Are you ready to hit the open road and start a career as a commercial driver in Georgia? Your first step toward a lucrative and in-demand profession is getting your Commercial Driver’s License. But how to get a CDL in Georgia, and what can you expect from the requirements? Here, we will take you through everything you need to know about the process of actually getting your license. Let’s dive into all you need to know about getting your CDL in Georgia and how you can jump-start your driving career!
What are the requirements for CDL in Georgia?
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, before you start the process of obtaining your CDL, ensure you fulfill the following:
- Age: You must be at least 18 to drive within Georgia (intrastate) and 21 to drive across state lines (interstate).
- License: You must currently have a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
- Medical: A Department of Transportation physical exam is required, and you must bring a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Residency: Must be a legal resident of Georgia.
- Background check: You will be required to undergo a background check with fingerprinting to apply for a HAZMAT endorsement.
- Vision test: 20/40 or better in each eye, not color blind.
- Obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at least 14 days before skills tests.
- FMCSA-approved program: Complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT).
How to get a CDL in Georgia?
There are some steps to get a CDL in Georgia which are a knowledge written test, a skills test, and other related requirements.
Take the CDL written knowledge test
First of all, you should begin the process of licensure by taking a written knowledge test that deals with traffic law and how to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
- General knowledge test: In Georgia, the general knowledge test is a major step in earning your CDL, and it will cover the foundation that any commercial driver should know. The test will usually have a total of 50 multiple-choice-type questions in which the test-taker has to get 80% to get through. The topics include: basic road safety, vehicle control, hazard perception, vehicle inspection.
- Endorsement test (if applicable): This test is one added in the case that you drive certain specialized commercial vehicles or carry particular cargo. There is a test for each endorsement, and the questions that you are asked will be on that specific endorsement for which you are testing.
Endorsement test | Total questions | Passing score |
Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 |
Passenger Transport | 20 | 16 |
Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 |
School Bus | 20 | 16 |
Tank Vehicle | 20 | 16 |
- Air brakes test (if applicable): Those applying for a CDL and who intend to operate any vehicle equipped with air brakes shall be required to take the air brakes test. The test would involve 25 multiple choice questions covering necessary knowledge about the function, maintenance, and operation of air brake systems. This test enables a driver not to have a restriction on his or her CDL, thus enabling the driver to operate vehicles with air brakes.
- Combination vehicles test (if applicable): is necessary for those that will drive combination vehicles with more than one unit, such as a tractor-trailer. The test is based on knowledge handling a vehicle with many units since driving, backing, and turning differ from single-unit vehicles and will be asked in about 20 multiple choice questions. Safety practices included are those that concern the articulation point of the trailers and tractor that will help in safely maneuvering these bigger vehicles on the highway.
The number of the tests you have to ace to obtain a CLP is depending on your intent of CDL class and additional endorsements. Once passing, drivers can go ahead to ace skills tests 14 days later.
Take the Georgia CDL practice test now!
Take the CDL skill test
After the knowledge test, you will be required to take the CDL skills test, which is a practical test of your driving skills. It consists of three parts:
- Pre-trip inspection: An important part of the CDL skills test, and it makes sure you know how to check on the safety of your vehicle before taking to the road. The test involves walking around your vehicle and identifying the key parts to be checked for proper functioning. Some topics you should prepare for are brakes and air systems, tires and wheels, lights and signals, fluids,…
- Basic vehicle control: The test will measure your ability to safely control the commercial vehicle in confined areas, as you would experience on the road. This portion of the CDL skills test requires you to complete various low-speed maneuvers in an enclosed area, such as a parking lot or test site. Some key maneuvers include: backing up, parallel parking, offset backing or alley docking,…
- On-road driving: is the last and most challenging part of the CDL skills exam, where you are going to demonstrate your safe operation of a commercial vehicle in actual traffic. An examiner will be taken on a ride as you drive on the public roads, observing how well you handle the different driving situations. Key elements are: turns, lane changes, intersections, highway driving, railroad crossings,…
Receive the actual license
Once you successfully pass the written and the skills testing, you will be sent a Commercial Driver’s License courtesy of the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If applicable, you may be given a temporary CDL until the permanent one is mailed.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a CDL in Georgia?
