Chapter 3

Alabama Driver Manual

Chapter 3

The Driving Task

• Driving is a serious responsibility, not only

to you, but to all others on the road.

• To be a good, safe driver you must know

the rules and respect them, know and
follow proper driving procedures, and have
a good attitude.

• Proper attitude toward laws and other

drivers is extremely important.

• Courtesy should be practiced at all times

Good Driving Habits

• It is just as easy to develop good driving

habits as it is to fall into bad habits.

• Safety techniques begin the moment you

step into the car.

• Form good habits and use them

EVERYTIME you drive.

Check Around The Vehicle And The

Intended Path Of Travel

• Look for children playing nearby – each

year about 200 kids under the age of six
are killed while playing in the driveway.

• Look for animals that may be hiding or

sleeping near the vehicle.

• Check for objects around the vehicle (toys,

etc.).

• Check under vehicle for stains that could

indicate fluid leaks.

Multiple Choice

Driving is not a serious task, it is about having fun!

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What should be practiced at all times when driving?

• Courtesy

• Impatients

• Detours

Multiple Choice

You do not have to know the rules or respect them to be a good safe driver.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Safety techniques began as soon as you enter the car.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

Form good habits and use them _____________ you drive!

ENTERING THE CAR

• Develop a routine for entering and leaving

your car. Your PRE-START PROCEDURE
should include:
– Make sure all doors are securely closed and

locked.

– Put key into the ignition.
– Adjust seat so that you can clearly see the

roadway and comfortably reach the floor
pedals and other controls.

PRE START PROCEDURES

• Adjust rearview and left side view mirrors

so that you can use them with just your
eyes and do not need to move your head.

• Adjust right side view mirror for the best

vision with the least amount of head
movement.

PRE START PROCEDURES

• Fasten your safety belt and make sure all

passengers have fastened theirs.
Remember it is the law!

Multiple Choice

You should not develop a routine when entering and exiting the car.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Your PRE-START PROCEDURE should include all except

• Fasten Seatbelt

• Put key into the ignition

• Turn on your radio

• Make sure all doors are securely closed and locked

Multiple Choice

Adjusting the mirrors are not a pre-start procedure.

• True

• False

POSTURE AND STEERING

• Good posture behind the wheel is important.
• Good posture makes for better vision, control, and the

ability to maneuver in an emergency.

• Sit erect, comfortably gripping the outside rim of the

steering wheel with both hands. Keep thumbs up.

• Don’t grip tightly, but keep a firm grip.
• Always keep both hands on the wheel, except when

necessary to remove one for signaling or other
necessary operation.

Multiple Choice

Good posture behind the wheel is important.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

Good posture makes for better ________, ________, and the ability to maneuver in an emergency.

Multiple Choice

Grip the steering wheel really tight.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

Keep ______ up when gripping the steering wheel.

Fill in the Blank

Correct the wrong words with the correct words to make this sentence correct.

Grip the outer rim of the steering wheel with one hand.

Push-Pull-Feed Steering

• Safer because hands never leave the

steering wheel.

• Hold steering wheel with right hand resting

between 3 and 5 and left between 7 and 9. One
hand pushes the wheel up toward 12 o’clock. At
the same time, the other hand slides up to 1
o’clock for the right turn(11 for left), grasp the
wheel, and pull it down. While pulling hand goes
down, the pushing hand releases its grip and
returns to original position.

PUSH –PULL-FEED STEERING

• This method lets you keep both hands on

the wheel at all times.

• It helps to reduce fatigue on long drives

and gives better control in emergency
situations.

Fill in the Blank

Complete the sentence.

Push-Pull-Feed Steering is safer because hands

Fill in the Blank

Hold steering wheel with right hand resting

Fill in the Blank

It helps to reduce________ on long drives and better ___________ in emergency situations.

Fill in the Blank

Push- Pull- Feed steering position are between ____ and _____ and left between ____ and _____.

Steering Hand-Over-Hand

• Method in which a driver’s hands cross

when turning.

• To turn right, use your left hand to push

the wheel up, around, and down. At the
same time bring your right hand across left
forearm to grip wheel on far side. Then
use your right hand to pull the side of the
wheel up, around, and down. Reverse
these for a left turn.

