activity that diverts your attention from driving

    ALEA defines distracted driving as any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving.

  2. 2. Under Alabama law, which activity involving a wireless device is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle?

    • A. Writing, sending, or reading a text message
    • B. Using a vehicle's turn signal
    • C. Checking the rearview mirror
    • D. Listening to the radio
    Show answer

    A. Writing, sending, or reading a text message

    Alabama law prohibits using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read a text message, instant message, or email while operating a motor vehicle.

  3. 3. What is the safest thing to do if you need to send a text while driving?

    • A. Send it while stopped at a red light
    • B. Use one hand and keep driving
    • C. Pull over safely before using the phone
    • D. Ask another driver to read it
    Show answer

    C. Pull over safely before using the phone

    ALEA advises drivers to put aside electronic distractions. If you need to use your phone, pull over safely rather than handling the device while driving.

  4. 4. Why is texting while driving particularly dangerous?

    • A. It improves concentration
    • B. It takes visual, manual, and mental attention away from driving
    • C. It automatically reduces vehicle speed
    • D. It improves reaction time
    Show answer

    B. It takes visual, manual, and mental attention away from driving

    Texting can take your eyes, hands, and mental focus away from driving at the same time, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

  5. 5. According to ALEA, looking down at a phone to read or send a text for five seconds at 55 mph means you travel approximately:

    • A. The length of a basketball court
    • B. The length of a football field
    • C. One car length
    • D. Half a mile
    Show answer

    B. The length of a football field

    ALEA uses the example that at 55 mph, looking at a phone for five seconds is roughly equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking at the roadway.

  6. 6. Which of the following is an example of a visual distraction?

    • A. Looking at your phone screen
    • B. Thinking about an argument
    • C. Listening to a passenger
    • D. Planning your destination before driving
    Show answer

    A. Looking at your phone screen

    A visual distraction takes your eyes away from the roadway. Looking at a phone screen is a common example.

  7. 7. Which activity can be a manual distraction while driving?

    • A. Keeping both hands available for driving
    • B. Holding and operating a cell phone
    • C. Watching the road
    • D. Checking traffic ahead
    Show answer

    B. Holding and operating a cell phone

    A manual distraction occurs when your hands are removed from the driving task. Handling a phone can interfere with steering and vehicle control.

  8. 8. Which activity can create a mental distraction while driving?

    • A. Focusing on traffic
    • B. Scanning the roadway
    • C. Having an intense or complicated conversation
    • D. Checking your mirrors
    Show answer

    C. Having an intense or complicated conversation

    ALEA's driver manual advises avoiding intense, emotional, or complicated conversations because they can divert mental attention from driving.

  9. 9. According to ALEA, which activity should drivers avoid while operating a vehicle?

    • A. Eating or drinking
    • B. Checking mirrors
    • C. Using turn signals
    • D. Watching traffic
    Show answer

    A. Eating or drinking

    ALEA specifically identifies eating and drinking as activities that can distract drivers and recommends avoiding them while driving.

  10. 10. When should you program your navigation system?

    • A. While driving at highway speed
    • B. While stopped at a traffic light
    • C. Before beginning your trip
    • D. Whenever traffic becomes heavy
    Show answer

    C. Before beginning your trip

    ALEA recommends planning your route and entering navigation information before driving. A passenger can operate the navigation system while the driver focuses on the road.

  11. 11. Which action does ALEA recommend to reduce the temptation to use a phone while driving?

    • A. Keep the phone in your hand
    • B. Put the phone on 'Do Not Disturb' mode
    • C. Place the phone on the dashboard with notifications enabled
    • D. Check the phone at every red light
    Show answer

    B. Put the phone on 'Do Not Disturb' mode

    ALEA recommends putting electronic devices aside and notes that 'Do Not Disturb' mode can help remove the temptation to browse or respond while driving.

  12. 12. Which of the following is considered a potential source of distraction inside a vehicle?

    • A. Passengers
    • B. Mirrors
    • C. Seat belts
    • D. Road signs
    Show answer

    A. Passengers

    Passengers can create visual, manual, and mental distractions. ALEA recommends limiting passenger activity so the driver can remain focused on the road.

  13. 13. Why can driving with several young passengers be particularly distracting for a novice driver?

    • A. Passengers make the vehicle travel faster
    • B. The driver may focus more on friends than on the roadway
    • C. Passengers automatically control the vehicle
    • D. The vehicle becomes harder to steer because of passengers
    Show answer

    B. The driver may focus more on friends than on the roadway

    ALEA warns that novice drivers can become focused on friends and passenger activity rather than the driving task. Alabama's graduated driver license law also limits passengers for Stage II drivers under 18.

  14. 14. What should a passenger do if the driver begins texting while driving?

    • A. Ignore the behavior
    • B. Encourage the driver to stop using the phone
    • C. Take a picture of the driver
    • D. Start another conversation
    Show answer

    B. Encourage the driver to stop using the phone

    ALEA encourages passengers to speak up when they see someone texting or driving while distracted and to help keep the driver's attention on the road.

  15. 15. Which activity can distract a driver even though it does not involve a cell phone?

    • A. Applying makeup
    • B. Checking mirrors
    • C. Using a turn signal
    • D. Watching the roadway
    Show answer

    A. Applying makeup

    ALEA identifies self-grooming and applying makeup as activities that can take attention away from driving.

  16. 16. What should you do if you become drowsy while driving?

    • A. Turn the radio louder and continue
    • B. Open the window and continue driving
    • C. Pull off the road and rest
    • D. Drive faster to reach your destination sooner
    Show answer

    C. Pull off the road and rest

    ALEA advises drivers not to fight drowsiness. Pull off the highway at a safe location and rest rather than continuing to drive while sleepy.

  17. 17. Which situation can make driver distraction especially dangerous?

    • A. Light traffic and clear visibility
    • B. Congested traffic or bad weather
    • C. A parked vehicle with the engine off
    • D. An empty parking lot
    Show answer

    B. Congested traffic or bad weather

    ALEA's driver manual advises avoiding phone conversations in congested traffic or bad weather because these conditions already demand increased attention.

  18. 18. Which statement about hands-free phone use is most consistent with ALEA safety guidance?

    • A. Hands-free devices eliminate all distraction
    • B. Hands-free conversations can still distract the driver
    • C. Hands-free use means the driver can safely text
    • D. Hands-free devices allow drivers to ignore traffic conditions
    Show answer

    B. Hands-free conversations can still distract the driver

    ALEA warns that even hands-free devices can cause drivers to miss important visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.

  19. 19. Which is the safest way to handle an important phone call while driving?

    • A. Answer immediately and continue driving
    • B. Talk while holding the phone below the steering wheel
    • C. Pull over safely before making or completing the call
    • D. Drive faster so the call ends sooner
    Show answer

    C. Pull over safely before making or completing the call

    ALEA recommends pulling off the road to dial or complete a conversation whenever possible so that full attention can remain on driving.

  20. 20. Which statement best describes the safest approach to multitasking while driving?

    • A. Experienced drivers can safely multitask
    • B. Multitasking is safe when traffic is light
    • C. Do tasks such as eating, grooming, navigation, and phone use before driving or after safely stopping
    • D. Multitasking is safe below 25 mph
    Show answer

    C. Do tasks such as eating, grooming, navigation, and phone use before driving or after safely stopping

    ALEA recommends doing multitasking outside the car whenever possible. Drivers should prepare navigation, eat, groom, and handle electronic tasks before driving or after safely pulling over.