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Get your Georgia CDL — government fees ($127), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$127
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Georgia Class C Driver's License
Must hold a valid Georgia Class C driver's license before applying for CDL.
Complete Online Pre-Visit Form
Submit the License/ID/Permit Form online before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center. Information valid for 60 days.
Pay CDL Application Fee and Obtain CLP
Visit DDS Customer Service Center, pay CAP fee and CLP fee, pass vision exam and CDL knowledge test(s).
CAP fee valid for 4 test attempts; CLP valid for 365 days
Fee: $45 ($35 CAP + $10 CLP)Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
Schedule and Pass CDL Road Skills Test
Schedule a Road Test Appointment through DDS. Pass vehicle inspection, basic control, and road test.
Fee: $50Pay CDL Fee and Receive License
Pay CDL license fee at DDS Customer Service Center.
Fees waived for veterans and school bus drivers with required documentation
Fee: $32Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CAP fee ($35) + CLP ($10) + CDL ($32) + state skills test ($50)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $50
CDL Road Skills Test fee
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing available through approved providers
Third-party fee: $100–$400 (Varies by provider)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Georgia
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$10
Plus $35 CDL Application (CAP) fee required before CLP
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$32
8-year renewal; $5 discount for online/app renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal. CDLs with H or X endorsement limited to 5 years. Medical certificates submitted electronically only as of June 2025.
Regulatory Board
Visit any DDS Customer Service Center, surrender out-of-state CDL, complete CDL Application (CAP), pass vision exam, and pay fees.
Transfer Fee
$67
$35 CAP fee + $32 CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Georgia residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only for valid CDL transfers
Georgia offers both a Military CDL Skills Test Waiver and an Even Exchange Program. The Even Exchange Program (endorsed by FMCSA) exempts qualifying Army, Navy, and Air Force Service Occupational Classifications from the knowledge test. Combined with the skills test waiver, this allows exchange of a military license for a CDL without additional testing. Application requires 30 days to process. Fees waived for veterans with Combat status.
Eligibility
Active duty or honorably discharged within 1 year with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Georgia.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Georgia range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Georgia
Georgia has a separate CDL Application (CAP) fee of $35 in addition to CLP and CDL fees. The CAP fee covers 4 test attempts. Fees are waived for veterans with Combat status on their license and for school bus drivers. Endorsements are free if added during initial issuance. Georgia has one of the most generous military programs, offering both skills and knowledge test waivers through the Even Exchange Program.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Georgia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#29 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,610
25th percentile
Median
$56,570
-2% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$67,230
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
75,700 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial License - Georgia DDS
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial License - Georgia DDS
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial License - Georgia DDS
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Georgia.