CDL state guide
Georgia CDL Requirements — Complete Guide (2026)
Get your CDL in Georgia. Learn the knowledge test requirements, fees, minimum age, CLP process, and where to apply for your Georgia Commercial Driver's License. This guide is a planning page built from official Georgia Department of Driver Services source links, with reminders to verify final fees and test availability before you apply.
Quick answer
Start with the CLP, medical certification, and the General Knowledge test
Most Georgia CDL applicants need a valid regular driver license, must be at least 18 for intrastate commercial driving or 21 for interstate operation, and must pass the required knowledge tests before the CDL skills test. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before skills testing.
At a glance
Georgia CDL at a glance
| Minimum age | 18 intrastate / 21 interstate |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge test | 50 questions, 80% to pass |
| CLP fee | $35 CLP commonly listed by Georgia DDS; verify current fee table |
| CDL fee | Verify DDS commercial license fee by class, term, and transaction |
| CLP holding period | 14 days minimum before the CDL skills test |
| CDL valid for | Usually up to 8 years |
| Issuing agency | Georgia Department of Driver Services |
Classes
CDL classes available in Georgia
Georgia follows the federal CDL class structure: Class A for qualifying combination vehicles, Class B for many single heavy vehicles, and Class C for certain passenger or hazardous-material vehicles below Class A/B thresholds. The class you apply for should match the vehicle you will test in and the commercial work you plan to do.
Georgia applicants should verify ELDT, medical certification, and whether their desired endorsement changes the testing order.
Process
How to get your CDL in Georgia
- Confirm eligibility with Georgia Department of Driver Services and make sure your regular driver license is valid.
- Complete any required DOT medical certification and keep your medical status current.
- Study the official Georgia CDL manual before taking knowledge tests.
- Pass General Knowledge and any class or endorsement tests needed for your CLP.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder when required.
- Complete ELDT when it applies, especially for first-time Class A/B, Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus paths.
- Georgia DDS uses CDL testing paths that can include state or approved third-party skills testing.
Use DDS customer service center and CDL program guidance to confirm appointments, tests, and required documents.
Knowledge tests
CDL knowledge tests in Georgia
The General Knowledge test is the common starting point. Additional tests depend on your class, vehicle, air-brake system, cargo, and endorsements. Test counts below are practical planning figures; verify the current testing screen and endorsement list with Georgia Department of Driver Services.
| Test | Questions | Passing score | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 questions | 80% | Required starting test for most CDL applicants. |
| Air Brakes | Usually 25 questions | 80% | Needed if the vehicle has air brakes and you do not want an air-brake restriction. |
| Combination Vehicles | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Common for Class A combination vehicle applicants. |
| Hazardous Materials | Usually 30 questions | 80% | Requires extra federal/TSA and ELDT steps when applicable. |
| Passenger | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for passenger-carrying commercial vehicles. |
| School Bus | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Usually requires Passenger plus school-bus-specific testing. |
| Tank Vehicle | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for qualifying tank vehicles or certain liquid/gas cargo. |
Endorsements
CDL endorsements in Georgia
Georgia CDL applicants can usually pursue the standard federal endorsements: H Hazardous Materials, N Tank Vehicle, P Passenger, S School Bus, T Double/Triple Trailers, and X Tanker plus Hazmat. Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus paths can involve extra checks, ELDT, or skills-test requirements.
Fees
Georgia CDL fees
| CLP application fee | $35 CLP commonly listed by Georgia DDS; verify current fee table |
|---|---|
| CDL application/license fee | Verify DDS commercial license fee by class, term, and transaction |
| Skills test fee | May be separate if a third-party skills tester is used; confirm with Georgia Department of Driver Services or the approved tester. |
| Endorsement fees | Often listed separately by endorsement or transaction; verify before adding Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, or other endorsements. |
| Renewal fee | Renewal cost can differ from original issuance. Check your state fee schedule before renewal. |
Official resources
Official Georgia CDL resources
Study path
Next steps for Georgia CDL prep
FAQ
Georgia CDL questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Georgia?
Plan for 18 for intrastate commercial driving and 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials, and many cross-state jobs. Verify final restrictions with Georgia Department of Driver Services.
How long do I have to hold a CLP in Georgia?
Federal CDL rules require at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Georgia may add scheduling or documentation steps.
What score do I need on CDL knowledge tests?
Use 80% as the planning benchmark for CDL knowledge tests unless Georgia Department of Driver Services states a different rule for a specific test.
Where should I verify Georgia CDL fees?
Use the official Georgia Department of Driver Services CDL page, fee schedule, or office because CLP, CDL, endorsement, renewal, duplicate, and skills-test fees can be listed separately.
Other state CDL guides
Compare nearby state CDL rules
Commercial driver license fees, testing offices, and skills-test scheduling can differ across state lines. Use these related state pages when comparing CDL paths.
Source note: Last checked June 29, 2026 against the official Georgia Department of Driver Services CDL page and linked manual/office resources. US Permit Prep is independent and not affiliated with any DMV, state agency, or FMCSA.