“8 and 4”, “9 and 3” or “10 and

2” Hand positions on the

steering wheel

• Picture the wheel as a clock and place

hand at these positions

• Any of these positions provide you the best

control in an emergency situation.

• It is recommended to use “8 and 4” if your

vehicle has driver side airbags.

Thumbs Up

• With any of the hand positions, always rest

thumbs on the wheel, not wrapped around.

• This is safer and a more relaxed,

comfortable hold.

Multiple Choice

Hand positions on the steering wheels are correct except

• 9 and 3

• 8 and 4

• 12 and 6

• 10 and 2

Fill in the Blank

With any of the hand positions, always rest ______ on the wheel, not wrapped around.

Starting from a Parking Place

• When backing from a parallel parking spot,

look over your shoulder, as well as, your
rear and side view mirrors.

• Wait until clear before moving into traffic.
• Enter traffic in the nearest lane and remain

in that lane until it is safe to change into
another lane.

Backing

• When backing in a straight line, the left

hand should be at the 12 o’clock position.

• The right hand/arm should be positioned

so that the shoulders can turn.

• When backing to the side, use both hands

on the steering wheel and look over your
shoulder in the direction you are turning.

• Make quick glances to the front as your

front end swings out.

• Keep looking back until you come to a

complete stop!!!

ON THE ROAD

• You must drive within a single traffic lane

without weaving from one lane to another
or straddling the lane markings.

• You are in a traffic lane when driving on

any street or highway.

• Often lanes are not marked, but they are

there whether marked or not.

Fill in the Blank

When backing from a parallel parking spot, look over your ________, as well as, your ______ and ______ view mirrors.

Fill in the Blank

Enter traffic in the _______ lane and remain in that lane until it is _______ to change into another lane.

Fill in the Blank

When backing in a straight line, the left hand should be at the _______ o’clock position.

Fill in the Blank

When backing to the side, use both hands on the steering wheel and look over your __________ in the direction you are turning.

Fill in the Blank

Keep looking back until you come to a _______ stop!!!

Fill in the Blank

You must drive within a _______ traffic lane without ________from one lane to another or__________ the lane markings.

Multiple Choice

Often lanes are not marked, but they are there whether marked or not.

• True

• False

Rules for Turns

•Plan ahead and prepare for the turn. Don’t make the decision to turn
at the last moment.

•Be in proper lane well before turn.

•Signal the direction you plan to turn. Signal your intention at least
100 feet before making a turn (and before your begin braking).

•Reduce your speed and check for persons and vehicles in your
turning path. Pedestrians have the right of way over the motor
vehicle.

•Reduce your speed before making the turn.

•Turn into the proper lane. Always turn into the closest legal lane.

•Make sure in advance that it is safe to turn. Check to the front, rear,
and sides for cars and pedestrians. Watch for situations developing
in the street you will be entering.

•Make sure your signal cancels at the completion of the turn.

Turning from Four-Lane

Highways

RIGHT TURN
– Enter the right lane well in advance of the turn and

make a tight turn into the right lane of the cross street.

LEFT TURN
–

Move to the lane nearest the center line or traffic

divider and turn from the inside lane. Avoid a wide
swing during the turn.

– Enter the cross street just to the right of the

centerline.

Some intersections are marked to permit turns from

more than one lane and you may make your turns as
indicated by signs or pavement markings.

PROPER TURNING RULES

• Plan ahead.
• Be in the proper lane well before the turn.
• Signal the direction you plan to turn.
• Reduce your speed and check for persons

and vehicles in your turning path.

• Turn into the proper lane.
• Adjust speed to the flow of traffic.

Fill in the Blank

______ and _______ for the turn. Don’t make the ________ to turn at the last __________.

Multiple Choice

Be in proper lane well before turn.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

Signal the direction you plan to turn. Signal your intention at least _____ feet before making a turn (and before your begin braking).

Multiple Choice

Speed up and check for persons and vehicles in your turning path.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Pedestrians have the right of way over the motor vehicle.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

Turn into the _______ lane. Always turn into the ________ legal lane.

