How Much Does It Cost To Get a CDL in Georgia: Guide to Prepare Your Budget

Obtaining a CDL in Georgia marks the beginning of one’s dream to be a professional driver. But how much does it cost to get a CDL in Georgia? All of the fees are counted together with license, endorsement, permit fees, training, and medical exam fees. These estimates are averagely expected to range between $5,000 and $10,000 in total, depending on the license type, the kind of training program you will join, and extra endorsements taken. In that regard, this guide comprehensively breaks down for you each of these cost components and how to prepare your budget effectively. Let’s get started now!

How Much Does It Cost To Get a CDL in Georgia?

The total price of acquiring a CDL in Georgia depends on several aspects: License type, type of endorsements required, or even some extra services required. The breakdown of various associated fees and requirements are split below.

CDL application fee

The CDL application fee is $35. This is a fee to process your application for a CDL in Georgia and is required for all license applicants. It includes all types of licenses that are to be given to the applicant, which includes Class A, B, and C. This is a one-time payment fee before any other process, like testing or endorsements.

how much does it cost to get a cdl in georgia
CDL application fee

CDL Class fee

A Commercial Driver’s License is the key to legally operating commercial vehicles within Georgia. The state has different classes of CDL: Class A, Class B, and Class C; each has its qualifications and different requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about the license terms and fees.

  • License term: The standard term for a CDL license is 8 years, which lets most drivers enjoy its validity for a long time without renewing it frequently.
  • Fee: The fee for a CDL license is $32.

Important note:

  • Restricted CDL Class B: Though it is issued for 5 years, this license is available only during part of the seasons, making it great for very specific seasonal industries.
  • Farm services-related industries waiver card: This waiver card has been issued for a continuous period of 180 days and is meant for all agricultural and farm-related operations. Applicants have been allowed to receive only one waiver card every 12 months.
  • H or X endorsements: CDL with hazardous materials (H) or tank/hazardous materials combination (X) endorsements are valid for a period of 5 years, as per the regular TSA background check and other regulatory requirements.
how much does it cost to get a cdl in georgia
CDL Class fee

CDL Learner’s Permit fee

Obtain your CDL learner’s permit before the full Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required in Georgia. This allows a person to practice driving a commercial vehicle under supervision to prepare for the final road skills test. The details are as follows:

  • License term: CDL learner’s permit issued from July 1, 2021, is valid for applicants for a period of 365 days, thus giving ample time for practice and scheduling of the road test.
  • Fee: You have to pay $10, a mandatory fee to be paid before you go to a test.

Important note:

  • The fee must be paid before taking the test.
  • The permit fee of $10 is charged for each testing attempt and is non-refundable. If any part of the test is failed, the fee will have to be paid again for each retake.

CDL skills test fee

The CDL skills test is the last and most complicated step to getting a commercial driver’s license in Georgia. This test will determine your capability of driving a commercial motor vehicle safely and efficiently under different conditions of normal operation.

The cost for the CDL skills tests is $50. Payment needs to be made prior to scheduling the road test. The fee covers a pre-trip inspection, basic control maneuvers, and on-road driving. Those who fail the test in the first attempt may also have to pay the same fee when they take a retest.

CDL Endorsements

With the different endorsements, a CDL opens up a whole new world of vehicle operation and cargo transport possibilities. There are several types of endorsements offered in Georgia for different types of vehicles and cargo. The fee and requirements vary depending on the endorsement.

how much does it cost to get a cdl in georgia
CDL Endorsements

License term:

  • Endorsements (except Hazmat) will remain valid for the same duration as the CDL license and will be renewed automatically without any additional fee.
  • Hazmat endorsements are valid for 5 years from the TSA Threat Assessment date because of the added security measure.

Fee: There is a $5 fee for each endorsement after the initial issuance of the CDL.

Important note:

H endorsement:

  • Adding a Hazmat endorsement at the time of initial CDL issuance has no additional cost.
  • To renew or to add Hazmat after a certain time, there is a requirement to take a Hazmat knowledge test and undergo TSA background checks and fingerprinting.
  • First-time applicants and renewals involve requirements set by TSA.

Other endorsements:

  • All non-Hazmat endorsements will automatically be renewed with the CDL license at no cost.

