Important Updates for Alabama CDL Holders
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division is implementing major updates affecting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants statewide. These changes are designed to enhance road safety and streamline certification processes, aligning 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 the 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 view or update their DOT medical card and self-certification by visiting www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the “Commercial Drivers” tab.
- Verify your self-certification category is accurate. To make changes, use 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. The update includes significant 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 removes redundant steps and emphasizes 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 consist of four maneuvers, including Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions address crash data highlighting 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 picked up 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