HAL TAYLOR, SECRETARY, ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division is implementing significant updates affecting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants throughout the state. These changes, designed to enhance road safety and streamline certification procedures, align with federal guidelines and safety priorities.
Mandatory Electronic Submission of DOT Medical Certifications Begins June 23, 2025
In accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and as part of National Registry II implementation, ALEA will exclusively accept DOT medical certifications via electronic submission from authorized medical providers, starting June 23, 2025.
Key Information for CDL Holders:
- Paper medical cards and online uploads will no longer be accepted.
- CDL holders can access or update their DOT medical card and self-certification information by visiting www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the “Commercial Drivers” tab.
- Verify the accuracy of your self-certification category. To make changes, use the Submit Self-Certification option under the Actions tab.
- If your DOT Medical Card information is missing or incorrect, please contact your medical examiner.
Modernized CDL Skills Test Begins July 1, 2025
Effective July 1, 2025, ALEA will transition to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test. This update includes substantial revisions to the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) portions of the test; the Road Skills portion remains unchanged.
Key Updates to the Skills Test:
- Vehicle Inspection (VI): The updated VI section removes redundant steps and emphasizes safety-critical components. Updated terminology and test items reflect advancements in commercial vehicle technology.
- Basic Control Skills (BCS): The BCS test will now include four maneuvers, with the addition of Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These changes address crash data indicating a high frequency of frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The updated maneuvers will better evaluate a driver’s ability to control a vehicle in real-world scenarios.
The Alabama CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing is available at all ALEA Driver License Offices across the state or can be downloaded at https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/Alabama%20CDL%20Manual%20Supplement%20for%20Modernized%20Version.pdf