Fill in the Blank

________ your speed before making the turn.

Fill in the Blank

Make sure your _______ cancels at the completion of the turn.

Fill in the Blank

Enter the right lane well in ________of the turn and make a _______ turn into the right lane of the cross street.

Fill in the Blank

Move to the _______ lane the center line or traffic divider and turn from the inside lane. Avoid a ______swing during the turn.

Multiple Choice

PROPER TURNING RULES EXCEPT

• Plan ahead.

• Be in the proper lane well before the turn.

• Signal the direction you plan to turn.

• Speed up and check for persons

3 Point Turn

• When making a three point turnabout, turning

your vehicle around so that you are driving in the
opposite direction from the direction that you
were traveling, MUST be made without
endangering other traffic.

• Normally permitted where your vehicle can be

seen for a great distance and where traffic is
such that making a 3-point turn would not
constitute a hazard.

• Not permitted on freeways, on curves, near the

top of a hill, in front of drive ways, or in an
intersection.

• They are governed by local ordinances and

there may not be a sign to warn you..

3 Point Turn

• Check traffic, signal, and stop as close to

right edge of the curb as possible. Do not
run off the roadway. Check both directions
and make sure you have a 20-30 second
gap.

• Signal for a left turn. Check left mirror.

Look over left shoulder. (1)Turn wheel
sharply to the left and move vehicle slowly
across the opposite lane.

3 Point Turn

• Stop the vehicle just short of the curb. (2)

Shift to reverse. Turn the wheel sharply
back to the right rapidly to the right. Back
the vehicle just short of the opposite curb.
(3) Shift to drive. Turn wheel sharply to the
left and move into the proper lane.

Fill in the Blank

Normally permitted where your vehicle can be seen for a ________ distance and where traffic is such that making a 3-point turn would not constitute a _______.

Fill in the Blank

Not permitted on ________, on _______, near the ______ of a hill, in _______ of driveways, or in an __________.

Fill in the Blank

Check traffic, signal, and stop as ______ to right edge of the curb as possible. Do not ______ the roadway. Check both directions and make sure you have a ______ second gap.

Fill in the Blank

Signal for a left ______. Check left _______.

CURVES

• Slow down before entering curves

because of the danger of running over the
center line or leaving the roadway.

• A driver should enter a curve slow enough

to enable him to accelerate slightly when
actually rounding the curve.

Fill in the Blank

___________ before entering curves.

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles

• Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic

requires special skills and knowledge.

• Motorcycle accident statistics show that a

substantial percentage of the accidents
involve riders with limited experience.

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles

– Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on public

highways as other users.

– It is extremely important for other highway users to be aware of

motorcycles and their operation.

– Statistics show that a substantial percentage of the accidents

involve riders with limited experience.

– Motorcycles are harder to see than other users.

• Only about 2 feet wide (vehicles 5-6 feet wide)
• Distance is harder to judge
• Harder to determine speed of motorcycles

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles
• Drivers turning left in front of motorcycles

account for a large percentage of car/cycle
accidents.

• LOOK AND LOOK AGAIN for motorcycles

and make sure you have enough room to
make left turn safely.

• Motorcycle turn signals are not automatic

self canceling – make sure they are
turning before passing or turning in front
of them.

• Do not follow too closely – stay at least 2

seconds away

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles

– All motorcycles are entitled to full use of traffic

lanes.

– Good cyclists constantly change positions

within their lane to maximize being seen by
other users.

– The operator of a motorcycle shall not

overtake and pass another vehicle in the
same lane, nor should a driver

– No person shall operate a motorcycle

between lanes of traffic.

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles

• Inclement weather and slippery surfaces

are a real problem for motorcycles.

• Allow more following distance for

motorcycles when it is dark, raining or the
road surface is wet and slippery.

• Rain, wind, dust and smog can affect the

cyclist’s vision.

Sharing the Road with

Motorcycles
• Cross winds can be hazardous to motorcyclists.
• Windy conditions can actually move a motorcycle out of

its lane of travel.

• Open areas, bridges, and fast moving trucks can create

windblasts.

