Compare ELDT-compliant CDL schools around ATL—including timelines, endorsements, job placement, and more.
While compiling our overview of some of the top CDL programs in Atlanta, we took into account compliance with Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, access to Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) testing, schedule flexibility, graduate reviews, and job placement information when available.
Quick Facts on CDL Training Atlanta
- The total cost of getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Georgia can range from roughly $3,200–$7,300, which includes CDL school tuition, as well as various exam and license fees.
- Program lengths will vary by school, but typical full-time CDL courses can be completed in a few short weeks. Meanwhile, part-time programs can extend up to a few months.
- Although there are no testing sites located in Atlanta proper, there are several in the surrounding areas. You can find a list of both DDS and third-party testing sites here.
- Beyond getting your CDL, you can also add one or more endorsements to your license, which can make you eligible for a wider range of job opportunities in the trucking industry.
Top Truck Driving Schools in Atlanta (Unranked)
160 Driving Academy
With around 150 campuses across the U.S., including the Atlanta area, 160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country. Because of this, prospective truck drivers don’t have to look far to find FMSCA-compliant programs in Class A CDLs, HAZMAT certifications, customer service training, and more. They even offer online ELDT theory classes for free!
Length: Four weeks
Financing: Federal grants, tuition reimbursement, company sponsorship, private loans
Job Placement: Access to lifetime career guidance and membership to Truckers Network
Endorsements: HAZMAT
Atlanta CDL Training School
Boasting programs that are personalized to each student’s schedule and learning style, Atlanta CDL Training School aims to provide a comprehensive education to teach future drivers how to operate on city streets and rural roads, as well as in all types of weather conditions.
Length: 160 hours (four weeks)
Financing: Federal grants, GI Bill, carrier sponsorship
Job Placement: Access to job placement assistance through company partnerships
Endorsements: HAZMAT
Georgia Driving Academy
Since its founding, Georgia Driving Academy has graduated more than 15,000 Class A drivers and over 1,200 Class B drivers, opening multiple campuses across the state. They also work with carriers around the country to find job placements for their graduates.
Length: Three weeks full-time or nine weekends part-time for CDL A, 70 hours full-time for CDL B
Financing: Federal grants, BI Bill, tuition reimbursement
Job Placement: Access to placement assistance through carrier partners
Endorsements: HAZMAT
Katlaw Driving School
Katlaw Driving School offers weekday and weekend programs in both Class A and Class B CDLs, as well as a HAZMAT endorsement, alongside their robust career services. According to their website, about half of students get pre-hired, and 90–95% start working immediately after training.1
Length: Three-four weeks
Financing: Federal grants, GI Bill, tuition reimbursement, private loans
Job Placement: Access to job placement assistance and hiring partners.
Endorsements: HAZMAT
KBC Transport Training
This veteran-owned apprenticeship program is designed to provide on-the-job driving experience. Once completed, students will be able to start work as a driver for KBC Transport, or with one of the hiring partners in their network.
Length: Varies
Financing: Federal grants, GI Bill
Job Placement: Employment at KBC Transport or at a carrier in their partnership network
Endorsements: HAZMAT
Roadmaster Drivers School
From knowledge of pre-trip inspections, to practicing driving on the road, to applying for your first CDL job, this school aims to help students at every step of their journey to a successful career in the trucking industry. They even include an alumni network for students who need support throughout their careers.
Length: 180 hours
Financing: Tuition reimbursement, private loans
Job Placement: Access to career services throughout the course of their career, starting with submitting their first job application to partner companies
Endorsements: N/A
How to Choose a CDL Training Program in Atlanta
- Type of Training. Depending on the kind of driving you want to do, as well as what jobs are available in your area, you’ll need to find a school that will train you in the right type of vehicle. Whether you want to drive an automatic or manual transmission; get a class A, B, or C license; or work with a vehicle that requires special endorsements are all considerations you should take into account when comparing schools.
- Schedule and Formats. While some are able to commit to a full-time program, others may have existing work or family obligations that require a more flexible schedule. When researching schools, think about if you’d rather enroll in a full-time course over a shorter period of time, or a part-time course that spans a longer period.
- Employer Partnerships. Many trucking schools across the U.S. have partnerships with one or more local carriers. Take a look to see if your prospective schools work with any hiring partners, as well as if these companies are ones you would want to be employed by.
