Alabama CDL Alabama Commercial Learner Permit and Supervised Practice

Alabama requires a CLP before a first CDL and before an upgrade that requires a new skills test. The applicant passes General Knowledge and every class, brake, or endorsement knowledge module needed for the intended training vehicle.

The Alabama CLP is valid for 360 days and is not renewable. After expiration, the applicant must retake all required written tests and obtain a new CLP rather than extending the old permit.

A first-time or upgrading applicant must hold the Alabama CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. ELDT completion, employer need, previous noncommercial experience, or an available appointment does not waive the hold.

On public roads the learner must be directly supervised by a driver whose CDL class and endorsements cover the vehicle. The supervisor occupies the required adjacent or nearby passenger-vehicle seat and remains able to observe and guide the learner.

The learner obeys every class, transmission, brake, passenger, tank, medical, and intrastate limit on the CLP. A learner permit is not authority for unsupervised driving, ordinary passenger service, loaded-tank service where prohibited, or placarded HazMat operation.

Apply each rule to the exact Alabama credential, vehicle, age, domicile, medical status, test stage, date, cargo, passenger use, and route. Current ALEA and ALDOR pages control time-sensitive procedures; the 24-page modernized supplement replaces the old inspection and basic-control testing sections from July 1, 2025.