Best CDL Schools in Georgia 2026

Quick Answer

• Georgia has multiple CDL training options concentrated in Atlanta, with programs ranging from $3,500 to $7,000
• Top schools include Atlanta Truck Driving School (one-on-one training), Daly's Truck Driving School (16,000+ graduates since 1992), and TransTech CDL Training (3,000+ new drivers annually)
• Georgia's CDL programs are among the fastest in the country, with some schools offering completion in as little as 17 days
• The state's position as a logistics hub (Port of Savannah is the third-busiest in the U.S.) ensures strong demand for CDL holders

Georgia is a logistics powerhouse. The Port of Savannah is the third-busiest container port in the United States, and Atlanta serves as the Southeast's primary freight distribution hub. This combination creates constant demand for CDL holders and makes Georgia one of the most promising states for a trucking career.

Whether you are in Atlanta, Savannah, or elsewhere in the state, this guide covers the best CDL schools in Georgia for 2026.

Why Georgia Is a Strong State for CDL Careers

Georgia's trucking industry is anchored by the Port of Savannah, which has experienced record growth and handles millions of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. Containers arriving in Savannah need to be moved to distribution centers across the Southeast, creating thousands of driving jobs.

Atlanta's role as a distribution hub for the entire southeastern United States adds another layer of demand. Major retailers, e-commerce companies, and manufacturers operate warehouse and fulfillment centers throughout the Atlanta metro area, all requiring CDL drivers.

Average truck driver salaries in Georgia range from $48,000 to $72,000, with port drayage drivers and specialized haulers earning more. Georgia's moderate cost of living and lack of extreme winter weather make it an attractive state for both training and career development.

Best CDL Schools in Georgia for 2026

1. Atlanta Truck Driving School (ATDS)

ATDS is the only CDL school in Georgia that offers 100% one-on-one driving training — no groups, ever. This means every minute of your behind-the-wheel time is spent driving, not sitting in a cab watching someone else. ATDS is an FMCSA-approved training provider offering both Class A and Class B CDL programs.

• Program length: As little as 3 weeks
• Cost: $4,500-$6,500
• Key feature: 100% one-on-one instruction (no group rotations)
• Financial aid: WIOA, GI Bill, payment plans

The one-on-one model is rare in the CDL training industry and gives ATDS graduates significantly more actual driving practice than students at schools with group-based training.

2. Daly's Truck Driving School (Atlanta)

Daly's has graduated over 16,000 students since 1992 and is widely considered the best truck driving school in Atlanta by many industry professionals. Their programs are notably fast — 17 days for Class A CDL and 6 days for Class B CDL.

• Program length: 17 days (Class A) or 6 days (Class B)
• Cost: $4,000-$6,000
• Key feature: 30+ years of operation with 16,000+ graduates
• Financial aid: WIOA, VA benefits, payment plans

Daly's fast timelines work best for students who can commit to full-time, intensive training. The 17-day Class A program is one of the shortest in the country, which is attractive for career changers who need to start working quickly.

3. TransTech CDL Training (Atlanta)

TransTech is one of the largest CDL training operations in the Southeast, training more than 3,000 new truck drivers every year across their Georgia and North Carolina campuses. Their 4-week Class A CDL program is comprehensive and well-structured.

• Program length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $4,500-$6,500
• Key feature: 3,000+ graduates per year with strong carrier partnerships
• Financial aid: WIOA, GI Bill, company sponsorship

TransTech's scale gives them strong negotiating power with carriers, which translates to better job placement for graduates.

4. Roadmaster Drivers School (Atlanta Area)

Roadmaster brings their nationally recognized training program to Georgia with a campus near Atlanta. Their 100,000+ graduate network and 34+ years of experience make them one of the most trusted names in CDL training.

• Program length: 3-4 weeks
• Cost: $5,000-$7,000
• Key feature: National carrier partnerships including Werner and Stevens Transport
• Financial aid: GI Bill, WIOA, company-sponsored training

5. 160 Driving Academy (Atlanta)

160 Driving Academy's Atlanta campus offers their signature all-inclusive CDL training with a low student-to-instructor ratio. The school has earned a strong reputation in the Atlanta market for accessible, quality training.

• Program length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $5,000-$6,500
• Key feature: 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio
• Financial aid: WIOA, GI Bill, company sponsorship

6. Georgia Driving Academy (Atlanta and Columbus)

Georgia Driving Academy operates in both Atlanta and Columbus, providing CDL training with multiple tuition assistance options. Their two-campus footprint gives students in different parts of the state access to quality training.

