A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Georgia to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Georgia CDL fees start at $32 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Georgia CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment required. Valid 5 years.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport.
Required for vehicles designed for 16+ passengers including driver.
Requires P endorsement. Georgia requires additional school bus training and background check.
Class A CDL required.
TSA background check required.
ELDT required per 49 CFR Part 380 for first-time Class A or B applicants and H, P, S endorsements. Must train through an FMCSA-registered provider at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Georgia →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to Georgia DDS. Intrastate CDL drivers must meet Georgia's intrastate medical standards or the federal standard.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Georgia DDS customer service center with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Georgia residency. Pass the applicable knowledge tests, complete ELDT training through an FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the skills test. CDL fee is approximately $32.
Georgia CDLs are valid for 4 years. DOT Medical Certificates must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for interstate drivers.
Georgia provides agricultural CDL exemptions for operators of farm vehicles used within 150 air miles of their farm, when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies. These exemptions are intrastate only and don't apply to for-hire carrier operations.
It depends on the vehicle weight. If the combination vehicle (truck plus cattle trailer) has a GCWR over 26,001 lbs and the trailer GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs, a Class A CDL is required unless a farm vehicle exemption applies.
Georgia DDS administers CDL skills tests at designated DDS facilities. Third-party testing may also be available. Check dds.georgia.gov for locations and to schedule your skills test appointment.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Georgia on TruckRadar.
Georgia CDL fees are among the lowest nationally at approximately $32 for a 4-year license. Knowledge test included in application. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at dds.georgia.gov.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Georgia GA Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026