Important Updates for Alabama CDL Holders from ALEA
HAL TAYLOR, SECRETARY, ALEA, is announcing substantial updates impacting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants in Alabama. These changes, designed to improve road safety and streamline processes, align with federal guidelines and safety priorities.
Mandatory Electronic Submission of DOT Medical Certifications
Effective June 23, 2025, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will transition to mandatory electronic submission of Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certifications. This change is part of the National Registry II implementation and adheres to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. ALEA will exclusively accept DOT medical certifications electronically from authorized medical providers after this date.
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, 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
Effective July 1, 2025, ALEA will implement the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test. This update includes 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 revised VI section focuses on safety-critical components, streamlining the process. 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 address crash data highlighting frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), better assessing a driver’s vehicle control in real-world situations.
Alabama’s CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing is available at ALEA Driver License Offices statewide and can be downloaded at https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/Alabama%20CDL%20Manual%20Supplement%20for%20Modernized%20Version.pdf.