Apply for a Commercial Permit (Class AP or BP) ?

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. 

• Applicants between the age of 18 to 21 will be restricted to drive in Georgia only (Intrastate). On or after the 21st birthday, the applicant must go into any Customer Service Center to have the "Georgia Only" Restriction removed.  

• All applicants must hold a valid regular Georgia Driver's License. 

• CDL Drivers are required to hold the Commercial Instructional Permit (CLP) for 14 days before applying for a full CDL.  NOTE: A CLP issued on or after July 1, 2021, will be valid for 365 days.  

• All applicants must be able to read and understand the English Language. 

• All applicants must operate the appropriate class of vehicle and be accompanied by a person who is licensed to drive that class of vehicle.  The accompanying driver must be fit and capable of exercising control of the vehicle and must occupy a seat beside the driver.  

• 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.

  • Veterans - view CDL Military Waivers for more information.

  • School Bus Drivers - view School Bus Endorsement for more information.

• 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.

• 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. 

  • Provide Medical Card, if required.

  • Provide Medical Waivers, if required.

  • For more information view CDL Medical Certification and Self-Certification Process.

• Applicants new to Georgia must surrender any out-of-state driver's license/permit/ID card.

• If you were issued a driver's license/permit/ID card in another state, and that card has been lost or stolen:
  • You must provide a copy of your driving record or motor vehicle report (MVR) from the state that issued the card.
  • The MVR must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Note: A copy can be faxed to DDS directly from the other state agency.

• Documentation showing your identity, residential address, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. Please refer to Real ID Requirements for more information.

Be prepared to:

• Show all your documents. 
• Pass a Vision Exam.

• Take and pass the required written knowledge exams.  

  • 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. 

  • All CDL written (knowledge) exams must begin at least 45 minutes prior to the Customer Center closing time. 

  • Download the Commercial Driver's Manual  for more information on test requirements.                   

• If you're adding endorsements, please be prepared to take and pass the Endorsement Exams. See Adding CDL Endorsements for more information.

• Take a Photo.

• Pay the license fee.  See Fees and Terms for more information.

• CDL Homepage

• FMCSA Rules and Regulations