ALEA announces major changes for Commercial Driver License holders in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WRBL) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) Driver License Division is announcing two major updates that will impact Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants statewide. The changes are designed to improve road safety and modernize the certification process, in alignment with federal regulations.
Electronic-only medical certification begins June 23
Starting June 23, 2025, ALEA will require all DOT medical certifications to be submitted electronically by authorized medical providers. This change is part of the National Registry II implementation and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
Key points for CDL holders:
Paper medical cards and online uploads will no longer be accepted.
CDL holders can check or update their DOT medical card or self-certification status at www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the 'Commercial Drivers' tab.
To make corrections to your self-certification category, use the 'Submit Self-Certification' option under the Actions tab.
If your medical information is missing or incorrect, contact your certified medical examiner.
Modernized CDL skills test starts July 1
On July 1, 2025, ALEA will transition to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test. This update introduces significant changes to the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) sections, while the Road Skills portion remains the same.
Highlights of the updated test:
Vehicle Inspection (VI): Streamlines redundant steps and focuses more on safety-critical parts. The language and requirements have been updated to reflect current commercial vehicle technology.
Basic Control Skills (BCS): Now includes four required maneuvers, with the addition of Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These were added in response to crash data showing high rates of front-end and side-swipe collisions involving commercial vehicles.
CDL applicants can access Alabama's updated CDL Supplemental Guide at ALEA Driver License Offices or download it online.
ALEA says these changes are intended to strengthen safety and better prepare drivers for real-world situations on the road.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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