• Program length: 4-6 weeks
• Cost: $4,000-$6,000
• Key feature: Multiple campus locations and tuition assistance options
• Financial aid: WIOA, GI Bill, Georgia workforce programs, employer partnerships

Georgia CDL Training Costs

Additional costs include the Georgia CDL application fee ($32), DOT physical ($80-$150), drug screening ($40-$80), and endorsement fees. Total additional expenses typically run $200-$350.

Note that all schools listed are certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services and meet ELDT requirements through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. For nationwide pricing data, check our CDL training cost guide.

Georgia CDL Requirements

Georgia follows federal CDL requirements with state-specific administration through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS):

• Minimum age: 18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate
• Valid Georgia driver's license in good standing
• DOT physical examination
• ELDT completion from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• Knowledge and skills testing through Georgia DDS or approved third-party sites

All CDL schools listed in this guide are certified by Georgia DDS. For a full comparison across all states, read our CDL requirements by state guide.

Georgia Trucking Job Market

Georgia's trucking job market offers diverse opportunities:

Port of Savannah drayage: Moving containers from the Port of Savannah to distribution centers throughout the Southeast. These positions offer $55,000-$80,000 with regional home time.

Atlanta distribution: Massive warehouse complexes in the Atlanta metro area need drivers for local and regional delivery routes. Major employers include Amazon, Home Depot (headquartered in Atlanta), and UPS.

LTL freight: Major carriers including FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, and Southeastern Freight Lines operate terminals throughout Georgia. LTL drivers typically earn $50,000-$70,000 with daily home time.

Intermodal: Georgia's rail connections (CSX and Norfolk Southern both have major operations in Atlanta) create intermodal driving opportunities that combine the efficiency of rail with truck delivery.

Financial Aid Options for Georgia CDL Students

Georgia Work Ready Program

Georgia's Work Ready program connects residents with workforce training funds that can cover CDL training. Contact your local Georgia Department of Labor office for eligibility details.

WIOA Grants

Available through Georgia's workforce development boards, WIOA grants can cover full CDL training costs. Eligibility is determined at the county level.

GI Bill Benefits

Georgia veterans can use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at VA-approved CDL schools. The state also offers additional veteran support through the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Read our CDL training for veterans guide for details.

Tuition Assistance and Employer Partnerships

Georgia Driving Academy and other schools offer multiple tuition assistance pathways including employer partnerships where carriers reimburse training costs. Visit our article on company-sponsored CDL training to learn about these options.

FAQ

How much does CDL school cost in Georgia?

CDL school in Georgia costs $4,000-$7,000 at private schools. The fastest programs (like Daly's 17-day course) fall in the $4,000-$6,000 range, while more comprehensive programs run $5,000-$7,000. Financial aid through WIOA, GI Bill, and company sponsorship can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

How fast can I get a CDL in Georgia?

The fastest CDL program in Georgia is Daly's Truck Driving School at 17 days for Class A CDL. Most other programs complete in 3-6 weeks. Including permit processing and test scheduling, the total time from enrollment to license is typically 4-8 weeks.

What trucking companies hire in Georgia?

Major carriers actively hiring in Georgia include Werner Enterprises, Schneider, JB Hunt, Old Dominion, FedEx Freight, UPS, and numerous regional carriers. Port-focused companies like Cowan Systems and Averitt Express also recruit heavily in the Savannah corridor.

Is the Port of Savannah creating trucking jobs?

Yes. The Port of Savannah has experienced significant growth and is the third-busiest container port in the U.S. This growth directly creates drayage and distribution driving jobs. As the port continues to expand, trucking demand in the Savannah-Atlanta freight corridor is expected to increase.

Do Georgia CDL schools help with job placement?

Most reputable Georgia CDL schools offer job placement assistance. TransTech trains over 3,000 drivers annually through strong carrier partnerships, Roadmaster offers guaranteed interviews with partner carriers, and ATDS connects graduates with both local and national companies. Many graduates receive job offers before completing their programs.

Related Reading

• Company-Sponsored CDL Training: Pros, Cons, and Top Programs
• Truck Driver Salary 2026: How Much Do Truckers Make?
• CDL Endorsements Explained: Hazmat, Tanker, and More

-- The CDL School Finder Team