Truck drivers seeking a CDL, or commercial driver’s license in Georgia, must meet a number of criteria in order to get their license. If at any point one of these criteria is no longer applicable, the CDL is considered revoked. This is important to know if you are seeking damages in a truck accident, as the trucker’s CDL may not even be valid. These requirements apply:
- Driver must be 21 years old
- You must be physically able to get a medical examiner’s card.
- You must have a standard Georgia driver’s license, and you must not have a license from any other state
- You must have no outstanding revocations or suspensions on your CDL or standard driver’s license
- You cannot have any DUIs in the past two years, period.
- You must have a social security number.
- Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for a CDL. To do so, you need to pass all necessary driving exams, show proof of citizenship, pass a vision test, and pay a licensing fee. Then you must take and pass your final CDL exam.
What Happens When A CDL Is Revoked?
In the past, truckers were able to get a Commercial Driving License in another state when they lost their CDL due to intoxication, traffic violations, or failure to notify. Due to the increased computerization of records, those days are long gone. If your CDL is revoked, you will be unable to get a license in any other state. The revocation will remain on your permanent driving record.
What this means is, if you’re a trucker, don’t lose your license! And if you’re looking to file suit against a trucker, know that many truckers have issues with CDL requirements, and this could be a key strategy to getting compensation from the trucking company.
Are There Any Exemptions to CDL Requirements?
There are only three. If you’re an active member of the armed services with a license to drive military vehicles, if you’re a firefighter with all the proper documentation and training, or if you’re a farmer under special circumstances. Some individuals driving large motor homes are also exempt from CDL Requirements, but said individuals would need to contact Georgia authorities.
What Are The Three Classes of CDL?
- Class A allows you to pull trailers of over 10,000 lbs and single vehicles of any weight.
- Class B allows you to pull trailers up to 10,000 lbs and single vehicles of any weight.
- Class C allows you to operate single vehicles of under 26,001 lbs, but not to pull trailers.
For legal advice, contact Attorney Todd Elias who handles truck accident cases in Georgia.