Alabama - Apply for a Commercial Driver License

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Procedure

Apply by Mail:

1. To Apply for a Commercial Driver License, the applicant has to approach the U.S. Department Of Transportation link
2. Before applying for a CDL, you will typically need to obtain a CLP. This involves passing a written knowledge test specific to commercial driving. Study the CDL manual provided by your state's DMV, and schedule an appointment to take the test.
3. Schedule a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical examination with a certified medical examiner. This examination ensures that you meet the medical standards necessary for commercial driving. The examiner will issue a Medical Examiner's Certificate upon passing.
4. Determine the class of CDL you need based on the type of vehicle you plan to drive. There are three classes: Class A, B, and C, each with specific weight and endorsement requirements.
5. Decide if you need any additional endorsements, such as for passenger vehicles, hazardous materials, or tankers.
6. Consider enrolling in a CDL training program or school to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for commercial driving. While not always mandatory, these programs can greatly increase your chances of success on the road and during the skills test.
7. Contact your local DMV to schedule a skills test appointment. The skills tests usually consist of a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. Practice the required maneuvers and be prepared to demonstrate your driving abilities.
8. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer. or it can be downloaded from the following link
9. The applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
10. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
11. The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
12. Submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned office mailing address.
13. The mailing address is mentioned in the “Office Locations & Contacts” section of this page.
14. The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
15. After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
16. As part of the application process, the applicant will need to undergo a background check and fingerprinting. This is to ensure compliance with security regulations.
17. Then the application will be processed further. All the updates on the application status will be sent via email.
18. Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application.
19. Upon the application's approval, the applicant will receive the license through the mail.
20. This entire process can be completed within 4 – 5 weeks or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

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Required Documents

• Application form link
• Identity proof (citizenship card, driving license, passport)
• Current driver's license
• Passport size photographs
• Social security card
• Medical certificate
• Proof of legal presence
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Fee receipt
• Any other documents (if required)

Office Locations & Contacts

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
Phone - 1-800-877-8339
Contact link1 and link2
State office link

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements to apply for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in the United States:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate and 21 years old to drive interstate.
• Vision: You must have 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses.
• Hearing: You must be able to hear a conversation in a noisy environment.
• Physical Exam: You must pass a physical exam that includes a blood pressure test, a heart exam, and a drug test.
• Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test about the rules and regulations of commercial driving.
• Skills Test: You must pass a practical skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Fees

• The fee for this procedure has to be paid as per the authority’s request.

Validity

• The validity of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the United States is typically five years.

Documents to Use

• Application form link

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• This entire process can be completed within 4 – 5 weeks or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

Required Information

• Name
• Address
• Age
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Contact number
• Training details
• Social security number
• Qualification details
• Date of Birth
• ZIP code
• City
• Email
• Fax
• Date
• Declaration
• Signature

Need for the Document

• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the United States is a specialized driver's license that allows individuals to operate commercial vehicles for business purposes.
• The CDL is required for drivers who operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or vehicles used to transport hazardous materials.

Information which might help

• For more information link

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

• The purpose of the CDL is to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to safely operate these larger and more complex vehicles on public roads.
• Obtaining a CDL involves meeting specific requirements, passing knowledge and skills tests, and adhering to various regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and individual state licensing agencies.