Online CDL Permit Practice Tests
state Alabama
Ace Your Alabama CDL Exam: Free Practice Tests
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Our free online CDL practice tests cover all the essential topics, including General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, to build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for your CDL exam.
General Knowledge Test
Air Brakes
Test
Combination Vehicle Test
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a CDL in Alabama
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Age Requirements:
- Intrastate (within Alabama): You must be at least 18 years old.
- Interstate (across state lines) or Hazardous Materials Transport: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Residency and Licensing:
- Hold a valid Alabama Class D (non-commercial) driver’s license.
- Provide proof of Alabama residency.
- Medical Fitness:
- Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified medical examiner to ensure you meet the physical qualifications.
Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):
- Study for the Knowledge Test:
- Review the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for the written knowledge test.
- Complete the Application:
- Visit an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Office that handles CDL services.
- Provide the following documentation:
- Valid Alabama driver’s license.
- Proof of identity and U.S. legal presence (e.g., certified U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport).
- Social Security card.
- Two proofs of principal residence (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements).
- Pass the Knowledge Test:
- The test includes sections on general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles.
- Pay Applicable Fees:
- $25 testing fee (no checks accepted).
- $36.25 for the CLP issuance.
Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT):
Enroll in a Training Program:
- As of February 7, 2022, new drivers must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test.
Step 4: Practice with Your CLP:
Supervised Driving:
- Use your CLP to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
- The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed if necessary.
Step 5: Schedule and Pass the CDL Skills Test:
- Wait the Mandatory Period:
- You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
- Schedule the Test:
- Arrange your test through ALEA or an approved third-party testing site.
- Prepare for the Test:
- The skills test includes:
- Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety checks.
- Basic Vehicle Control Skills: Show your ability to control the vehicle in various maneuvers.
- On-Road Driving: Operate the vehicle safely in various traffic situations.
- The skills test includes:
- Pass the Skills Test:
- Successfully completing all three components is required to obtain your CDL.
Step 6: Obtain Your CDL:
- Submit Documentation:
- After passing the skills test, provide your test results to ALEA.
- Pay Applicable Fees:
- Fees vary based on the class of CDL:
- Class A: $66.25
- Class B: $56.25
- Class C: $36.25
- Fees vary based on the class of CDL:
- Receive Your CDL:
- Your Alabama CDL will be issued, allowing you to operate commercial vehicles as per your license class and endorsements.
Additional Considerations:
- Endorsements:
- Depending on the type of commercial driving, you may need additional endorsements (e.g., Hazardous Materials, Passenger, School Bus).
- Each endorsement requires passing specific knowledge tests and may have additional requirements.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME):
- Requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and fingerprinting.
- An additional federal fee applies for the HME.
- Medical Certification:
- Keep your Medical Examiner’s Certificate up to date and ensure it’s on file with ALEA.
- Self-Certification:
- You must self-certify the type of driving you engage in (interstate or intrastate; exempted or non-exempted) and may need to provide a valid medical certificate accordingly.
For the most current information and detailed guidance, visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License page.
Embarking on a career as a commercial driver in Alabama is a commendable pursuit. By following these steps diligently, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your CDL and starting your journey on the road.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CDL Self Certification?
Pursuant to Federal Regulations 49 CFR 383, 384, 390 and 391, all Classes A, B or C Commercial License (CDL) holders must certify to the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in. You can certify on our website at www.ALEA.gov. and visit the Driver License home page, under Division Links, CDL Self Certification.
How often do I need to submit/re-submit my self-certification?
Once submitted, unless you change the type of transportation you are involved in, you do not need to submit another self-certification. To change your certification you can visit our website at www.ALEA.gov.
What if I change the type of operation I perform?
You may change your self-certification status.
Required forms may be submitted by one of the following:
| Online: | www.alabamadl.alea.gov |
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency CDL Unit PO Box 1471 Montgomery , AL 36102-1471 |
What must I do to comply with the new requirements for making my medical certification part of my CDL driving record?
Starting on January 30, 2012, when you:
- Apply for a CDL:
- Renew a CDL;
- Apply for a higher class of CDL;
- Apply for a new endorsement on a CDL; or
- Transfer a CDL from another State
You will be required to self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on your driver license application form. Based on that self-certification, you may be required to provide ALEA with a current medical examiner’s certificate and if applicable, provide any variance (wavier) you may have along with the medical certification card.
Where do I get a medical card? Can my regular Doctor give me one?
Only doctors certified by FMCSA can administer the DOT physical. They will have a Federal Registration number, and they will have the correct form(s).
When do I need to submit my DOT medical card?
As long as you remain in the Non-Excepted Interstate self-certification category, your medical card needs to be submitted before the current one on file expires. To avoid any overlap with your driving privilege, it is recommended to submit it at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date.
How do I submit my DOT medical certification?
You can upload your DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate online at AlabamaDL.alea.gov or mail a copy to: CDL Unit, P. O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102.
What should I (as a driver) do with the medical examiner’s certificate beginning on January 30, 2014?
After you provide ALEA Driver License Division and your employer with the medical examiner’s certificate (card), the medical examiner’s Certificate (card) will only be valid to present law enforcement for the first 15 day after it was issued, after that time the information will be accessed by law enforcement via CDLIS. Your medical examiner’s certification information will be recorded on your driving record and will become the valid version of your medical certification (card).
How can I get back my CDL privileges?
If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to the ALEA Driver License Division, and if applicable, if the variance has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA and provide it along with your medical certification to ALEA Driver License Division. NOTE: RE-examination will be required if your Alabama CDL has been expired over three (3) years.
Do I have to get a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) before I can be issued my Commercial Driver License?
Yes, if being issued a CDL for the first time, or upgrading, a CLP be issued first and must be held for at least 14 days before testing for the CDL.
If I drove Commercial size vehicles in the military, do I have to test for my CDL?
Military service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the past year (12 months) in a military transportation unit requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle are eligible for a military skills waiver. These individuals will still have to take the knowledge portion(s) of the CDL test, but the skills will be waived. The form to have the skills portion waived is available at any ALEA CDL testing office and should be requested at the time the knowledge test(s) are being taken.