Commercial Instructional Permit (Class AP or BP)

Basic Requirements

  1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Applicants between the ages of 18 to 21 may obtain a commercial driver's license but will be restricted to drive in Georgia only (intrastate). On or after the 21st birthday, you can go into any Customer Service Center to have the "Georgia Only" restriction removed.
  2. Must have a valid Class C regular Georgia License.
  3. Pass a Vision Exam.

  4. Complete the Commercial Application (CAP) at any Customer Service Center. The CAP fee is $35. Fees are waived for veterans and school bus drivers who present the required waiver.

    The $35 CAP fee is valid for 4 test attempts. After the fourth failed attempt, a new CAP and the $35 fee are required. Also, if 360 days pass in between test attempts, a new CAP and the $35 fee are required.

  5. Take and pass the required written knowledge exams. If you are adding License Endorsements, you may be required to take and pass a knowledge exam.  Download the Download this pdf file. CDL Driver's Manual for more information on test requirements.
    1. All CDL written (knowledge) exams must begin at least 45 minutes prior to the Customer Center closing time.
    2. There's a $10 permit fee that is paid prior to taking the knowledge exams.  If all exams are passed, the $10 fee pays for the instructional permit.  If any of the exams are not passed, the $10 fee is retained as a testing fee.  The $10 permit fee would be paid again at the next test attempt.
    3. You must call to schedule an appointment.
  6. Federal and State regulations require drivers to certify their Driving Category - the type of driving they will be engaged in. Your self-certification will determine if you will be required to provide a copy of your Medical Card. 
  7. Provide Medical Card if required. See CDL Medical Certification and Self-Certification Process for more information. 
  8. Provide Medical Waivers, if required.
  9. New to Georgia applicants must surrender any out-of-state driver's license/permit/ID card.
  10. New to Georgia applicants previously issued a driver's license/permit/ID card in another state, and that card has been lost or stolen, the applicant must provide a certified copy of his or her driving record or motor vehicle report from the state that issued the card. The MVR must be dated within the last 30 days. The DDS does not accept uncertified copies printed from websites, but a fax may be sent to the DDS directly from the other state agency.

Documents Required

  1. Documentation showing your identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. Please refer to Real ID Requirements for more information.
  2. All documents must be in English.

FEES and TERMS, select for details.

Conditions/Restrictions

  1. All applicants must be able to read and understand the English Language.
  2. Must operate the appropriate class of vehicle and be accompanied by a person who is licensed to drive that class of vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control of the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.

Notes

  1. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), which determines the class of commercial driver's licenses being issued.
  2. Endorsements
For More Information, please visit the CDL Homepage.