• Gravel, debris, pavement seams, small animals and,

even, manhole covers can cause a cyclist to change
speed or direction.

• Railroad crossings, grated bridges, and grooved

pavement can cause a cyclists to adjust speed and lane
position.

Regardless of fault, the motorcyclist is usually the loser in

an accident. It is important for the driver to always be
alert for a motorcycle.

Fill in the Blank

Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic requires special ______and ________.

Fill in the Blank

Motorcyclists have the same _______ and ________ on public highways as other users.

Multiple Choice

Motorcycles are not harder to see than other users.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blank

______ AND ______ AGAIN for motorcycles and make sure you have enough room to make left turn safely.

Fill in the Blank

How many seconds should you follow behind a motorcycle?

Fill in the Blank

Allow more following distance for motorcycles when it is ______, _______ or the road surface is ______ and _______.

Motorcycle Safety

⦿ Under Alabama law motorcycles must

follow these laws:
– You cannot carry another person unless your

cycle has separate foot pegs for that rider.

– Cyclists shall not ride while carrying anything

(box, package, object, etc.) that would keep
them from having both hands on the
handlebars at all times.

– No person may ride a motorcycle on any street

or highway in the state of Alabama without a
helmet approved by a national safety
organization.

Safety Rules

⦿ Wind blast from oncoming vehicles can be

much greater than you think. Get ready for it.

⦿ Railroad tracks and metal bridges will give

you trouble not felt in enclosed vehicles.

⦿ Instruct your passengers about how to ride

with you. New riders may not understand
about things such as:
– Leaning in curves
– How to hold on
– Where their feet should go
– Talking

OTHER HIGHWAY USERS

• Other highway users often don’t see you in

their normal search pattern. Make your
self as visible as possible!!!!!

• Never drive your cycle in other vehicles

blind spots.

• The center of the lane is the safest place

to ride, it allows drivers of enclosed
vehicles to see you in their rear view
mirrors.

Protective Equipment

• The State of Alabama encourages cyclists

to use these items at all times while
underway:
– Plastic face shield to protect eyes and face.
– Safe riding apparel i.e. leathers, gloves, boots,

etc.

– Roll bar and tailpipe protection

Motorcycle Rules To Live By

⦿ If you own a cycle NEVER let someone

borrow or ride your bike without your full
knowledge that they can ride safely. This is
one of the major causes of serious injury and
death. Riding a cycle is great fun, but it takes
hours of practice to learn your limits.

⦿ Weather that would not be a hazard to people

driving enclosed vehicles can cause you a
great deal of trouble on a motorcycle.

⦿ Drivers WILL TURN LEFT in front of you, be

ready.

Sharing the Road with Large

Vehicles

• When sharing the road with trucks, buses,

or other large vehicles, there are special
tips that are important to remember:
– No-Zones are danger areas

around trucks and buses where
crashes are more likely to occur.

Some of the No-Zones are blind
spots where your car “disappears”
from the view of the truck or bus
driver

Blind Spots/No Zones

•Side No-Zones: Don’t hang out on either side of trucks or buses!
They have large blind spots on both sides. If you can’t see the
driver’s face in the side-view mirror, the driver can’t see you. When
passing a truck or bus, always try to pass on the left and do it as
quickly as possible. Do not ride alongside a truck or bus.

•Rear no-zones: Avoid tailgating! Unlike cars, trucks and buses
have huge no-zones directly behind themthat could extend as far as
200 feet. The truck or bus driver can’t see your car and you can’t
see what is occurring ahead of you. When following a large vehicle
at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights will blind the
driver when they reflect off the side mirrors of the bus or truck. If
you cannot see the trucks mirrors, he cannot see you.

Blind Spots/No-Zones

•Front no-zones: Pass safely! Never cut off a truck! Larger vehicles
need 2 times more room to stop. Look for the entire front of the
vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front and don’t slow
down.
– According to a National Safety Council, at 55 mph a car needs

193 feet to safely stop where it would take a loaded truck 430
According to a National Safety Council, at 55 mph a car needs
193 feet to safely stop where it would take a loaded truck 430
feet.