Training fee

The Entry-Level Driver Training ELDT mandate, which went into effect on February 7, 2022, requires all new CDL applicants, as well as those seeking to upgrade their current class or obtain specific endorsements, to complete an approved training program. Key features of ELDT include:

  • Training must be provided by a provider registered with FMCSA.
  • Both theory and behind-the-wheel training are covered under the program.
  • It is necessary to complete before taking the CDL road skills test or some endorsement exams.
how much does it cost to get a cdl in georgia
Training fee

Generally, tuition ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the class of CDL you will be training for, the school chosen for training and program length.

Medical examination fee

The medical examination must be performed by a qualified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. This exam typically will consist of:

  • The actual physical to examine: Vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health.
  • A medical history review is to check that there are no conditions that can affect your ability to drive safely.
  • Additional drug tests, as may be needed by the employer or due to endorsement.

The medical examination cost is usually between $75 and $150, based on the healthcare provider and other tests and services that may be included.

Additional fees

Besides the basic CDL fees above, there are a variety of other fees that apply in specific situations. Other fees will cover name changes, background checks for endorsements, and replacement or duplicate requests of your CDL and other related documents.

Changing information fee

Georgia allows you to make some changes and pay fees for updating personal information on your CDL while it is valid. Here is what you should know:

Address change

  • Term: A change must be made before the original expiration date of the license.
  • Note: You are permitted one free address or name change during the current term of your license. Any additional change beyond the first one could require renewal of the CDL and payment of renewal fees.

Gender change:

  • Term: Before the expiration date of the original license.
  • Fee: The fee for gender change is $5.

TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee

In applying for a Hazardous Materials endorsement for your CDL in Georgia, there will be fingerprinting and detailed security screening required, conducted through the TSA. In fact, it provides security measures that assure hazardous material cargo handlers and transporters pass minimum federal safety and security standards.

how much does it cost to get a cdl in georgia
TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee
  • Fee: You must pay a fee directly to the TSA to obtain your background check. It generally runs $86.50 but is subject to change.
  • Purpose: This fee represents the cost of processing the background check through fingerprinting and a comprehensive review of your criminal and security information.

Renewal fee

Renewing your CDL helps you keep the license valid and updated under the state’s current requirements. There is a $5 discount for the renewal fee from your original license fee. To put that into perspective, if the original license you paid for was $32, you would pay only $27 for renewal.

Replacements/Duplicate: Driver’s License, Permit, or ID Card

If you want to get a replacement or duplicate driver’s license, permit, or identification card in Georgia, you will have to know the fees and requirements involved. Whether your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or you want an updated version, knowing what to do will save you from unnecessary headaches.

  • Term: The replacement or duplicate shall have an expiration date identical to that of the original license or permit.
  • Fee: The fee for replacement or duplicate is $10.

If you request a replacement within 150 days of the original expiration date, it will be processed as a renewal. This means:

  • A new expiration term will be considered.
  • You will have to pay the renewal fees for the new term.

For-hire endorsement fee

Adding a For-Hire endorsement to your Georgia CDL increases your employment opportunities through the possibility of driving for hire with compensation, including transporting goods or passengers. A for-hire endorsement is also a high requirement for persons who engage in specific kinds of employment in the commercial arena.

  • License term: The license term will be valid for your CDL driver’s license. Normally, it is 8 years.
  • Fee: There is a $15 fee.

FAQs

1. How much does a CDL school cost in Georgia?

The cost of different CDL training programs in Georgia may vary greatly and usually ranges from 1,500 to 10,000 dollars. Their cost will depend on such factors as the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C), the length of the training program, and whether you prefer a private school or community college. Some of these schools have financing available, while others allow for payment plans. Additionally, most employers provide sponsorship or reimbursement programs for CDL training, so those opportunities are also worth looking into.

2. How much is the road test in Georgia?

The fee for the road skill test in Georgia is $50. You must pay the fee prior to taking the test and, if you fail on your first attempt, you are required to pay for additional attempts. Be prepared to take your road test by not scheduling it until you are ready to minimize fees.

Conclusion

The CDL in Georgia opens up a wide range of career opportunities in booming commercial driving. The process involves a number of costs, including the CDL Class fee, learner’s permit fee, road test fee and many more. However, being prepared and informed, you will take every step easy and have no street-free experience. Whether it’s a Class A, B, or C CDL or adding critical endorsements like hazmat or for hire, every step in investing in your future as a professional driver is worth it. The question of how much does it cost to get a CDL in Georgia now is clearly answered. Take the leap today and start your journey to success in Georgia’s thriving transportation sector!


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