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Some people are better drivers than others, and if you’ve been told how good of a driver you are, you might consider starting a career as a commercial driver in Alabama.
Article Table of Contents
Before Getting Licensed
To start such a career you need to first know how to drive a truck, but there are a few other requirements you need to meet before that.
For instance, being over a certain age and passing a medical are the most common requirements.
Usually, the age requirement is:
- Minimum 18 to drive within the state
- Minimum 21 to drive outside of the state
You might also have to pass a background check if you’re going to work with Hazardous Materials (HazMat), for which you’ll need a separate endorsement.
Getting Licensed
For this purpose, you need to attend a school that issues commercial driving licenses, and you can check the list below for an institution near you.
Some of these schools even offer the possibility of getting a scholarship, for those who can’t afford to pay the tuition.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Affordable Truck Driver Training LLC | 170 Franklin Smith Road, Moulton, AL 35650 |
| Alabama Benz Driving Academy | 4300 Birmingham Highway, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
| American Truck Driver Academy Inc | 5018 US Hwy 80 W, Opelika, AL 36804 |
| Bevill State Community College Truck Driving School | 117 Main St., Sumiton, AL 35148 |
| Bishop State Community College | 925 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 |
| Calhoun Community College Decatur Campus | PO Box 2216, Decatur, AL 35609 |
| Central Alabama Community College | 1675 Cherokee Rd, Alexander City, AL 35011 |
| Central Alabama Community College | 34091 US Hwy 280, Childersburg, AL 35044 |
| Central Alabama Community College | 1009 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 |
| ESD School, LLC | 2119 8th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020 |
| ESD School, LLC | 116 Ipsco Street Northwest, Decatur, AL 35603 |
| H Councill Trenholm State Technical College | P.O. Box 10048, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
| LBW Community College MacArthur Campus | 1708 North Main St, Opp, AL 36467 |
| Marshall Technical School | 12312 US Hwy 431, Guntersville, AL 35976 |
| Premier Driving Academy – Theodore, AL | 7601 Theodore Dawes Rd, Theodore, AL 36582 |
| Reid State Technical College | PO Box 588, Evergreen, AL 36401 |
| Shelton State Community College | 9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 |
| Southern Union Community College Opelika Campus | 1701 LaFayette Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 |
| Trenholm State Technical College | 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
| Truck Driver Institute | 4939 US Hwy 78 W, Oxford, AL 36203 |
| Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 |
Be aware that there are quite a few types of programs, and some of them teach diesel technology for the ASE certification.
Additionally, each program has a different duration but all of them are designed to help you pass the exam without which you can’t get the license.
The license exam is made of 2 parts, written and practical, as shown below.
Written exam subjects:
- General knowledge
- Combination vehicles
- Air Brakes
The practical exam is formed of:
- A pre-trip inspection test
- The basic control skills test
- On-road test, usually at a state testing location
It’s possible for some of the schools to allow the testing to take place at their location as soon as the program ends.
License Categories
Class A:
- For a combination of vehicles with a gross weight of over 26,001 pounds
- Can tow vehicles of over 10,000 pounds
- Covers vehicles from Class B, C, and D
Class B:
- For a single vehicle of over 26,001 pounds
- For any vehicle towing another one under 10,000 pounds
- Covers vehicles from Class C and D
Class C:
- For vehicles designed to carry at least 16 passengers (including the driver) OR
- For vehicles designed to transport Hazardous Materials
- These vehicles don’t meet the Class A or B criteria
- Covers vehicles from Class D too.
Employment Opportunities
Truck drivers are still in high demand and O*Net foresees an increase in demand of:
- 20% for truck drivers
- 13% for diesel mechanics
Income
Commercial drivers in Alabama earn on average about $41,439 per year, while those in the top 10% earn about $48,025 per year.
The median salary in the United States for these drivers is $44,225 while those in the top 10% make around $51,254 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $41,872 |
| Montgomery | $39,661 |
| Mobile | $40,938 |
| Huntsville | $41,837 |
| Tuscaloosa | $41,463 |
| Dothan | $39,130 |
| Decatur | $40,558 |
| Auburn | $39,646 |
| Madison | $41,837 |
| Florence | $38,138 |
Conclusion
The work environment for both CDL or diesel technology certificate owners is the same.
These professionals are sought by both local and national trucking companies.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State