Alabama CDL Requirements

You must get an Alabama commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be able to drive commercial vehicles in Alabama. For Federal CDL Requirements applicable to every state, click here.


Alabama adopted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, and is part of a nationally uniform system of classifying, testing, and licensing commercial vehicle drivers.

When is an Alabama CDL Required

You need an Alabama CDL when you operate the following vehicles:

CLASS A – Applies only to “combination” vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) more than 26,000 pounds, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Class A CDL (plus any appropriate endorsements) can also operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D (below)

CLASS B – Includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle is more than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being pulled must not be more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with an Alabama Class B CDL (plus appropriate endorsements) can also legally operate all vehicles in Class C or D.

CLASS C – Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that meets neither the definition of Group A nor that of Group B as contained in this section, but that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).

CLASS D – Private passenger, regular operator.

Commercial Drivers Manuals and information are available at your local driver license office. Click Here to view a list of driver license examination sites.

Alabama CDL Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) within state lines (Intrastate). However, drivers must be at leat 21 years old to:

  • commercial vehicles across state lines (interstate)
  • haul hazardous materials which require placarding or
  • operate vehicle with doubles or triples trailers

How to Apply for an Alabama CDL

  • Current driver license.
  • Social Security card.
  • If transferring from out of state, applicant must present one document from the following (in addition to the Social Security number document):
    • Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by an agency designated by state or federal authority.
    • U.S. passport.
    • Alabama identification card.
    • Alabama driver license.
    • Certificate of naturalization.
    • Certificate of citizenship.
    • U.S. certificate of birth abroad.
    • Resident alien card.
    • Valid foreign passport with valid U.S. immigration document.
  • Current Department of Transportation long medical form (unless medically exempt).
  • $25 testing fee (no checks).
  • Transportation Security Administration background check if transferring or
    obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement.
  • If not a U.S. citizen, applicant must legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama.
  • Skills test if upgrading a license or first-time applicant (test by appointment only; $20 skills test fee).
  • Proof of insurance.

How Much Does the Alabama CDL Cost?

  • $25 testing fee (no checks).
  • $66.25 to purchase class “A” license.
  • $56.25 to purchase class “B” license.
  • $36.25 to purchase class “C” license.
  • $36.25 to purchase commercial learner license.
  • $20 skills test fee

Sources:
State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and
Alabama CDL Document Requirements and Fees