How to Get Your CDL in Alabama

Step OneChoose Your License Class

Before you do anything else, figure out which CDL class you actually need. The class determines which vehicles you can drive, and getting the wrong one means restarting the process. Alabama issues three classes:

Step TwoConfirm You Meet Basic Requirements

Before spending money on physicals or tests, verify you meet Alabama's baseline eligibility requirements:

• ✓Age: At least 18 for intrastate (within Alabama only) driving; 21 for interstate (crossing state lines) or HazMat. Most employers require 21 regardless.
• ✓Residency: Must be an Alabama resident with a valid Alabama driver's license.
• ✓License in good standing: Your regular Alabama driver's license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired.
• ✓One license only: You cannot hold licenses from multiple states. Surrender any out-of-state licenses before applying.
• ✓No disqualifying offenses: Recent DUI convictions, certain felonies, or multiple serious traffic violations may disqualify you. See the requirements page for the full list.
• ✓English proficiency: Must read and speak English well enough to understand road signs and respond to official inquiries.

Step ThreeGet Your DOT Physical

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is required to operate a commercial vehicle in Alabama. This is a federal requirement — your regular primary care doctor cannot perform it unless they are registered with the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The DOT physical covers your vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and general neurological function. Here's what to expect:

• ✓Vision: 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without correction); 70-degree field of vision
• ✓Hearing: Must perceive a forced whispered voice in the better ear at 5 feet or less, with or without a hearing aid
• ✓Blood pressure: Ideally below 140/90 for a full 2-year certificate; Stage 1 hypertension may receive a 1-year certificate
• ✓Urinalysis for underlying health conditions (not a drug test, though separate drug testing may be required by employers)
• ✓Review of medical history including diabetes, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular conditions

If you pass, you'll receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) — a small card you must carry whenever driving commercially. It is valid for up to 2 years.

Once you have your Medical Examiner's Certificate, you'll need to submit it to ALEA as part of the self-certification process. This can be done online at alabamainteractive.org/alea — no office visit required.

Step FourStudy and Pass the CDL Knowledge Test

The Alabama CDL general knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass. The test is taken in person at an ALEA Driver License office — you cannot take it online.

The general knowledge test covers the following topic areas from the Alabama CDL Manual:

• ✓Driving safely — space management, speed, and visibility
• ✓Shifting gears and vehicle systems
• ✓Braking distances and stopping rules
• ✓Pre-trip inspection procedures
• ✓Cargo securement and weight distribution
• ✓Hazardous conditions (fog, ice, wind)
• ✓Skid control and vehicle handling emergencies
• ✓Alcohol and drug regulations (0.04% BAC rule)
• ✓Accident procedures

CDL Endorsement Tests

If you want endorsements on your CDL, you'll take additional knowledge tests at the same time (or add them later). Common endorsements include:

Step FiveObtain Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Once you pass the knowledge test, ALEA will issue your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). This allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads — but only with a CDL holder who holds the appropriate class and endorsements in the passenger seat.

Step SixComplete Your CDL Training

With your CLP in hand, you now need to develop the skills to pass the CDL skills test. You have two main paths:

Option A: Enroll in a CDL Training School

Professional CDL schools provide structured behind-the-wheel training, typically running 4–8 weeks. They supply the truck, the training, and often help you schedule your skills test. Cost runs $3,000–$8,000 depending on the school and program length.

• ✓Best if you have no prior experience with large vehicles
• ✓Schools often have relationships with trucking companies that hire directly from their graduates
• ✓Some programs offer payment plans or financing

See our Alabama CDL Training Schools directory for a full list of options by city.

Option B: Company-Sponsored CDL Training (Free CDL)

Many large trucking carriers — including Werner, Schneider, Swift, and KLLM — will pay for your CDL training in exchange for a 1–2 year employment commitment. This is the most common path for first-time CDL drivers who want to enter the industry without paying out of pocket.

• ✓Training cost is covered — you may receive a small weekly stipend during training
• ✓You're essentially hired before you start — job is waiting on the other side
• ✓You sign a contract committing to drive for the carrier for 1–2 years post-CDL
• ✓If you leave early, you typically owe back some or all of the training cost

Step SevenPass the CDL Skills Test

The CDL skills test is a three-part exam administered at an ALEA-approved Third-Party Skills Test location. You must pass all three parts in the same vehicle class you're applying for. The test fee is approximately $50 per attempt.

Part 1: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

You'll be asked to perform and narrate a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle — explaining what you're checking and why. Examiners are looking for knowledge and thoroughness. You should be able to identify and explain every major component: brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, coupling system, and emergency equipment.

Part 2: Basic Vehicle Control

Conducted in a closed testing area (not on public roads), this section tests your ability to maneuver the vehicle through a series of exercises including straight-line backing, offset backing (alley dock), and parallel parking. You'll lose points for pulling up, hitting cones, or requiring multiple attempts.

Part 3: On-Road Driving Test

A 45–60 minute drive on public roads with an examiner in the cab. They'll evaluate your ability to manage intersections, lane changes, turning, merging onto highways, managing grades, and following hours of service rules in practice. Stay calm, communicate your actions, and default to safety.

Step EightGet Your Alabama CDL Issued

After passing your skills test, visit an ALEA Driver License office to convert your CLP to a full CDL. Bring:

• ✓Your current Alabama CLP
• ✓Your skills test results (your third-party tester will provide documentation)
• ✓Your valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (if not already on file)
• ✓Payment for CDL issuance fee ($36)
• ✓Your completed self-certification form (if not submitted online already)

ALEA will issue your Alabama CDL, which is valid for 4 years. Your CDL will display your license class, any endorsements you've earned, and any applicable restriction codes (e.g., "E" if you require corrective lenses).