HAL TAYLOR, SECRETARY, ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division is implementing significant changes impacting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants across the state. These updates, designed to align with federal guidelines and enhance safety, aim to improve road safety and streamline certification processes.
Mandatory Electronic Submission of DOT Medical Certifications Starts June 23, 2025
In accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and as part of the National Registry II implementation, ALEA will exclusively accept DOT medical certifications via electronic submission from authorized medical providers beginning 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.
- Verify the accuracy of your self-certification category. To make changes, utilize the Submit Self-Certification option under 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 remains unchanged.
Key Updates to the Skills Test:
- Vehicle Inspection (VI): The revised VI section streamlines procedures and emphasizes safety-critical components. Updated terminology and test items reflect current commercial vehicle technology.
- Basic Control Skills (BCS): The BCS test will now include four maneuvers, introducing Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions address crash data indicating high rates of frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The updated maneuvers will better evaluate a driver’s vehicle control skills in realistic situations.
The Alabama CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing is available for pickup at ALEA Driver License Offices statewide or can be downloaded at https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/Alabama%20CDL%20Manual%20Supplement%20for%20Modernized%20Version.pdf
