Special to Atmore News
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA’s) Driver License Division announced two major updates, each of which goes into effect in the next two weeks, that impact Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants across the state.
These changes, requiring electronic submission of DOT medical certifications and modernizing the CDL Skills Test, are aligned with federal guidelines and safety priorities and are aimed at improving road safety and streamlining certification processes.
Medical certification
The first update went into effect June 23 and will require authorized medical providers to submit medical certifications electronically as part of the implementation of National Registry II, and in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Paper medical cards and online uploads will no longer be accepted. CDL holders can view or update their DOT medical card or self-certification by visiting www.alabamadl.alea.gov under the “Commercial Drivers” tab.
CDL holders or applicants should check that their self-certification category is accurate. To make changes, use the Submit Self-Certification option under the Actions tab. If an individual’s DOT Medical Card information is missing or incorrect, he or she should contact their medical examiner, not ALEA.
Skills test
Effective July 1, ALEA will transition to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test.
The update includes significant revisions to the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) portions of the test, while the Road Skills portion will remain unchanged.
Key updates include removal of redundant steps in the inspection process and places greater emphasis on safety-critical components. Updated terminology and test items reflect the latest technological advancements in commercial vehicles.
The BCS test will now consist of four maneuvers, introducing Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. The additions are based on crash data indicating high rates of frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which will better assess a driver’s ability to control a vehicle in real-world scenarios.