Whether or not you attend a CDL training program, time will vary, but you could assume it will take anywhere from weeks to months. Training programs for CDLs last around 4-8 weeks. Explore the details here.
2. How much does CDL school cost in Georgia?
The tuition for attending a CDL school in Georgia depends on the program and location but generally is in a range of $3,000 to $7,000. Some employers will reimburse for tuition if you agree to drive for them upon graduation.
3. How to get a CDL permit in Georgia?
To get a CDL permit also called a Commercial Learner’s Permit or CLP, you will need to pass the written knowledge test for the class of vehicle that you are driving. You must have the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test for your full CDL.
4. How to get a class A CDL in Georgia?
A class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. To get a class A CDL, you will be required to take the general knowledge test as well as the combination vehicle endorsement test. You’ll also need to take the skills test in a class A vehicle.
5. How to get a class B CDL in Georgia?
A class B CDL allows for the operation of single vehicles with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds, including buses and box trucks. You will be required to take the general knowledge test, as well as the skills test in a Class B vehicle.
6. How hard is it to get a CDL in Georgia?
Some people barely find it easy getting a CDL; others find the written test or the skills test difficult; it may be particular to the individual. You can be better prepared for both by attending a CDL training program.
7. How many violations do not get CDL in Georgia?
Major violations like DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and using a vehicle to commit a felony will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. Several traffic offenses may also affect your eligibility for getting a CDL.
8. How to get a class C CDL in Georgia?
Class C CDL requires a driver to transport 16 or more passengers or any vehicle required to be placarded to transport hazardous materials. You will need to take the general knowledge test and the endorsement test for passenger or hazardous materials depending on what your vehicle requires.
9. Do you have to go to school to get your CDL in GA?
No, it is not a necessity to attend a CDL school in Georgia in order to get one’s CDL. However, many find that attending a training program helps them pass the tests and equips them for a career in commercial driving.
10. What happens if you get 2 DUIs in Georgia?
With a second DUI conviction within five years in Georgia, you will definitely get some heavy penalties: at least 90 days in jail as a minimum sentence; fines between $600 and $1,000 minimums; at least 3-year suspension of your driver’s license; you may also have to undergo a substance abuse treatment program; and your motor vehicle will be definitely put on the ignition interlock device program.
11. What happens if you get 3 DUIs in Georgia?
A third DUI conviction in Georgia within five years is a felony. The penalties include at least 120 days of jail time, between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines, and at least a 5-year driver’s license suspension. You may also be required to complete some type of substance abuse program and, under the specific circumstances surrounding your crime, additional legal penalties, such as probation or community service.
12. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in GA?
There are many things that may disqualify you from obtaining a CDL in Georgia; these include:
- Major violations: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident in which you were involved, using a commercial motor vehicle, or any other motor vehicle in the commission of a felony.
- Serious traffic violations: Two or more serious traffic violations within three years include reckless driving and excessive speeding.
- Medical disqualifications: Not meeting the DOT medical requirements.
- License suspension: Driver’s license suspension or revocation.
13. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Georgia?
Yes, a DUI conviction complicates your eligibility to get a CDL in Georgia. With one DUI in your record, you may be allowed a CDL but under the compulsion of disqualification period: usually a year for the first offense and longer if it is the second or successive offenses.
Final Thought
Getting a commercial driver’s license in Georgia opens the door to a great career in commercial driving. Take these steps in their order, starting with eligibility and ending with written and skills tests, and you’ll be off driving one of those big rigs or buses that move our economy. Ready to conquer how to get a CDL in Georgia? Start preparing today and drive toward your new career!