Alabama · ALEA

How to get your CDL permit in Alabama

In Alabama you get your commercial learner license (CLP) from ALEA after passing the written tests for the class you want. The CLP lasts 360 days and cannot be renewed, so plan to finish training and your skills test inside that window.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official ALEA sources

Start the free Alabama permit classroom Official Alabama CDL manual

Minimum age: 21 to cross state lines · in-state minimum not published
Permit fee: $36.25
Permit valid for: 360 days, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a current Alabama driver license.
2Gather your documents: Social Security card and two proofs of Alabama residence.
3Get a DOT medical exam from a certified examiner and choose your self-certification category.
4Pay the $25 testing fee and take the General Knowledge test plus any Air Brakes, Combination or endorsement tests you need.
5Pay $36.25 and receive your CLP. Always drive with a qualified CDL holder beside you.
6Finish federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a school on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test.
7After holding your CLP at least 14 days, book your skills test appointment.

What to bring

Your current driver license
Social Security card
Two proofs of your Alabama address
If you are moving from another state: one document from ALEA's primary ID list
Payment for fees (checks not accepted for the testing fee)

Medical card

When you apply you pick one of four self-certification categories based on where and how you will drive. Your medical examiner sends your results to ALEA electronically; paper medical cards and online uploads are no longer accepted.

Fees

Commercial learner license (CLP)	$36.25
Knowledge testing feeChecks are not accepted.	$25
Skills testBy appointment only.	$20
CDL issuance	$66.25 Class A · $56.25 Class B · $36.25 Class C

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with ALEA before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests if you want them (for example Passenger, School Bus, Tank)

Testing in Alabama

Skills tests are by appointment only.
Alabama has used the modernized skills test since July 1, 2025, with a revised vehicle inspection and four backing maneuvers, including Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking.

Study for these tests in the Alabama classroom

Good to know in Alabama

Your CLP cannot be renewed. If it expires, you must retake all the written tests for a new one.
Only Passenger, School Bus and Tank endorsements can go on a CLP, and each carries limits: no passengers, or an empty tank.
The CLP is a separate card that shares your driver license number.
A new state law starting October 1, 2026 requires all CDL holders to show English proficiency.

Non-domiciled applicants

ALEA says non-U.S. citizens must hold permanent lawful status and live in Alabama to get a CDL. Starting October 1, 2026, foreign CDL holders driving in Alabama also need valid U.S. work authorization.

Confirm with ALEA before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The minimum age for driving only inside Alabama — confirm with ALEA.
Which languages the written tests are offered in — ask ALEA before you test.
Whether the $25 testing fee covers more than one attempt, and how long you wait after failing.
Whether you need an appointment for the written tests.
The vision standard for a CDL.
How ALEA will carry out the new English-proficiency law.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division. Rules and fees change, so always check with ALEA before you apply.