Alabama - Obtain a Commercial Driving License

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Procedure

1. Gather all documents you will need to submit in order to obtain a commercial driver's license.
2. Go to your preferred CDL licensing office.
3. Bring with you all the required documents.
4. Present and submit the documents to the licensing officer.
5. Take the knowledge test.
6. Take the driving skills test.
7. Self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Alabama DPS. (Non-Excepted Interstate, Excepted Interstate, Non-Excepted Intrastate, Excepted Intrastate)
8. If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must, in addition to a completed self-certified application, provide the DPS with a federal medical certificate.
9. Submit your self-certification certificate online, or by completing an application and either faxing it to (334) 353-1980, or mailing it to:
   Alabama Department of Public Safety
   Driver License Division
   CDL Unit
   P.O. Box 1471
   Montgomery, AL 36102-1471

Note: Transportation Security Administration background check will be conducted if you are transferring or obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement.

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Required Documents

• Current driver license.
• Social Security card. *
• If transferring from out of state, applicant must present one document from the primary list (in addition to the Social Security number document).
• Current Department of Transportation long medical form (unless medically exempt).
• Proof of insurance

Notes:

Social Security Verification *

• Social Security card (original).
• Certified letter on letterhead from the Social Security Administration stating applicants name and number.
• U.S. military identification card.
• U.S. military form DD 214.
• Medicare/Medicaid identification card (if Social Security number is followed by the letter A).
• W2 tax form.

Office Locations & Contacts

Alabama Department of Public Safety
301 South Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102
Phone:(334) 242-4371
Email
Website

Driver License Division
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102
Phone:(334) 242-4400
Email
Driver License Offices and Schedules

Eligibility

Holders of a valid driver's license.

For applicants who are not U.S. citizens, you must legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama.

Fees

• Knowledge Tests: $25.00
• Skills test if upgrading a license or first-time applicant (test by appointment only): $20.00
• Class A license: $53.50
• Class B license: $43.50
• Class C license: $23.50
• Commercial learner license: $23.50

Notes:

• The Alabama Department of Public Safetys Driver License Division does not accept checks. Cash or money orders are accepted.
• License fees are subject to change and may be slightly higher in counties where local legislation permits a higher fee.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

• CDL Self Certification Affidavit Form.
• Medical Examination Report

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

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Related Videos

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Instructions

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must secure an Alabama Commercial Driver License (CDL):

• Class A: This classification applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. The holder of a Class A license, which includes any appropriate endorsements, may operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D
• Class B: This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Class B licensees, with appropriate endorsements, may drive all vehicles in Class C or D.
• Class C: Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification and may drive all vehicles in Class D.

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. If a hazardous material endorsement is required.

Commercial Drivers Manuals and information are available at your local driver license office, or you may download the manual online. Click on the link, to view a list of driver license examination sites.

Required Information

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the Document

Following are procedures on how you can obtain a commercial driving license.

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

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e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

• DPS Alabama:

http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-DocumentRequirementsAndFees

• Frequently asked questions - driver's license:

http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-FAQ#anchor851895

• Frequently asked questions - CDL Self certification:

https://dps.alabama.gov/CDL/Documents/CDLSelfCertification-Q&A.pdf

Others

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