The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is implementing two major changes to its commercial driver’s license (CDL) program this summer. These changes, aligned with federal regulations, are designed to improve highway safety and ensure more accurate recordkeeping. Alabama CDL holders and new applicants should be aware of these updates, which affect both medical certification procedures and the CDL skills test.
Electronic Medical Certification Submission Starts June 23
Beginning June 23, 2025, all DOT medical certifications must be submitted electronically through the FMCSA’s National Registry II system. This change eliminates paper medical card submissions and prevents drivers from uploading their own documentation. Only FMCSA-approved medical examiners can submit certification data directly to the system.
To manage their records, CDL holders can log on to www.alabamadl.alea.gov, navigate to the “Commercial Drivers” section, and verify their self-certification status. If there are discrepancies, drivers should use the “Submit Self-Certification” option to correct them. Errors or missing data in medical cards must be resolved through the medical examiner, as only they have the authority to amend submissions.
This move is expected to reduce administrative errors and ensure up-to-date records, which are critical for safety and compliance.
New CDL Skills Test Launches on July 1
On July 1, 2025, Alabama will adopt a modernized CDL Skills Test developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). This updated test will apply to all new CDL applicants, as well as to drivers retaking the exam.
While the Road Skills portion of the test will remain the same, significant changes are coming to the Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control Skills sections. These updates aim to reflect evolving vehicle technologies and safety concerns more accurately.
Updated Testing Format Reflects Real-World Risks
The Vehicle Inspection section will now focus only on components critical to safety. Repetitive steps and outdated language have been removed to streamline the test.
In the Basic Control Skills section, two new maneuvers—Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking—will be introduced. These changes are based on crash data showing a high number of frontal and sideswipe incidents. The new maneuvers are intended to assess a driver’s ability to manage their vehicle in realistic and potentially hazardous scenarios.
ALEA believes these revisions will better evaluate drivers’ capabilities in actual road conditions.
Alabama CDL Testing Guide Now Available
To help drivers prepare, ALEA has released a CDL Testing Guide, which outlines the changes and offers practical tips. This guide can be picked up at any ALEA Driver License Office or accessed online.
ALEA is urging all CDL holders in Alabama to take action quickly: review your medical certification status, understand the new testing process, and ensure compliance before the rules go into effect. Being prepared now will help drivers avoid delays, fines, or disqualification.
Source:
https://truckdrivernews.com/alabama-cdl-alea-announces-big-changes-to-the-process/
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