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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Driver License Division (under the Department of Public Safety)
Official website →$25 (knowledge test) + $36.25 (CLP) + $20 (skills test) + $66.25 (Class A CDL) = $147.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$2,500-$5,500
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Alabama driver's license, proof of SSN, Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT medical card), proof of legal presence, and ELDT completion certificate.
DOT physical exam typically costs $100–$200
Schedule ALEA Appointment
Schedule an appointment at an ALEA driver license office that handles commercial driver's licenses.
Not all ALEA offices handle CDLs
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Pass the CDL knowledge test(s) and pay fees to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit.
$25 testing fee + $36.25 CLP issuance fee
Fee: $61.25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $2,500–$5,500Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the three-part CDL skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
By appointment only through ALEA
Fee: $20Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license.
Class A CDL fee; Class B is $56.25, Class C is $36.25
Fee: $66.25Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($61.25) + CDL ($66.25) + skills test ($20)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Community colleges offer programs from $3,200–$5,500; private schools from $2,500–$4,500
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $20
Skills test fee; by appointment only
Three-Part Exam
Third-party CDL skills testing is available in Alabama through approved examiners.
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule by appointment through ALEA at a driver license office that handles CDLs
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Alabama
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$61.25
$25 testing fee + $36.25 CLP issuance
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Alabama has 16% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Alabama has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Alabama ranks #15 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$66.25
Class A CDL renewal; $5 late fee if more than 60 days past expiration
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Must self-certify CDL operating category at renewal. $5 late fee applies if renewed more than 60 days after expiration.
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit an ALEA driver license office that handles CDLs with required documents. Schedule an appointment through ALEA. Surrender your out-of-state CDL.
Transfer Fee
$71.25
$5 out-of-state transfer fee + $66.25 Class A CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Alabama residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Alabama veterans may be eligible for the FMCSA military skills test waiver program, which waives the CDL skills test for qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Alabama.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Alabama range from $2,500 to $5,500. Community colleges offer programs from $3,200–$5,500; private schools from $2,500–$4,500
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Alabama.
Start Your CDL Training in Alabama
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Alabama
Alabama CDL fees are differentiated by class (A, B, C), with Class A being the most expensive. County probate offices may also handle certain CDL transactions.
CDL Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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CDL Driver requirements in Alabama verified against Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Driver License Division (under the Department of Public Safety), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: