If somebody is pretty well versed on the requirements please shoot me a pm if you don’t mind answering a few questions. I’ve reached out to several different county offices and they are about as helpful as any government office.

Class A or B? Class B is simple, all on computer. I'm not sure on A.

Anything over 26,000 lbs requires a CDL. If the truck and trailer combined GVW is greater than 26,000 lbs, technically it requires a CDL, commercial or not. If it's over 26,000 lbs and you are paid to haul it/drive it, it requires a CDL is how I understand it.

class b

I am hearing that you do have to go to a 6 week class, and then other people are saying that you do not have to go to a class. Then there is another group that says you can do it online. Yet another group says you can do the "theory" part of the course you can do online, but the driving part you obviously have to do in person. I have tried contacting these schools and can't get anyone to answer the dang phone to provide some guidance.

U have to take the class now...

They changed the requirements a few months ago. All classes require an in person class now. There are parts you can do online though. My buddy just went through the one at Bishop State and he couldn’t get them to answer the phone when he was a student.

When I got one of my techs a class A he did just like when you did your regular driving test. Studied the book/online , took the written test at dmv . Got a 6 month learners permit . After that you have to take driving test . You either have to have a cdl driver and access to a truck or like I did and paid bishop state tech $200 to do the driving portion of test with their truck.
The driving schools are/ were trying to get that outlawed , where you have to go to a school only . I’m not sure if that ever happened.

Ok scratch what I said, I apologise. It's been quite some time since I got mine. Guess things have changed.

I appreciate the responses

Well..ive got class A..i took mine in 2019 for the second time..i got class A in 2012..but they rolled to B due to my age..gotem in another state..i took the computer portion at the dmv and i took the pre trip inspection and driving and skills portion at the marshall county tech school..i scheduled my test an went an took it..no class required…i have heard stuff about a class or somethin since then..but im not sure..they did change somethin tho..good luck

Also if it has air brakes

Yea the requirements drastically changed this year . It’s a nightmare now . Glad I already had mine

This is what I heard.

Id heard that too

I thought they were trying to make it somewhat easier on young folks getting a CDL.

as stated above, you can take the written portion online @ dmv but the driving test / walk around must be done through a 3rd party which are usually driving schools & some colleges. Reid State college in evergreen will let you test in 1 of their vehicles..

No

Pretty sure anything over 26,000 gwr is required a cdl license. No matter what kind of brakes. I grandfathered mine in the 90s. Only took written test for general knowledge,air brakes an combination for class A. Easy test if u study. If u want the hazmat endorsement it’s another test . It’s very hard.driving test is easy if u have any experience. You have to do a pre trip inspection an name off 100 point of inspection but most that common sense things like brakes, tires,hoses an fluid levels. I do know u can get cdl just for automatic trucks nowadays because I got friends that work for UPS that does that. Everyone with a cdl is required to keep a DOT health card. Have do it every 2 years an every year if u have high blood pressure like myself. An you better have it under 140/80 the day of physical or won t get it. The physical is getting harder to pass every year. All i drive is service truck an haul fuel but I keep my cdl just in case I need them to move equipment. I’m guessing class B would pertain to dump trucks or school bus type vehicles. I have co worker that live in tn that was required to do the 6 week school for class A. Cost 6k. They furnished everything included truck for driving test. Not sure about al. Like someone said there is a lot new laws in effect now that has to do with testing. Most all our drivers has been driving for years. I do know there is a shortage of drivers in this country an there is some really good paying jobs for Drivers

You dont have to have a medical card if you work for non profits, municipalities, churches..water..local govt..coops..utility boards..thats in alabama..if you work for yourself or pretty much anything in the private sector contract wise..you do. I started as a contractor so i had to have mine..an i work for a utility now ..no longer required to have it, but i keep if renewed in case i need to make extra money..you can got to the dmv and have it switched back and forth….it will cost you the price of a liscense ever time.. im not sure how requiring a class will help..thats pretty stupid in my oppinion..on a good day the liscense an test cost at least $350-400..an thats if you have a free truck to drive…if you dont..its $700-1000 all day long. This past time i took it, it cost me a little over $400..the first time i tested in georgia…i payed $800 with a week to practice..every class ive ever seen..like $2000..ive seen some that were less..some that were more..if it is a 6 week class now..its gonna cost you.

Pretty sure it's like most other States. Obtain a permit for a minimum amount of time which allows you to drive with a CDL licensed driver, then take the required written, pre-trip inspect and driving tests and done.
Call the DMV and not the training schools for the info. You still have to do the same required tests if you take a class.