HAL TAYLOR, SECRETARY, ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is implementing significant changes affecting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants throughout the state. These updates are designed to enhance road safety and improve the certification processes, aligning with federal guidelines and safety priorities.
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 view or update their DOT medical card or self-certification 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 incorporates substantial revisions to the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) sections, while the Road Skills portion remains unchanged.
Key Updates to the Skills Test:
- Vehicle Inspection (VI): The updated VI section streamlines the process, emphasizing 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, incorporating Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions address crash data highlighting 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 situations.
Alabama’s CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing is available at ALEA Driver License Offices throughout the state or can be downloaded at https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/Alabama%20CDL%20Manual%20Supplement%20for%20Modernized%20Version.pdf
