Georgia Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Requirements

For many Georgians, driving is a way to earn a living. Georgia requires the drivers of certain classes and sizes of commercial vehicles to hold a Georgia Commercial Drivers License. Getting a commercial drivers license can be a challenge; the Georgia DDS website has a complete listing of all GA CDL requirements and resources to help you. Here are some important things you’ll need to know.

Georgia CDL Requirements

Georgia residents 18 years or older may apply for a Georgia CDL. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, however, your Georgia CDL is only valid in the state of Georgia – meaning that you won’t be able to accept work that requires interstate driving. Once you’ve turned 21, you’ll need to go to a DDS examination station and that restriction will be lifted.

Your employer should let you know if the driving you’ll be doing will require you to have a CDL; not all driving jobs do. If you’re not sure whether or not your driving job requires you to have a CDL, keep in mind that the following types of vehicles (and vehicle combinations – that is, trucks with trailers) require the operator to hold a CDL:

• Combination of vehicles weighing 26, 001 pounds or more,
• Single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 26, 001 pounds or more
• Single vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver)
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards.

The Georgia CDL Exam

To get a GA CDL, you’ll need to pass both a written exam and a road test. You can get CDL applications and manuals at any DDS Customer Service Center. There is a $35.00 application fee. Not all DDS Customer Service Centers offer road tests; only the Albany, Between, Brunswick, Dalton, Gainesville, Jackson, Milledgevill and Thomson exam stations offer CDL road tests, and those are given by appointment only. You’ll need to call the DDS at (678) 413-8500 to schedule an appointment. To prepare yourself for this exam, you’ll most likely need to attend an approved CDL driving school. The Georgia DDS website provides a list of those. If you need additional help getting ready for your CDL written exam, I Drive Safely offers a Georgia CDL Practice Test – this is a great way to make sure that you’re prepared for a career driving the roads and highways of The Peach State!