CDL Truck Driver in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Georgia
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Georgia, you must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and pass a CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test. The application fee for a CDL is $35, and the skills test costs $50. A valid DOT medical certificate is required, and applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce. Georgia offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, though Hazmat endorsements require retesting.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($50) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $10 for CLP, $32 for license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. Hazmat endorsements expire in 5 years and require a knowledge test and TSA background check for renewal. As of June 18, 2025, medical certificates will be submitted electronically by the medical examiner to FMCSA and then to DDS; paper copies will no longer be accepted by DDS. Effective July 1, 2024, CDL privileges will be removed for drivers with a 'prohibited' status in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse until the return-to-duty process is completed. |
License Tiers
Georgia offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Georgia
The median cdl truck driver salary in Georgia is $56,570 per year, which is 1.5% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,470 |
| 25th | $45,610 |
| 50th (median) | $56,570 |
| 75th | $67,230 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,480 |
Georgia employs approximately 75,700 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.