How to Get a CDL in Georgia — Step-by-Step Process

1. Get Your DOT Medical Certification

For Georgia CDL applicants who are required to maintain medical certification, the DOT medical exam must be completed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Georgia DDS states that, beginning June 18, 2025, medical certificates are transmitted electronically to DDS through FMCSA's National Registry process and DDS no longer accepts hard-copy medical certificates by mail, fax, email, online, or in person at Customer Service Centers. Applicants should confirm their current medical-certification status through Georgia DDS before testing.

2. Pass the CDL Knowledge Tests at a DDS Customer Service Center

Visit a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center to take your CDL vision and written tests in person. The general knowledge test is required for any CDL class; additional tests apply if you're seeking endorsements (HazMat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus). Bring a valid Georgia driver's license, proof of legal presence, and required documentation. Georgia DDS charges a Commercial Application (CAP) fee at this stage. Some applicants may qualify for specific DDS fee waivers or exceptions. Confirm current waiver eligibility directly with Georgia DDS.

3. Get Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Once you pass the required knowledge tests, Georgia DDS issues your Commercial Learner's Permit, known in Georgia as the Class AP or BP Instructional Permit (depending on whether you're pursuing Class A or Class B). The CLP may include endorsements or restrictions. With a CLP, you can operate a commercial vehicle on public roads only when accompanied by someone who holds a valid CDL with the matching class and endorsements.

4. Hold the CLP for at Least 14 Days

Georgia CDL applicants must hold the Commercial Learner's Permit for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. This holding period runs in parallel with your training — most students use this window to start ELDT classroom and behind-the-wheel work.

5. Complete ELDT at an FMCSA Training Provider Registry-Listed School

Federal regulations require Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at a school listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry — classroom theory plus behind-the-wheel training. Some students complete the ELDT theory portion online through an online ELDT theory provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, while behind-the-wheel training and the Georgia skills test still happen in person. Without required ELDT completion on record, you may not be eligible to take the CDL skills exam.

6. Pass the Skills Exam (DDS or DDS-Approved Third-Party Tester)

Georgia uses the CDL Modernized Skills Test format. The skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.

Georgia DDS allows certain DDS-approved CDL training programs to operate as CDL Third-Party Testers. These programs may administer CDL road skills tests to their students through licensed third-party examiners, subject to DDS rules and eligibility. Applicants who test directly through Georgia DDS use the DDS appointment process; students testing through a DDS-approved CDL Third-Party Tester should follow the school's testing process.

7. CDL Issued by Georgia DDS

After successfully passing the skills test, applicants present the test verification to a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center to be issued the Georgia CDL. Students who tested with a Third-Party Examiner present the school-issued test-administration verification at a CSC. For drivers 18–21, the CDL is initially restricted to intrastate operation; after their 21st birthday, they can ask Georgia DDS about removing the "Georgia Only" restriction at a Customer Service Center.