Driving a semi-truck or other type of commercial vehicle is a good way for many people to make a living, but if you’re interested in doing so, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Since commercial vehicles are frequently larger and more difficult to drive than average cars and trucks, CDL holders must pass additional rounds of testing to earn their license and follow all regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Commercial drivers in Alabama will also have to go through the Alabama Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for state-specific requirements.
To qualify for a commercial driver’s license in Alabama, you must:
If you plan to drive interstate routes (i.e. you intend to cross state lines), you must be at least 21 years old.
If you have a CDL from another state and wish to transfer it to Alabama, you will have to show additional identification when applying for your commercial driver license. See the section on CDL transfer documents for more details.
Before you get your CDL, you’ll have to get your Alabama commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
To do so, you’ll have to schedule an appointment through the ALEA at a driver license office that handles commercial driver’s licenses. It’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure they offer CDL services.
You’ll have to pass all written exams for the classification of CDL you want. Also, if you are applying for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement, you will need to take your federally mandated CDL training course BEFORE you apply for your CLP.
You’ll have to bring to your appointment:
You will also have to submit to a driving record check, which will cover your record for the past 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
If you’re transferring your out-of-state commercial driver’s license to Alabama, you will be required to bring in the above documentation, as well as 1 primary document for identification purposes.
You may not use the same document to count as both your proof of SSN and primary document.
The ALEA will accept the following as primary documents:
If you plan on transferring your hazardous materials endorsement or applying for a new one, you will also need to bring a Transportation Security Administration background check.
After successfully passing the proper exams, you will receive your Alabama commercial learner’s permit from the ALEA.
Per state and federal regulations, your CLP will only allow you to drive on public roads with a full CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
You will be required to hold your CLP for a specific period of time before you’re able to take your road test for your full Alabama CDL. IMPORTANT NOTE: While federal laws mandate a holding period of at least 14 days, this could be different for you. Check with your local driver license office to confirm what the holding period is in your state.
Once the required amount of time has passed and you feel comfortable enough driving with your CLP, you will have to complete your federally required CDL entry-level driver training program (ELDT). This is required for all CDL holders who are:
Your course will consist of both classroom and practical hands-on training, and your specific training provider will dictate how long your course will be. You can find a federally approved EDLT provider through the FMCSA’s entry-level training website.
Once you’ve completed your ELDT course, make a second appointment with your local AL driver license office to schedule a CDL skills/road test.
You’ll need to take this portion of the test in the same type of vehicle you plan on driving with your CDL. If you do not, you may receive a restriction on your AL commercial driver’s license.
Bring with you to the appointment:
The FMCSA offers a nationwide program to waive the CDL skills test for veterans or military members about to leave the service.
Though the ALEA doesn’t specifically mention these military skills test waivers in its current regulations, Alabama veterans may still be eligible. Contact your local driver license office to inquire as to whether this waiver is applicable in your state.
For more details on the waiver program, visit our guide to the veterans CDL skills test waiver.
To have permission to operate a commercial vehicle, you will have to be considered medically qualified.
Before scheduling your commercial learner’s permit appointment, you will have to visit your doctor and have him or her fill out the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination (Form 649-F).
You will also have to declare your physical fitness to Alabama, through a process called self-certification. To do so, you will need to complete the Self-Certification Affidavit, and either:
After you’re medically approved, you will receive a Medical Examiner’s Card, which you must keep on you at all times while operating a commercial vehicle.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established several types of commercial driver licenses, each of which allowing you to operate a different kind of vehicle. They include:
You will likely have to take slightly different tests depending on which classification of CDL you’re applying for.
See our guide to CDL classifications for more information.
An endorsement is an additional certification you can add to your commercial driver’s license that will allow you to drive a larger number of vehicles. You can apply for endorsements for driving:
*NOTE: If you apply for a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement in Alabama, you must bring a background check conducted by the Transport Security Administration when you apply for your CLP.
A restriction can be placed on your license to limit the number or types of vehicles you can drive. For example, you may receive a restriction if you cannot drive a manual car, fail the eye exam, or for a number of other reasons.
Check out our guide for more information on how endorsements and restrictions work.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency currently charges the following for CDLs and other related services:
If you’re transferring your out-of-state CDL to Alabama, you may also have to pay a $5 transfer fee that applies to other license classes.
If your Alabama commercial driver’s license was lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply for a replacement with the ALEA and CANNOT operate your commercial vehicle until you receive a replacement license. For your protection, consider reporting your lost CDL to your local law enforcement agency.
Alabama’s CDL Headquarters—or any of the CDL district offices—can provide details about applying for a replacement CDL based on your specific situation.
Contact the CDL Headquarters directly at (334) 242-4400 or get in touch with your local CDL district office for instructions on applying for a duplicate AL CDL.
If you’re temporarily out of state for military, school, or employment reasons, you may be able to apply for a duplicate CDL by mail. Call an Alabama CDL district office or CDL Headquarters to confirm you’re eligible to apply for a replacement by mail.
When you have approval, gather the following:
Mail everything to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Department
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102