Georgia follows the federal ELDT rule. Before the Department of Driver Services (DDS) gives you the skills test for a first Class A or Class B CDL, a Class B to A upgrade, or a first Passenger or School Bus endorsement, or the knowledge test for a first Hazmat endorsement, your training must show on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. Theory can be completed online with any registered provider. Behind-the-wheel training is in person.
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Who needs ELDT in Georgia
Georgia’s CDL rules adopt the federal requirement, in effect since February 7, 2022. You need ELDT if you are:
- Getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrading from Class B to Class A
- Adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time
Training must come from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry, and only a registered provider can submit your completion. If DDS can’t verify your training electronically, it isn’t allowed to give you the test.
Getting a Class A or B CDL in Georgia
- Get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge tests at DDS. A Georgia CLP is valid for up to 365 days, and renewing it means retaking the knowledge tests.
- Complete ELDT theory. It can come before or after the permit, and it can be done online.
- Complete behind-the-wheel training on a range and on public roads with a registered provider. You need the permit for this part. Federal rules require theory and behind-the-wheel training to be finished within one year of each other.
- Hold your CLP at least 14 days. Georgia doesn’t allow the skills test during the first 14 days after the permit is issued.
- Take the skills test. DDS skills tests are by appointment only, at select locations, with a $50 fee per attempt and 72 hours’ notice to reschedule. Georgia also uses certified third-party testers, who must keep proof of each applicant’s ELDT.
Adding a Hazmat endorsement in Georgia
- Complete Hazmat ELDT theory. Hazmat needs theory only, so it can be completed entirely online.
- Pass the Hazmat knowledge exam at DDS. DDS checks the registry for your training first.
- Clear the TSA security threat assessment. Apply with TSA, give fingerprints and pay TSA’s fee. TSA recommends applying at least 60 days ahead.
Our Hazmat theory course takes about 4 hours.
Moving to Georgia with a CDL
DDS exchanges an out-of-state CDL one for one, and ELDT doesn’t apply to a license or endorsement you already hold. For a Hazmat endorsement, DDS adds it when your TSA threat assessment is current and can be verified electronically. Otherwise you take the Hazmat knowledge exam. See Do you need ELDT to renew a Hazmat endorsement?
Georgia at a glance
- ELDT checked
- Before the first Class A or B skills test, upgrade or P/S skills test, and before the first Hazmat knowledge exam
- Online theory
- Accepted from any provider on the federal registry
- CLP wait
- At least 14 days before the skills test
- CLP valid
- Up to 365 days
- Skills test
- By appointment. $50 per attempt at DDS.
For Georgia employers
Municipalities, utilities, contractors and fleets across Georgia buy our online theory in seat blocks of 5, 10 or 25 and hand out one code per driver as they hire. See seat-block pricing. We’re also building in-house CDL training programs for employers in Georgia and neighboring states. Ask about it.
Common questions
Does Georgia accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. Georgia requires ELDT from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, and theory from a registered online provider counts. Behind-the-wheel training for Class A or B is always in person.
How long do I have to hold my Georgia CLP before the skills test?
At least 14 days after the permit is first issued. The permit is valid for up to 365 days.
Do I need ELDT to transfer my CDL to Georgia?
No. ELDT applies to a first license or endorsement, not one you already hold. For a Hazmat endorsement, DDS needs a current TSA threat assessment it can verify, or you take the Hazmat knowledge exam.