A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Alabama to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Alabama CDL fees start at $36 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Alabama CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Endorsement valid 5 years — must renew before expiration. Required for hauling chemicals, fuel, or any HazMat requiring placarding.
Required for operating tank vehicles carrying liquids or gases in bulk. Critical for fuel tanker operations serving Alabama's industrial corridor.
Required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Alabama requires additional background check for school bus operators.
Required for pulling double or triple trailer combinations. Class A CDL required. Alabama allows standard double trailers on designated routes.
Combination of H and N endorsements for tank vehicles hauling HazMat. TSA background check applies. Common for fuel tanker operations serving Alabama's petrochemical and automotive plants.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Alabama has several registered CDL schools serving Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery metro areas.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Alabama →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. The MEC is valid up to 24 months (shorter for drivers with certain conditions such as controlled hypertension or diabetes requiring insulin). Drivers must self-certify their CDL category with ALEA and submit a copy of the MEC. Intrastate-only drivers may qualify under Alabama's state physical standards, which differ from DOT federal standards.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) driver license office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Alabama residency documents. Pass the applicable knowledge tests for your desired class and endorsements, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the CDL skills test. The CDL original and renewal fee is $36 — one of the lowest rates in the country.
Alabama CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Certificate is separate — most interstate drivers renew it every 24 months, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner due to health conditions. Renew your CDL at any ALEA driver license office before expiration to avoid a lapse in driving privileges.
An Alabama Class A CDL at age 18 permits intrastate (within Alabama) commercial driving only. Interstate CDL operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying commercial motor vehicle — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations. Alabama's automotive corridor has many intrastate-only positions that are open to 18-year-old CDL holders.
Most automotive parts hauling on Alabama's I-65 and I-20 corridors requires a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer combinations. Specific endorsements depend on the cargo — if hauling flammable coatings, paints, or chemicals requiring placarding, an H (HazMat) endorsement is required. Flatbed and enclosed van work for auto manufacturers typically requires no additional endorsement beyond Class A.
ALEA administers CDL skills tests at designated driver license offices throughout Alabama. Third-party testing sites are also available in metro areas including Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery. Visit alea.gov for current testing locations and scheduling information.
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Alabama CDL fees are among the lowest in the Southeast at $36 for original and renewal. Knowledge tests are administered at no charge at ALEA driver license offices. Skills test fees vary by provider — budget approximately $150 for third-party testers. Verify current amounts at alea.gov before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Alabama AL Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026