Georgia · DDS

How to get your CDL permit in Georgia

In Georgia you call DDS to book a written test appointment and pay a $35 application fee that covers four test attempts. Your CLP costs $10 and lasts 365 days.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DDS sources

Start the free Georgia permit classroom Official Georgia CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $10
Permit valid for: 365 days
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Be at least 18 and hold a valid driver license.
2Get a DOT medical exam and fill out the DDS self-certification form.
3Call DDS to schedule your written test appointment.
4Bring your ID, Social Security information and two proofs of Georgia address to a Customer Service Center.
5Pay the $35 application fee, pass a vision test and your written tests, then pay $10 for your CLP.
6Finish federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a school on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test.
7After 14 days with your CLP, take your road skills test ($50 per attempt).

What to bring

U.S. citizens: birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization/citizenship certificate
Permanent residents: a valid green card
Social Security card or similar proof, if electronic verification fails
Two proofs of your Georgia address from separate sources, such as utility bills dated within 6 months
Your medical card, if required

Medical card

You certify your driving category on a DDS self-certification form. Since June 18, 2025, medical certificates your examiner sends to FMCSA reach DDS electronically.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit	$10
CDL application (CAP) feeCovers four written test attempts. Waived for veterans and school bus drivers.	$35
Road skills test	$50 per attempt
CDLGood for 8 years (5 years with an H or X endorsement).	$32
EndorsementsHazmat is priced differently.	$5 each

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DDS before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests if you want them (for example Passenger, School Bus, Tank)

Testing in Georgia

You must call ahead for an appointment. Written tests must start at least 45 minutes before the center closes.
You need 80% to pass.
Failed a written test? Wait 2 days to try again.
After four failed attempts, or 360 days between attempts, you pay a new $35 application fee.
A vision test is given on site at the Customer Service Center.

Study for these tests in the Georgia classroom

Good to know in Georgia

You must be able to read and understand English to get a Georgia CDL.
Drivers 18 to 20 get an in-state-only restriction, removed when you turn 21.
Georgia's permit and license fees are low: $10 CLP and $32 for an 8-year CDL.

Non-domiciled applicants

Under the federal rule in effect since March 16, 2026, Georgia issues non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs only to H-2A, H-2B or E-2 holders (plus certain Freely Associated States citizens). Bring an unexpired passport and I-797A or I-94 every visit.

Confirm with DDS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether your CLP can be renewed. Ask DDS.
Whether written tests are offered in any language other than English.
The vision test standard.
Whether you need a Secure ID (REAL ID) credential.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Georgia Department of Driver Services. Rules and fees change, so always check with DDS before you apply.