In the state of Georgia, a CDL is required for any driver planning to drive the following types or combination of vehicles:

• A combination of vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more
• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more
• A single vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons, including the driver

Any vehicle used in the transport of hazardous materials. To drive a truck in the state of Georgia, applicants must first pass a series of tests for a relevant CDL license. The three classes for the state are as follows; all applicants must pass relevant tests for the granting of a license.

CDL Classes in Georgia The vehicle you operate or the cargo you haul determines which class you need. Now, there are 3 classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Georgia, namely:

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C

Class A CDL Class A licenses can operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier. The towed unit’s weight must exceed 10,000 pounds. Vehicles like semis or big rigs require you to carry a Class A CDL. Since this is the highest form of CDL, Class A allows you to drive Class B and Class C CMVs.

Class B CDL Class B CDLs can operate straight vehicles. These must have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. However, if towing a unit, the unit must weigh less than 10,000 pounds. A Class B CDL will allow you to operate vehicles like dump trucks with small trailers. You can also drive Class C vehicles, but not Class A vehicles.

Class C CDL You need a Class C CDL if you’re driving a CMV that meets either of these:

• Has a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds
• Transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver
• Carries hazardous materials in quantities that require placards

Georgia CDL Requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old (or 21 if you plan to drive across state lines, transport passengers or hazardous materials)
• You are a resident of Georgia
• You have permission to work in the U.S. if you’re not a U.S. citizen
• You hold a valid Class C license
• Your driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, or canceled
• You meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations’ medical requirements
• You can read and understand English

Georgia CDL Endorsements If you need to operate specific vehicle types or transport certain kinds of cargo, you will need to add an endorsement to your CLP/CDL. There are 6 endorsements for commercial drivers in Georgia. You can add these 3 to your CLP:

• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)
• Tanker (N)

For the remaining 3, you can only add them to your CDL. These are:

• Double/Triple Trailer (T)
• Hazmat (X)
• Hazmat and Tanker Combination (X)