Alabama CDL License Requirements
Before you begin your career as a licensed truck driver in Alabama, there are a few things that you need to be aware of. You must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license according to the Alabama CDL requirements. The USDOT will also regulate interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to make trips across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. All Alabama CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle you take your exam in must also qualify under the correct CDL class you are applying for. Additional qualifications or other endorsements can be obtained as well. These endorsements cover things like air brakes, school buses, and many others. Make sure to do your research before you embark on your Alabama truck driving career.
Find CDL Driving Schools in Alabama
Interested in becoming an Alabama trucker? Then hit the books and head back to school for your Alabama CDL license. At an Alabama CDL school you will get the necessary education and hands-on training that you need to advance their trucking career. We even have a list of schools on our website that might be perfect for you. You’ll gain experience on the road while also learning how to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle. Be sure to check out all of the Alabama CDL schools near you to find the best trucking school for you!
CDL Training Costs in Alabama
The average tuition cost for an Alabama CDL training school is about $4,000. This will cover all aspects of the training as well as any materials you may need. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you want to explore your federal student aid options in which the government subsidizes some of the loan cost. A federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for trucking school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. While we realize that not everybody qualifies for financial aid, there are a few other options to consider. In some cases, a trucking company will pay for you to go to school with the expectation that once you graduate CDL school and pass your exam you will work for the company. No matter what road you decide to take, make sure to give your education the attention it deserves.
CDL Prep in Alabama
Even when you complete your CDL truck driver’s school, there are a few things left that you can do to prepare for the Alabama CDL exam. One way to prepare for your CDL test is taking a practice test. Luckily, our practice test can give you an idea of what to expect when you take your actual exam. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle you plan to take the test in. Driving a vehicle that you have spent time in can make the test a lot easier. It’s also a good idea to flip through your textbooks as well as a reminder of all of the information you learned during CDL training school.
Alabama CDL Endorsement & Waivers
With an Alabama Commercial Driver’s License in hand, the individual or their employer might next require specialization to carry certain types of cargo - this is referred to as an endorsement and extra testing is required to ensure that the operator knows the additional responsibility of safe handling under the law. The following types of endorsements are common throughout Alabama.
- School Bus
- Passenger
- Tank Vehicles
- Double/Triple
- Hazardous Materials
CDL Tests in Alabama
Now that it’s time to complete your Alabama CDL exam, it’s a good idea to know what you can expect. Below is a brief summary of what the exam will cover and how to ace it.
CDL Knowledge Tests in Alabama
The Alabama CDL knowledge test is a 50-question exam that covers a variety of different subjects. These subjects include vehicle inspection, brake safety, and a variety of other areas directly related to trucking in Alabama. If you are testing for additional endorsements and waivers, there will also be a portion where you will answer additional questions related to those endorsements or waivers.
CDL Skills Test in Alabama
The skills test will give you the opportunity to show off what you learned behind the wheel during your time in an Alabama trucking school. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. After passing these three sections, you’ll soon be able to hit the road!
Job Outlook in Alabama
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of truck jobs in the United States is expected to rise by 5% by 2024. This is right below the projected average growth rate of 7% for all occupations. This is yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. It’s time to explore the deep south with a new trucking career in Alabama!
Alabama Truck Driver Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver in Alabama makes about $39,050 per year. This is just below the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land an Alabama trucking job that offers a stellar wage.