Alabama CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 14 days before testing for the CDL

ALEA requires a first-time or upgrading applicant to be issued a CLP first and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. This matches the federal 14-day floor (49 CFR 383.25(e)).

Correct answer: Valid for 360 days and NOT renewable

ALEA states the CLP "is valid for 360 days and is not renewable." Once it expires, you must retake all written tests and be issued a brand-new CLP.

Correct answer: Retake all written tests and be issued a new CLP

Because the CLP cannot be renewed, ALEA requires you to retake all of the written knowledge tests and be issued a new CLP once the old one expires.

Correct answer: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider

ALEA notes that, per federal regulations, Entry-Level Driver Training is required for anyone obtaining a CDL for the first time; providers are listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov). ELDT is training, not a test the app replaces.

Correct answer: $25 (no checks accepted)

ALEA lists a $25 testing fee for CDL/CLP applicants, payable by a method other than a personal check.

Correct answer: $20

ALEA charges a $20 skills test fee, and the skills test — required when upgrading or for a first-time applicant — is by appointment only.

Correct answer: $36.25

ALEA lists $36.25 to purchase a commercial learner license — the same purchase fee as a Class C license — separate from the $25 testing fee.

Correct answer: Class A, at $66.25

ALEA lists $66.25 to purchase a Class A license, $56.25 for Class B, and $36.25 for Class C. Class A — the combination-vehicle license — is the most expensive.

Correct answer: A combination of vehicles rated 26,001 lb or more, where the towed unit is rated over 10,000 lb

ALEA defines Class A as any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle(s) is rated over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Correct answer: Any single vehicle rated 26,001 lb or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit not over 10,000 lb

ALEA defines Class B as any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Correct answer: Carbon monoxide can leak into the cab, making you sleepy or even killing you

Exhaust leaks are especially dangerous in winter when the cab is closed up. Loose connections could let poisonous carbon monoxide leak into your vehicle. Carbon monoxide makes you sleepy and, in large enough amounts, can kill you.

Correct answer: Every two hours or every 100 miles

Inspect the tires every two hours or every 100 miles in very hot weather. Air pressure rises with temperature — do not let air out, or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off.

Correct answer: Remain stopped until the tire cools off

If a tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until it cools off. Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch fire. Do not let air out to reduce the pressure.

Correct answer: Tar that rises to the road surface in hot weather, creating very slippery spots

Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar "bleeds" to the surface are very slippery, so watch for them.

Correct answer: High speeds create more heat for the tires and engine, raising the risk of tire failure or fire

High speeds create more heat for the tires and engine. In desert conditions the heat can build to a dangerous point, increasing the chance of tire failure, fire, and engine failure.

Correct answer: Shift gears while crossing the tracks

Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks — you could lose momentum and stall on the tracks. Never race a train to a crossing, and do not expect to hear the train over the noise inside your vehicle.

Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail

Vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings — such as buses carrying passengers and placarded vehicles — must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, then listen and look both ways for trains.

Correct answer: Double check — a train on one track can hide a train on another — and be sure you can clear all tracks

Double tracks require a double check — a train on one track may hide a train on the other. Never let traffic trap you on the tracks; be sure you can get all the way across before you start. A tractor-trailer needs at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds for a double track.

Correct answer: Before starting down the grade, not after your speed has built up

Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade. If you wait until your speed has built up, you may not be able to shift into a lower gear — or any gear — and could lose all engine braking effect.

Correct answer: Brake to about 5 mph below your "safe" speed, release the brakes, and repeat as needed

Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. When your speed drops to about 5 mph below your "safe" speed, release the brakes (about a 3-second application). When speed returns to your safe speed, repeat. Brakes are only a supplement to engine braking.