7CDLFree CDL permit study for every state
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States

ALAlabama CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Official CDL page
alea.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
alea.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
alea.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

We have not confirmed this state's current language policy from an official source. Ask the agency before you book.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Learner permit (CLP)

An Alabama CLP is valid for 360 days and cannot be renewed; when it expires you must retake all written tests for a new CLP. You must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test.

Source: alea.gov

Fees

CDL applicants pay a $25 testing fee and a $20 skills test fee; the license costs $66.25 (Class A), $56.25 (Class B), $36.25 (Class C) and $36.25 for the commercial learner license. No checks accepted.

Source: alea.gov

Also important

Knowledge and skills tests are by appointment at ALEA CDL offices, and an expired Alabama CDL needs full re-testing once it has been expired more than 3 years.

Source: alea.gov

State-only topics in the manual

  • List of Alabama CDL test offices with phone numbers and addresses, plus how to book a test online.
  • Separate Alabama supplement with the newer Modernized vehicle inspection and basic skills test sections (11M, 12M).

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.