A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Your license class depends on what you drive. Most drivers need Class D for ordinary passenger vehicles. Heavy trucks, buses, hazardous loads, motorcycles and boats need a different class or endorsement.
Alabama license classes
Alabama license classes
Class
What it covers
A
Combinations over 26,000 lbs GCWR; towed unit >10,000 lbs
B
Trucks or buses over 26,000 lbs GVWR; tow up to 10,000 lbs
C
16+ passengers incl. driver, or placarded hazmat (not A/B)
D
Generally all passenger vehicles except Classes A, B, C or M
Alabama adopted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. If you drive a commercial vehicle in Class A, B or C, you need an Alabama Commercial Driver License (CDL).
The Director of ALEA may add restrictions needed for safe driving, commonly corrective lenses or mechanical aids for physically impaired drivers. Driving in violation of a restriction may cost you your license.
Anyone 12 or older may get a vessel license by passing the vessel exam at a driver license office, or by presenting an approved boating safety course certificate.
Anyone who turned 12 after January 1, 2002 may operate a vessel only with a vessel-licensed adult 21+ aboard who can take immediate control. Licensed operators 14 or older may operate alone.
You're 14 and want to ride a 125cc motor-driven cycle that weighs 180 pounds. Pass the exam from the Alabama Motorcycle Manual and you get a Class M license with a "B" restriction. That lets you ride a motor-driven cycle only.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
A 14- or 15-year-old wanting to ride a motor-driven cycle weighing no more than 200 pounds must get which class of license?
A full Class M with no restriction
Class C
Class M with a “B” restriction
Class D
Answer: Class M with a “B” restriction
This age group can get a restricted Class M license with a “B” restriction limiting them to a motor-driven cycle only.
A Class A Commercial Driver License is required for a combination vehicle with a GCWR over 26,000 pounds, provided the towed vehicle's GVWR exceeds what?
26,000 pounds
10,000 pounds
5,000 pounds
15,000 pounds
Answer: 10,000 pounds
Class A applies to combination vehicles over 26,000 lbs GCWR when the towed vehicle's GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds.
A vessel license holder who is 12 or 13 years old may operate a motorized watercraft only if what condition is met?
An adult 21 or older with a vessel license is onboard and able to take control
They stay within 100 feet of shore
They complete an extra written exam
A parent watches from land
Answer: An adult 21 or older with a vessel license is onboard and able to take control
Anyone who turned 12 after January 1, 2002, may operate a vessel only with an adult 21+ with a vessel license onboard, in position to take control; those 14+ may operate alone.