Picture a new driver finishing CDL school in Georgia and booking a first delivery to an address inside Atlanta's perimeter. Before the truck leaves the yard, the Georgia rules already matter in two ways: the license steps that got the driver there, and a truck restriction on the roads ahead. If you want to know how to get a CDL in Georgia, start with the sequence below, then read the sections on categories, restrictions and local truck rules.
- Hold a valid regular Class C Georgia driver's license and be at least 18.
- Pass the DDS vision exam and complete the Commercial Application (CAP).
- Pass the required knowledge exams and get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
- Complete entry-level driver training if the federal rule applies to you.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days.
- Pass the pre-trip, basic control and road skills tests, then self-certify your driving category.
How to get a CDL in Georgia: the basic requirements
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires a valid regular Class C Georgia license before you can add a commercial class. Applicants must be at least 18. Drivers aged 18 to 21 receive a Georgia-only restriction, which is removed in person at a Customer Service Center on or after the 21st birthday. New Georgia residents must surrender an out-of-state license, permit or ID card.
You will also present documents proving identity, residential address and U.S. citizenship or lawful status. All documents must be in English, and you enter your full Social Security number on the online License/ID/Permit Form.
How do Georgia's CAP, CLP and knowledge tests work?
You complete the CAP at a Customer Service Center. A CAP covers four test attempts, and after the fourth failed attempt, or if 360 days pass between attempts, you need a new one. Knowledge exams are by appointment, which you schedule by phone, and they must begin at least 45 minutes before the center closes.
The passing score is 80 percent. If you fail a knowledge or skills test, you wait two days to retest. Georgia DDS rules say a CLP cannot be held for more than 365 days and that the CLP holder cannot take the skills test in the first 14 days after it is issued. Check the expiration printed on your permit, since older pages mention shorter periods. While you hold it, you drive the right class of vehicle only with a licensed driver of that class in the seat beside you.
Which Georgia CDL class do you need?
- Class A: a combination where the combined weight is 26,001 pounds or more and the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more where the towed unit is under 10,000 pounds.
- Class C: vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, or vehicles carrying placarded hazmat.
For Class A and Class B you must hold a Class C license first and be at least 18. A Class A holder may operate Class B and C vehicles with the required endorsements.
Do you need a medical card in Georgia?
It depends on your self-certification. Georgia has four driving categories:
- Category A, non-excepted interstate, and Category B, non-excepted intrastate: a medical certificate is required.
- Category C, excepted interstate, and Category D, excepted intrastate: no medical certificate is required.
If you operate in both excepted and non-excepted commerce, choose the non-excepted category. Medical certificates from a National Registry examiner are sent electronically to DDS, and changing your category requires an in-person visit to a Customer Service Center.
Where are trucks restricted in Atlanta?
CMVs and vehicles with more than six wheels may not travel GA 400 or interstates inside I-285, except for pickups, deliveries, terminal trips, repair trips, or travel to or from a residence inside I-285. Plan your route before you leave the yard.
Other Georgia truck rules to know
- Winter chains: during a declared winter weather emergency with limited access, CMVs must chain each outermost drive wheel tire, and buses must chain at least two drive wheel tires.
- Move Over Law: move to the next lane if safely possible when emergency, sanitation or utility vehicles are on the shoulder; if you cannot, slow below the speed limit and be prepared to stop.
- Phones: you may not hold a phone for voice communication, dial by pressing more than one button, or send or read texts while driving.
- Seat belts must be worn at all times while operating a CMV.
Common mistakes new Georgia CDL applicants make
- Showing up for a knowledge exam without a phone appointment or too close to closing time.
- Waiting until the fourth try to ask what went wrong.
- Choosing an excepted category to skip the medical exam when the work is non-excepted.
- Routing a delivery through the I-285 truck restriction without an allowed reason.
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Georgia?
At least 18. Drivers aged 18 to 21 are restricted to driving in Georgia until the restriction is removed on or after the 21st birthday.
How long do you have to hold a Georgia CLP before the skills test?
At least 14 days after it is first issued.
What score do you need on the Georgia CDL knowledge test?
80 percent.
How many times can you test on a Georgia CAP?
Four attempts. After the fourth failed attempt, or if 360 days pass between attempts, you need a new CAP.
Can trucks drive inside I-285 in Atlanta?
Generally not on GA 400 or interstates inside I-285, except for pickups, deliveries, terminal trips, repair trips, or travel to or from a residence inside I-285.
Requirements change, so confirm current details with the Georgia Department of Driver Services before you apply.