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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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 (two separate $5 endorsements combined) |
| 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
Georgia has 10% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Georgia has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Georgia ranks #21 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$32
8-year renewal; $5 discount for online/app renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Confirmed. CDLs with H or X endorsement limited to 5 years from TSA Threat Assessment date. Effective June 18, 2025, all CDL Medical Certificates must be submitted directly to FMCSA by the Medical Examiner; DDS no longer accepts paper med certs.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Georgia.
Start Your CDL Training in Georgia
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Georgia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Georgia verified against Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: