ELDT Training in Georgia — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Georgia, from Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Savannah and Macon, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the GA theory portion is done online for $20 and your Georgia record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Georgia

  1. Get your CLP from Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a GA licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Georgia; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the GA licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Georgia

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered GA providers listed below, for example in Atlanta; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Georgia

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the GA CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Georgia licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Georgia DDS site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Georgia DDS site
  • Georgia issues the CLP as a Class AP or BP instructional permit, the credential DDS requires before it will give you the full Class A or Class B CDL skills test.
  • All applicants must already hold a valid regular Georgia driver's license.
  • Since June 18, 2025 DDS only receives medical certificates electronically from your examiner through FMCSA; it no longer takes them by mail, fax, email or in person.

These GA fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Georgia fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Georgia

GA has 95 registered training locations across 72 cities on the FMCSA registry: 84 registered for Class A, 57 for Class B, 30 for the passenger endorsement and 31 for school bus. 48 of the 95 (51%) publish a website, and the newest GA registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Atlanta CDL schools, Columbus CDL schools and Augusta CDL schools, or open the full Georgia school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any GA school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Georgia

32 of the 95 registered Georgia locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so GA drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Georgia hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Georgia

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a GA driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Georgia ELDT questions

What is a Class AP or BP permit in Georgia?
It is Georgia's name for the Commercial Learner's Permit for a Class A or Class B vehicle. You need it, held for 14 days, before DDS will test you for the CDL.
Does Georgia DDS accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. DDS confirms your training through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory completed online with a registered provider qualifies.
How does DDS get my DOT medical card?
Your certified medical examiner sends it to FMCSA and it is transmitted to DDS electronically. Since June 2025 DDS does not accept paper medical cards at customer service centers.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Georgia?
With one of the 95 Georgia locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Atlanta, Columbus and Augusta; 84 are registered for Class A training and 57 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your GA CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Georgia and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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