BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Alabama Driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (334) 242-4371 (Alabama Department of Public Safety) for more information.
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. You can obtain one by having a licensed medical professional fill out the appropriate Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness reports. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Provide proof of legal presence.
• Provide proof of Alabama residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Alabama Driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form and hand in in-person to a Driver License office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay $25.00 for testing fee. Checks are not accepted.
4. Pass the CDL knowledge exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at Driver License offices by appointment only.
5. Pass vision screening test.
6. There is no mandatory requirement to take a Commercial driver's education program. The CDL Manual provides all the information that is needed to pass the written and skill tests. However taking up such a program will provide you with the necessary practice to perform well in the tests.
7. Take road test at your local Driver License office.
8. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for an Alabama CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form. Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test.

FEES

An Alabama Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. The cost of the license varies in accordance with the class applied for: Class A-$53, Class B-$ 43 and Class C-$23. Please see a list of fees for more information.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:

• Hazardous Material (Class H).
• Tank Vehicles (Class N).
• Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
• School Bus (Class S).
• Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (334) 242-4371(Alabama Department of Public Safety) for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Alabama's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you already have a CDL, see CDL renewal.
• For more information regarding test centers and hours and locations see you local MVD office.
• See Alabama's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.