MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Driver License Division has announced two significant updates affecting Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants across the state. These changes are in alignment with federal safety guidelines and are intended to improve both road safety and the efficiency of certification procedures.
Electronic Submission of DOT Medical Certifications Required Starting June 23, 2025
Beginning June 23, 2025, CDL holders in Alabama must comply with a new federal requirement mandating electronic submission of DOT medical certifications. As part of the National Registry II implementation and in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), ALEA will only accept medical certifications electronically submitted by authorized medical providers.
Key points for CDL holders include:
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Paper medical cards and online uploads by individuals will no longer be accepted.
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CDL holders may review or update their DOT medical card and self-certification by visiting www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the “Commercial Drivers” tab.
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Self-certification category changes can be made under the “Actions” tab using the “Submit Self-Certification” option.
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If information is missing or incorrect, CDL holders should contact their certified medical examiner.
Modernized CDL Skills Test to Launch July 1, 2025
ALEA will adopt the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test beginning July 1, 2025. The revision includes updates to the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) sections, while the Road Skills portion remains unchanged.
Key updates include:
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Vehicle Inspection (VI): This section will emphasize safety-critical components and reflect recent technological advances in commercial vehicles. Redundant procedures have been removed to streamline testing.
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Basic Control Skills (BCS): The new test will include four maneuvers, adding Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions aim to better evaluate drivers’ ability to prevent common crashes such as frontal impacts and side swipes.
ALEA encourages drivers to review the CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing, available at Driver License Offices statewide or downloadable online.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor reiterated the agency’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance as these changes take effect.