Georgia CDL Requirements
Before you’re able to enroll in a CDL program and work as a commercial truck driver, you must first meet several eligibility requirements. These include:
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). In order to begin your training, you must first hold a learner’s permit for 14 days. This is required for anyone applying for a CDL for the first time, or for an upgrade, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Once you have your CLP, you can begin your entry-level training. As of 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires completion of regulated ELDT programs for all first-time class A and class B applicants, as well as those upgrading their CDL or adding school bus, passenger, or HAZMAT endorsements.
- DOT Medical Card. Applicants are required to certify the type of driving they will be pursuing. Depending on the certification, you may also be required to submit a medical card. If your driving type requires you to be medically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle, you must have an exam performed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
- Skills and Road Testing. FMCSA regulations call for standardized instruction of both classroom theory and behind-the-wheel practice. In order to become a professional commercial driver, you must undergo supervised training and skills tests, including vehicle inspection, basic controls, on-the-road driving, and more.
- HAZMAT Background Check. For anyone looking to add a HAZMAT endorsement to their CDL, you will also need to undergo a background check, including any necessary documentation and fingerprints.
CDL Training Cost and Funding Options
According to CDL eXpert, the cost of obtaining a CDL in Georgia can range from around $3,200–$7,300.2 This includes not only CDL school, but also additional fees for exams, licensing, and more. While this is much lower than the cost of a traditional four-year degree, it can nevertheless be too steep for many prospective applicants. Luckily, though, there are several options for those who may need assistance in making payments.
- Federal Grants. There are a number of government-sponsored grant programs designed to help build up the workforce through career training, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). To find out if your school is eligible for WIOA funding, you can reach out to them directly, or you can visit Atlanta’s WorkSource page for education and career resources.
- HOPE Career Grant. Started with the goal of filling industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them, this grant is applicable for CDL programs. However, students must meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply for the grant.
- Employer Tuition Repayment. Through an employer sponsorship, a company will pay all or part of a student’s tuition, in exchange for that student agreeing to work for them for a certain amount of time after their training. You’ll want to keep in mind that, if you leave employment before the required timeline, you will typically be required to pay back the tuition that the employer covered.
- GI Bill. If you’re eligible for veteran benefits, you may be able to pay for your education through the GI Bill®, which can cover up to full tuition for military personnel and veterans. You can find VA-approved schools by using their search tool, or you can reach out to the school directly to learn if they’re eligible.
- Loans. If you’re unable to pay the tuition out of pocket or through sponsorships or grants, you may also consider taking out a loan in order to break the amount up into smaller monthly payments. While most CDL schools do not offer federal student loans, some might provide private loan options. Before you apply for a loan, though, it’s important to remember that you’ll likely end up paying more in interest payments, and your credit score may be affected.
Trucking Careers in Atlanta, GA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers have a projected job growth rate of 4% from 2024–2034, while delivery truck drivers can look forward to an 8% projected job growth.3,4 Their Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Map also puts Georgia as the state with the seventh-highest employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.5
As a city served by three major interstate highways, Atlanta is a hub for transportation. In fact, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) notes that 25% of the U.S. population is within a one-day truck drive from Atlanta, while more than 80% of commercial and consumer markets can be reached within 2 days.6 With this location and the city’s expected growth in mind, the ARC put together a 2024 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan, with the goal of supporting development and improving safety of the freight system.
In 2024, the BLS cited 42,520 heavy trucking jobs in the Atlanta metro area, with an annual median wage of $58,860—higher than the national medians for both heavy truck drivers ($57,440) and for all industries across the U.S. ($49,500).7
FAQs
Is paid CDL training worth it in Atlanta?
For many people, paid CDL training can be worth it. This is the process by which you receive on-the-job training while working for a trucking company for a set period of time. You’ll just want to do your research on the carrier before signing any agreement, as you may have to pay back funding should you decide to leave early.
Should I learn manual or automatic transmission?
Whether you learn manual or automatic will depend on the type of driving you want to do, as well as what jobs are available in your area. It’s also important to note that receiving only automatic training will restrict your license, so you can only apply for jobs that fall within the automatic restriction.
What endorsement can I pursue?
In addition to getting a class A, B, or C license, there are also several endorsements that you can get trained for as well. These include hazardous materials (H), tanks (N), passenger transport (P), school bus (S), double or triple trailers (T), and combination of tank vehicles and hazardous materials (X). Which endorsements, if any, that you apply to will depend on your specific career goals.
Sources
1https://katlaw.com/job-placement/
2https://www.cdlexpert.com/post/how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-a-cdl-in-georgia
6https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/transportation-planning/freight-transportation/
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