HAL TAYLOR, SECRETARY, ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division is announcing two significant updates affecting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants throughout the state. These changes are designed to enhance road safety and improve the efficiency of certification processes, aligning with federal guidelines and safety priorities.
Mandatory Electronic Submission of DOT Medical Certifications Begins June 23, 2025
In compliance 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 and manage their DOT medical card and self-certification information by visiting www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the “Commercial Drivers” tab.
- Ensure your self-certification category is accurate. To make any necessary changes, use the Submit Self-Certification option within the Actions tab.
- If your DOT Medical Card information is missing or incorrect, 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, while the Road Skills portion will remain unchanged.
Key Updates to the Skills Test:
- Vehicle Inspection (VI): The revised VI section streamlines the process, removing redundant steps and placing greater emphasis on safety-critical components. Updated terminology and test items reflect the latest technological advancements in commercial vehicles.
- Basic Control Skills (BCS): The BCS test will now include four maneuvers, introducing Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions are based on crash data that indicates high rates of frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The updated maneuvers will better assess a driver’s ability to control a vehicle in real-world scenarios.
Alabama’s CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing can be obtained at ALEA Driver License Offices across the state or downloaded at https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/Alabama%20CDL%20Manual%20Supplement%20for%20Modernized%20Version.pdf
