Overview
This guide summarizes key information for obtaining a Georgia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including licensing requirements, safe operation, hazardous materials, special vehicle handling, and exam/test details.
Licensing & CDL Requirements
- CDL required for vehicles over 26,001 lbs, vehicles towing over 10,000 lbs, passenger vehicles (16+ people), and hazmat vehicles.
- Minimum age is 18; must read/speak English, be physically qualified, and have only one valid license.
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is mandatory before testing for most CDLs and certain endorsements.
- Must pass knowledge and skills tests; passing score is 80% on written tests.
Testing (Knowledge & Skills)
- Knowledge tests include general, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, and school bus.
- Skills test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
- Restrictions apply based on vehicle/type tested (e.g., no manual transmission if tested on automatic).
- Retest wait time after failure is at least 2 days.
Disqualifications & Rules
- CDL disqualification for DUI (.04% BAC+ in CMV), leaving accident scene, major traffic violations, or multiple “serious” violations.
- Special rules for railroad crossing, out-of-service violations, and hazmat background checks.
- Only one license allowed; must notify employer/state of all traffic offenses.
Vehicle & Cargo Safety
- Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections are required.
- Ensure proper cargo loading, securement, and balance; inspect tiedowns and weight distribution.
- Check for special cargo situations: dry bulk, livestock, hanging meat, oversized loads.
Basic Safe Driving & Control
- Keep safe following distances: 1 sec per 10 ft of vehicle; add 1 sec over 40 mph.
- Always back toward driver’s side; use mirrors and a helper if possible.
- Adjust speed for road, load, weather, and curves.
- Communicate intentions clearly with signals, flashers, and horn as needed.
- Never use handheld mobile devices or text while driving.
Specialized Vehicles & Endorsements
- Combination vehicles require knowledge of rollover, jackknife, off-tracking, and coupling/uncoupling.
- Doubles/triples, tankers, and hazmat require extra training, tests, and care (e.g., surge control in tanks, special placarding for hazmat).
- School bus drivers must know “danger zones,” proper loading/unloading, and emergency evacuation procedures.
Emergency Procedures
- In accidents: protect area, notify authorities, care for injured, and prevent further incidents.
- Know fire fighting basics and use proper extinguisher class.
- For hazardous materials, follow placarding, marking, and emergency procedures as per regulations.
Exam & Skills Test
- Pre-trip inspection: identify/describe each system, check fluids, brakes, tires, lights.
- Basic control skills: forward stop, straight-line backing, offset tracking, parallel parking, alley dock.
- Road test: turns, intersections, lane changes, expressway entry/exit, railroad crossings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- CDL — Commercial Driver’s License for operating large/heavy vehicles.
- ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training, mandatory before skills/endorsement tests.
- Hazmat — Hazardous materials requiring special endorsement and background check.
- Pre-trip Inspection — Safety check of vehicle before operation.
- Off-tracking — Trailer wheels following a different path than tractor.
- Rollover Risk — Tendency of high-center-of-gravity vehicles to tip over.
- Placard — Sign on vehicle to indicate hazardous materials.
- Surge — Liquid movement in partly-filled tank vehicles.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete ELDT with a registered provider before taking CDL skills or hazmat test.
- Study required manual sections for your vehicle/class/endorsements.
- Schedule knowledge and skills tests via dds.georgia.gov.
- Prepare all required paperwork (license, medical certificate, proof of training).
- Practice pre-trip inspections and basic control skills before test day.