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Alabama CDL License Requirements

In order to drive a commercial vehicle in Alabama, you must first obtain an Alabama commercial driver’s license (CDL). While classes of CDL licenses can vary from state to state, Alabama classifies commercial vehicles that require a CDL to drive as follows:

Class A: Operate vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds that tow trailers or other vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds
Class B: Operate vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds and tow trailers or vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds
Class C: Operate vehicles that can transport 16 or more people or vehicles that transport hazardous materials

To qualify for a CDL in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a vision exam and obtain a medical certificate. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) governs the transportation of materials across state lines. Federal regulations require truck drivers hauling materials from one state to another to be at least 21 years old. CDL applicants must then pass both a written knowledge exam and a driving test. The three part driving test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test and an on-road driving exam. The driving test must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL license you are trying to obtain.

Additional endorsements are then needed to drive certain types of vehicles including trucks with air brakes, double/triple trailers, tanker trucks or school buses. Endorsements are also needed to transport passengers or to haul hazardous materials. To transport hazardous materials (also referred to as a Hazmat endorsement), a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check is required. A truck driving school in Alabama will provide you with the foundation to pass the CDL requirements and start your career in truck driving.

Resources for Alabama CDL Requirements

Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and the Alabama Commercial Drivers License Manual for more information.

Directory of Alabama Truck Driving Schools

Alexander City: Central Alabama Community College
Address: 1675 Cherokee Rd Alexander City, Alabama 35011
Phone: 256-378-2021

Childersburg: Central Alabama Community College
Address: 34091 US Hwy 280 Childersburg, Alabama 35044
Phone: 256-378-2021

Decatur: Calhoun Community College Decatur Campus
Address: PO Box 2216 Decatur, Alabama 35609
Phone: 256-306-2584

Decatur: E.S.D Truck Driving School
Address: 1436 Shoal Creek Rd Decatur, Alabama 35603
Phone: 866-432-0430

Evergreen: Reid State Technical College
Address: PO Box 588 Evergreen, Alabama 36401
Phone: 334-578-1313

Guntersville: Marshall Technical School
Address: 12312 US Hwy 431 Guntersville, Alabama 35976
Phone: 256-582-8294

Hanceville: Wallace State Community College Hanceville Campus
Address: 801 Main St NW Hanceville, Alabama 35077
Phone: 256-352-8117

Mobile: Bishop State Community College
Address: 925 Dauphin Island Pkwy Mobile, Alabama 36605
Phone: 251-405-7000

Montgomery: H Councill Trenholm State Technical College
Address: 5420 Troy Hwy Montgomery, Alabama 36116
Phone: 334-420-4404

Moulton: Affordable Truck Driver Training LLC
Address: 9930 Alabama Hwy 157 Moulton, Alabama 35650
Phone: 256-974-4120

Opelika: American Truck Driver Academy Inc
Address: 5018 US Hwy 80 W Opelika, Alabama 36804
Phone: 334-298-9191

Opelika: Southern Union Community College Opelika Campus
Address: 1701 LaFayette Pkwy Opelika, Alabama 36801
Phone: 334-745-6367

Opp: LBW Community College MacArthur Campus
Address: 1708 North Main St Opp, Alabama 36467
Phone: 334-493-5312

Oxford: Truck Driver Institute
Address: 4939 US Hwy 78 W Oxford, Alabama 36203
Phone: 800-642-7364

Sumiton: Bevill State Community College Truck Driving School
Address: Hwy 78 Sumiton, Alabama 35148
Phone: 205-648-3271

Theodore Mobile : Premier Driving Academy
Address: 7601 Theodore Dawes Rd Theodore Mobile , Alabama 36582
Phone: 251-653-5235

Tuscaloosa: Shelton State Community College
Address: 9500 Old Greensboro Rd Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405
Phone: 205-247-7722

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