Alabama CDL: ALEA Announces "Big Changes" to Testing

Alabama CDL Updates: Medical Certification and Skills Test Changes Coming Soon

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has announced two major changes. These updates will affect Alabama CDL holders and applicants across the state. The new rules will begin this summer. ALEA says the goal is to improve highway safety and follow federal rules.

Medical Certifications Must Be Sent Electronically by June 23

Starting June 23, 2025, all DOT medical certifications must be sent electronically. Only medical providers approved by the government can submit them. Alabama CDL holders will no longer be allowed to upload their own medical cards. Paper medical cards will also be rejected.

This change is part of the FMCSA’s National Registry II system. It helps keep medical records more accurate and up to date.

Drivers can view or update their DOT medical card and self-certification at www.alabamadl.alea.gov. They should click on the “Commercial Drivers” tab. There, drivers can check if their self-certification category is correct. If it is not, they should fix it using the “Submit Self-Certification” option.

If anything is missing or wrong with the medical card info, drivers need to contact their medical examiner. Only the examiner can correct the issue.

Modernized CDL Skills Test Will Begin on July 1

A second big change will begin on July 1, 2025. ALEA will use a new version of the CDL Skills Test. This updated test comes from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). It will apply to all new Alabama CDL applicants. It also applies to drivers who need to retake the test.

The Road Skills part of the test will stay the same. However, the Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control Skills sections will be different. These updates are meant to reflect modern safety needs and newer truck technology.

New Testing Format for Alabama CDL Drivers

The Vehicle Inspection section will focus more on parts that are critical for safety. Some repeated steps have been removed. Test items and wording have been updated to match today’s commercial trucks.

The Basic Control Skills test will now include four maneuvers. Two of these are new. They are called Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These changes are based on crash data. That data shows many accidents involve frontal impacts and side swipes.

The goal is to better test how well a driver can handle a truck in real driving situations. ALEA believes these changes will make the test more useful in measuring real-world skills.

Alabama CDL Testing Guide Available for Drivers

ALEA has created a special guide to help drivers prepare for the new test. The guide explains the updated testing process. Drivers can pick up a copy at any ALEA Driver License Office. It is also available online here.

ALEA encourages all Alabama CDL holders to take action soon. Drivers should check their medical certification, learn the new testing process, and stay compliant with the new rules. These updates are coming fast, and being prepared will help drivers avoid problems.