•Backing no-zones: Pay closer attention! Never cross behind a
truck or bus that is backing up. Drivers of larger vehicles cannot see
directly behind them. They may not be able to see you.

Blind Spots/No-Zones

• Turning No-Zones: Avoid the “squeeze play”! Truck and

bus drivers need to swing wide to the left to safely make
a right turn. Watch the driver’s signal. When the right
signal is blinking, do not attempt to pass on the right. It
is best to wait until the truck or bus as completed the
maneuver before proceeding.

PARKING

• Any vehicle left standing along a rural

highway for any reason must be moved
off the paved or main traveled portion of
the roadway.

• If the vehicle cannot be moved, you must

take lighting and marking precautions to
eliminate danger to other traffic.

Parking on a Hill

• When parking on a hill you must make

sure your car does not roll into traffic if the
brakes do not hold.

• ALWAYS set the parking brake.
• Shift to PARK (or reverse or low gear for a

manual).

PARKING ON HILLS

Make sure the vehicle does not roll into traffic – set the

parking brake and shift to park, then turn the wheels
correctly:

- Downhill with a curb

* Turn wheels to the right or toward the

curb.

- Uphill with a curb

* Turn wheels to left or away from

the curb.

- Uphill without a curb

* Turn wheels to the right or toward

the side of the road

-Downhill with no curb

*Turn wheels to the right or toward the

side of the road

Parking

DO NOT PARK:

- Within intersections
- On a crosswalk of sidewalk
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled
intersection
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign or
traffic

signal

- In front of a driveway
- On any bridge or in a tunnel
- On the roadway side of any vehicle parked at the curb
or

edge of a highway (double parking)

- Beside a curb that is painted yellow, or where official
signs prohibit parking

Steps in Parallel Parking

• Car 2 pulls even with car 1.
• Car 2 maneuvers gently toward

the space.

• Car 2 turns wheels sharply.
• Car 2 begins straightening wheels.
• Wheels on car should be turned

parallel to the curb.

2
1

Bicyclists

• Traffic laws also apply to bicyclists, but sometimes both

adults and children cyclists appear unaware of
responsibilities.

• Bicycle riders must ride as close to the right curb or edge

of the roadway as possible except when: (Bicycles ride
with flow of traffic)
-passing another vehicle
-preparing for a left turn
-to avoid road or traffic conditions (debris, car doors,
pedestrians, etc).

• Drivers may ride two abreast unless they impede the

normal flow of traffic.

• Bicycle riders are required to signal for all turns, land

changes, or stops by using hand signals

• Every bicycle driver on a roadway has to wear an

approved helmet.

BICYCLES

• Special situations motor vehicle drivers must be aware

of:
– Do not drive in an established bicycle lane, except to park, when

permitted, to enter or leave the highway or to prepare for a turn.

– When turning across a bicycle lane, do not encroach upon the

safety of the bicycle driver in the lane.

– Be careful when passing a bicyclist, wind currents can affect the

safety of the cyclist.

– Do not follow a cyclist too closely and do not blast your horn at

the driver.

– Be especially careful at intersections, when crossing sidewalks,

or when entering or leaving driveways and alleyways.

– During wet weather, be prepare to compensate for a cyclist’s

decreased ability to slow or stop.

– Watch for bicyclists during darkness or periods of poor visibility –

not all have lights or reflectors.

Safety Belt Law

• The Alabama Safety Belt Law requires that

all front seat occupants, regardless of age,
be restrained.

• This is a primary law and is subject to a

fine when not obeyed.

Child Restraint Laws

• Alabama’s Child Restraint Law states that the driver of a

motor vehicle is responsible for seeing that any passenger
under the age of 15 is properly belted.

• This applies to front and back seats in all passenger cars,

trucks, minivans, and SUVs.

• Violators will have points assessed against their license,

as well as, paying a fine.

The law requires the following size appropriate restraint

systems:

-Infant-only seat or convertible seat used

in the rear facing position

-Convertible seat in the forward position

or forward-facing seat until a child
is at least 5 years of age or 40 lbs.

-Booster seat until a child is 6 years old.
-Seat belt until a child is 15 years of age.