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Bus Driver Testing | Alabama 2026 #1 Page 2 of 3
Train for FREE online with our AL bus CDL test. The official exam test consists of several obligatory parts, with all of them checking your knowledge of different blocks of road rules. If you need to obtain a license in Alabama in 2026, learn how to become a bus driver and then practice as much as possible. Free sample tests published on our website will help you check and improve your knowledge and boost your grades. Please bear in mind that DMV requirements for a bus driver may vary from state to state.
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8 . During the basic control skills test, you can acquire points by:
Setting the parking brake.
The examiner will score the number of times your vehicle touches or crosses an exercise boundary line. Each encroachment will count as an error, resulting in points against your skills test score.
9 . When asked about the vehicle's oil during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to do all of the following, except:
Show that the oil level is below the refill mark.
During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the oil dipstick is located; show that the oil level is within a safe operating range; and show that the oil level is above the refill mark.
10 . When exiting your vehicle, you:
Must be facing the vehicle.
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
11 . The loading of a school bus:
Can be dangerous.
More students are killed each year during loading or unloading of school buses than while riding on school buses. Therefore, it is critical that school bus drivers follow appropriate safety procedures during loading and unloading.
12 . When students board a school bus, the driver should:
While students are boarding a school bus, the driver should supervise the loading while watching all mirrors for any students running to catch the bus.
13 . When taking the basic vehicle control skills test, failing to exit your vehicle properly during any exercise will result in:
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
14 . An outside convex mirror is properly adjusted if:
The driver can see the front windshield.
The outside right and left side convex mirrors on a school bus should be positioned so that the driver can see the fronts of the rear tires touching the ground; each side of the bus up to the mirror mounts; and at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.
2026 Alabama | Frequently Asked Questions
A CDL Class A license in Alabama allows holders to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle(s) have a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. This typically includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
A Class A CDL license in Alabama allows operation of combination vehicles like tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and tank vehicles. It also includes operating flatbeds, livestock carriers, and any vehicle towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds. Basically, it covers vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Alabama, you must be at least 21 years old (18-20 years for intrastate driving), have a valid Alabama driver's license, pass a vision test, and complete a written knowledge test. Additionally, you'll need to pass a skills test which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic controls test, and an on-road driving exam.
In Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a Class A CDL for intrastate driving (within Alabama only). However, if you plan to drive interstate (across state lines) or haul hazardous materials, federal regulations require you to be at least 21 years old.
Endorsements are not required for a Class A CDL license in Alabama, but they can broaden the range of vehicles you can operate. For example, a T endorsement allows you to tow double or triple trailers, an H endorsement permits hazardous materials transport, while a P endorsement allows passenger vehicle operation. These endorsements require additional testing.
The Class A CDL skills test in Alabama includes three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection to verify your ability to assess the safety of your vehicle, a basic controls test to evaluate your basic maneuvering skills, and an on-road driving examination to demonstrate your practical driving abilities under various traffic conditions.
Yes, Class A CDL license holders in Alabama may face certain limitations. These can be based on the driver's medical condition, driving ability or the type of vehicle driven. For example, a driver may have restrictions for not wearing corrective lenses, not driving a manual transmission, or not operating a truck with full air brakes.
In Alabama, the written Class A CDL test is primarily offered in English. However, some locations may provide the test in Spanish. It's important to note that even if the written test is passed in another language, all drivers must demonstrate a basic understanding of English to communicate with officials and complete the required forms.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test if you have a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires test centers to provide reasonable accommodations. These may include extra time, a quiet room, or a reader. Contact your local DMV in Alabama to discuss your specific needs and arrange appropriate accommodations.
Yes, if you don't pass the Class A CDL written test in Alabama, you can retake it. There is a waiting period of one day before you can retake the exam. Also, you may be required to pay a retesting fee. It's advisable to study the CDL manual thoroughly before reattempting the test.