Georgia's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Georgia's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

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)

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.