Alabama CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2025

The Alabama CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You need 40 correct (80%) to pass. Alabama endorsement tests: HazMat (30 questions), Tanker (30 questions), Passenger (20 questions), School Bus (20 questions), Doubles/Triples (20 questions), Air Brakes (25 questions). All require 80% to pass. Contact ALEA for current testing fee schedules.

Alabama CDL holders in a CMV face the federal 0.04% BAC limit. A DUI in any vehicle triggers FMCSA disqualification: 1 year for first offense, lifetime for second. Alabama requires ALL DUI conviction holders to complete ADECA DUI school before license reinstatement — regardless of whether the DUI was in a CMV or personal vehicle. CDL holders must also complete the FMCSA reinstatement process and wait out the disqualification period before returning to CDL employment.

Alabama CDL knowledge tests are available at ALEA Driver License examination sites statewide. CDL skills tests are administered at ALEA-approved testing locations. Alabama has CDL testing available in Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and other cities. Contact ALEA Driver License Division for current testing locations and scheduling procedures.

Alabama CDL drivers serving Port of Mobile terminals should know: (1) I-10 Wallace Tunnel height clearance (14 feet posted); (2) Port Authority terminal entry procedures including gate scales; (3) US 90/98 approach routes; (4) rail crossing locations on port access roads; (5) restricted turn movements near terminal gates due to crane clearance zones; (6) Alabama State Port Authority's hazardous cargo handling areas. Heavy rains can create temporary road flooding on some Mobile Bay approach routes.

Alabama CDL skills tests (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, on-road driving) are administered at ALEA-approved testing locations. Applicants must pass the knowledge test first. ALEA coordinates with approved Third Party Testers for skills test administration. Skills tests must use vehicles appropriate for the CDL class being tested (Class A test requires a combination vehicle, Class B requires a straight truck, etc.).

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Alabama DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Alabama DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Alabama CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Alabama, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.