Alabama Trucker
Qualifications and Regulations
Alabama Trucker Qualifications
First-time commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must complete a series of state-administered written skills tests to receive a permit. 
Skills tests cover information on general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
CDL endorsements allow drivers to operate vehicles with special characteristics.
For example, drivers may pass a written exam to receive an endorsement that allows them to transport hazardous materials.
Requirements for a Commercial Driver's License
- To receive full CDL certification, a driver with a permit (and ideally, some CDL endorsements) must complete a 3-part exam.
- The first part of the exam is a pre-trip inspection test.
- The second part of the exam is a basic control skills test.
- The third part of the exam is an on-road skills test at a state CDL testing location.
- Once the skills test has been passed, the driver can be given a CDL from the state of Alabama.
Alabama Truck Driver Regulations
- To qualify for a CDL, drivers must be at least 18 years of age to work within state lines.
- To operate vehicles across state lines, to transport hazardous materials, or to operate a vehicle with double or triple trailers, drivers with CDL’s must be at least 21 years of age.
- In Alabama, a CDL is needed to operate Class A, Class B, and Class C vehicles.
- The Class A rating applies to vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating (GCVR) of more than 10,000 pounds.
- The Class B rating applies to vehicles with a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds, but the vehicle being towed must not be more than 10,000 pounds.
- The Class C rating applies to vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, or to vehicles designed to transport hazardous waste.
