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Get your Alabama CDL — government fees ($147.50), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Driver License Division
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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
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
| 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
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
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.
Regulatory Board
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#35 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$42,460
25th percentile
Median
$50,120
-13% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,990
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
37,490 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Alabama.