Getting a CDL in Georgia means passing a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Georgia requires you to hold a valid regular driver's license first, then pass a medical certification, a written knowledge test, and a behind-the-wheel skills test. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) administers all three parts. You cannot skip any of them, and you must pass them in order — you cannot take the skills test before passing the written test, for example.

The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need. Most people complete it within four to eight weeks if they study beforehand and pass on their first or second try.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Georgia driver's license and pass a Department of Transportation medical exam before you can test for a CDL.
  • The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and rules specific to the type of truck you will drive, and you must score at least 80 percent.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a backing exercise, and an on-road driving test, all conducted by a Georgia DDS examiner.
  • Georgia offers both Class A and Class B CDLs depending on the vehicle weight and type you need to operate.
  • You can take the written test at any Georgia DDS office, but skills tests are only available at certain locations and require advance scheduling.

Step 1: Get a valid Georgia driver's license and medical certification

Before you can even walk into a DDS office for a CDL test, you must already hold a valid Georgia driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain it first through the standard licensing process.

You also must obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This is not a full physical — it is a brief exam that checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The examiner will fill out the Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5875) if you pass. You can find a list of certified examiners on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. The exam costs money (typically $50 to $150, but prices vary), and you pay the examiner directly.

Bring your medical certificate with you when you go to take your written CDL test. You cannot test without it.

Step 2: Study for and pass the written knowledge test

Georgia's CDL written test covers three main areas: general knowledge (rules of the road, vehicle inspection, safe driving), air brakes (if your vehicle has them), and endorsement-specific material (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, or school bus, depending on what you need). You must score at least 80 percent on each section you take.

The Georgia DDS provides a free CDL Study Guide on its website. You can read it and study at home. Many people also use third-party study apps or take practice tests online, though those are not official and may not match the exact format of the real test. The written test itself is administered on a computer at any Georgia DDS office.

Schedule your written test appointment online through the Georgia DDS website or by calling your local DDS office. You will need to bring your valid driver's license, your DOT medical certificate, and proof of your Social Security number. The test takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many endorsements you are testing for.

Step 3: Schedule and pass the skills test

Once you pass the written test, you are cleared to take the skills test. This test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (where you walk around the truck and point out safety features and check systems), a backing exercise (where you maneuver the truck into a tight space), and an on-road driving test (where you drive on public roads with an examiner in the cab).

Skills tests are only offered at certain Georgia DDS locations, not all of them. Call ahead to find out which office nearest you conducts skills tests and what their current wait time is. You will need to bring your own commercial vehicle or arrange to use one through a CDL training school. Some schools provide the vehicle as part of their program; others do not.

The skills test takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You must pass all three parts to pass the overall test. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire skills test, but you will have to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.

What endorsements are available and when you need them

A CDL endorsement is an add-on to your license that allows you to drive certain types of vehicles or cargo. Georgia offers several endorsements, each with its own written test:

  • Hazmat (H): Required to transport hazardous materials. You must pass a background check and the hazmat written test.
  • Tanker (N): Required to drive tanker trucks carrying liquids. You take an additional written test.
  • Doubles/Triples (T): Required to pull double or triple trailers. You take an additional written test.
  • Passenger (P): Required to drive buses or vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers. You take an additional written test.
  • School Bus (S): Required to drive a school bus. You take an additional written test and a background check.

You do not need any endorsement to drive a standard tractor-trailer. You only add endorsements if your job requires them. Each endorsement adds a written test to your overall testing load, so plan your study time accordingly.

Class A versus Class B CDL in Georgia

Georgia issues two classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

  • Class A CDL: Allows you to drive any combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This is the most common CDL and covers standard tractor-trailers.
  • Class B CDL: Allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing another vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less. This covers straight trucks and some smaller commercial vehicles.

Most people pursuing a CDL want a Class A because it opens more job opportunities. You take the same written test for both; the difference shows up in the skills test, where the vehicle you use determines your class. If you test in a Class A vehicle, you get a Class A license. If you test in a Class B vehicle, you get a Class B license.

Using a CDL training school versus testing on your own

You can pursue your CDL entirely on your own — studying the free Georgia DDS guide, scheduling your own tests, and finding your own vehicle to test in. However, many people attend a CDL training school instead, which typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 and takes four to eight weeks.

A training school provides classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice with a professional instructor, and often provides the vehicle for your skills test. The school's instructors can identify weak areas in your driving and help you correct them before the official test. Some employers will reimburse tuition or hire you directly from a school's job placement program.

If you choose to test on your own, you must find a vehicle that meets Georgia's requirements (a commercial truck with the proper safety equipment) and arrange for someone to let you use it. You also need to study the manual thoroughly and practice backing and vehicle inspection on your own time. This route is cheaper but requires more self-discipline and access to a suitable vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Georgia CDL last?

A Georgia CDL is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal requires passing a new medical exam and paying the renewal fee, but you do not have to retake the written or skills tests unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or other traffic violations?

A DUI or serious traffic violation does not automatically disqualify you, but it may affect your ability to get hired by employers. The Georgia DDS will still issue you a CDL if you pass all the tests. However, some employers and insurance companies have stricter standards and will not hire drivers with certain violations on their record.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test as many times as you need. Each attempt requires scheduling a new appointment and paying the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can test, but you must pass all three parts (pre-trip, backing, and on-road) in the same test session to pass overall.

Do I need to take a written test again if I already have a CDL from another state?

If you are moving to Georgia and already have a valid CDL from another state, you can transfer it to a Georgia CDL without retaking the written test. You will need to visit a Georgia DDS office, provide your out-of-state CDL, and pay the transfer fee. You will still need a current DOT medical certificate.

Can I test for multiple endorsements at the same time?

Yes. You can take the written tests for multiple endorsements in one visit to the DDS office. However, you must pass the general knowledge test first before taking any endorsement tests. Plan your study time accordingly if you are pursuing more than one endorsement.