Contents
Note: This guide is not a substitute for mandatory entry-level driver training (ELDTJ). For more information see the section with the heading "What is Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)?.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Introducing your Georgia Digital Driver's License and ID
Accepted at Select TSA Terminals
DDS Mission and Core Values
Our Mission
To provide secure driver and identity credentials to our customers with excellence and respect
Our Core Values:
- Trusted Service
- Ethical Actions
- Accountable to All
- Motivated to Excellence
Our hashtag:
#ReimaginingDriverServices2023
Title VI Policy Statement
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related non-discrimination authorities. DDS assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, low-income, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. DDS further assures that every effort will be made to ensure non-discrimination in all programs and activities, whether or not those programs and activities are federally funded. In addition, DDS will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency. Finally, DDS agrees to abide by the Title VI Program Assurances and to ensure that written agreements with any party for federally funded programs or services will include the applicable Title VI language as provided in the title VI Program Assurances. The DDS Title VI Program Coordinator is responsible for oversight of the Title VI Program and ensuring compliance with the requirements provided in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) Part 21 and 49 C.F.R. Part 303. The Title VI Program Coordinator and all Division Directors are authorized to effectively implement the Title VI Program on behalf of the Department.
For more information visit the DDS website at: dds.georgia.gov and like DDS on:
What is Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)?
The new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) successfully complete ELDT prior to being eligible for commercial driver license (CDL) skills testing.
ELDT includes theory and behind the wheel instruction at a training provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Register. For more information, please visit dds.georgia.gov.
ELDT is required to:
- Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing CDL to a higher Class;
- Obtain a School Bus (S), Passenger (P) or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
What is an Entry Level Driver Training provider and where can I find one?
ELDT providers can be found at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov and include, but are not limited to, training schools, educational institutions, rural electric cooperatives, motor carriers, State and / or local governments, school districts, joint labor management programs, owner operators and individuals.
What must drivers do to meet the ELDT requirements?
Complete training with a registered training provider.
Entry-level drivers must select a training provider that is listed on the Training Provider Registry. Only registered training providers will be able to submit certification of a drivers completion of entry-level driver training to the Training Provider Registry.
When am I eligible to take my CDL skills test or knowledge test?
ELDT training must be completed before taking a CDL skills test, or if the driver is applying for the H endorsement, the knowledge test.
If the state driver licensing agency cannot electronically verify that these requirements are met, the State is not permitted to administer the CDL skills or Hazmat endorsement knowledge test to the driver.