What Is the CDL Permit Test?
The Alabama CDL permit test — officially called the CDL General Knowledge Test — is the written exam you take at an ALEA Driver License office to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). It is a prerequisite for getting behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle for training purposes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 50 multiple choice |
| Passing score | 80% — you must answer at least 40 questions correctly |
| Timed? | No — you can take as long as you need |
| Format | Computer-based, administered in person at ALEA offices |
| Fee per attempt | $5.00 |
| Retake policy | No mandatory waiting period — you can retake the same day if you fail |
| Source material | Alabama Commercial Driver's License Manual (available free from ALEA) |
What Topics Are on the Test?
All questions come from the Alabama CDL Manual. The general knowledge test covers Sections 1 through 12, but certain sections are weighted more heavily:
| Topic Area | Approx. Weight | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Safely (Sec. 2) | High | Following distance, stopping distance, mirrors, skids, night driving, adverse conditions |
| Pre-Trip Inspection (Sec. 4) | High | 7-step inspection, what to check, when to inspect enroute |
| Air Brakes (Sec. 10–11) | High | Pressure ranges, warning activation, leakage tests, brake fade |
| Alcohol & HOS (Sec. 12) | High | 0.04% BAC rule, 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour window, 30-min break rule |
| Cargo Securement (Sec. 3) | Medium | Weight limits, tiedown rules, cargo inspection intervals |
| Combination Vehicles (Sec. 6) | Medium (Class A) | Coupling/uncoupling, rearward amplification, fifth wheel |
| HazMat (Sec. 9) | Low (unless pursuing H) | 9 classes, placarding, shipping papers location |
✓ Focus on the High-Priority Sections
You don't need to memorize every word of the manual — but you do need to know the specific numbers in Sections 2, 4, 10, and 12 cold. The test loves to ask about exact pressures, distances, and time limits. See our Study Guide for a full breakdown by section.
Endorsement Tests — Take Them at the Same Time
If you plan to get endorsements on your CDL (HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger, School Bus), you can take those additional knowledge tests at the same ALEA visit. Each endorsement has its own separate test. Taking them all at once saves you multiple office visits.
- ✓H — HazMat: Separate test on HazMat classes, placarding, and shipping documents. Requires TSA background check to activate.
- ✓N — Tank Vehicles: Covers liquid surge, loading, and tanker-specific driving rules.
- ✓T — Doubles/Triples: Knowledge test only — covers rearward amplification and coupling procedures for multi-trailer combinations.
- ✓P — Passenger: Required for vehicles carrying 16+ passengers. Also requires a separate skills test.
- ✓S — School Bus: Requires P endorsement first, plus additional knowledge and skills testing.
What to Bring to ALEA
- ✓Valid Alabama driver's license (non-CDL)
- ✓Social Security card or document showing your full SSN (W-2, pay stub)
- ✓Proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease — dated within 90 days)
- ✓Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT physical results)
- ✓Payment: $36 for the CLP + $5 per knowledge test attempted
- ✓If you hold a CDL from another state: that license (you'll surrender it)
📍 Find Your Nearest ALEA Office
Not all ALEA offices offer CDL testing. Confirm your local office administers CDL knowledge tests before making the trip. The ALEA office locator is at alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-office-locations.
After You Pass — What's Next?
Once you pass the general knowledge test, ALEA will issue your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) on the spot. Your CLP:
- ✓Is valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- ✓Allows you to drive a commercial vehicle on public roads with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat
- ✓Must be held for a minimum of 14 days before you can take your CDL skills test
- ✓Cannot be used to transport HazMat or (with a P endorsement) passengers during the skills test
✓ Use the 14 Days Well
The mandatory 14-day CLP holding period before your skills test exists for a reason — use it to log as many supervised driving hours as possible. Pre-trip inspection, backing exercises, and highway merging are the areas most people struggle on the skills test. Practice all three repeatedly before booking your test date.