The ins-and-outs of a career in truck driving!
Starting a new career can be a daunting task and that’s why we’ve gathered some of the top questions people ask us here! Don’t see an answer to a question you have? Fill out the contact form and we’ll reach out to you with answers.
Georgia Driving Academy offers Class A CDL, Class B, CDL Refreshers, and Customized Programs at our Conyers and Columbus, Georgia locations.
Visit our Programs Page to see what would be the best fit.
We have two locations in Conyers and Columbus, Georgia.
Learn more:
- Our Class A program length can range from 3-weeks for full-time training or 9 weekends for part-time training.
- Our Class B CDL Training is a full-time, 70-hour course.
The cost of tuition varies by the program. Costs will also vary depending on an individual's qualifications for any financial assistance. GDA Admissions staff will work with students to determine their eligibility, and then help them apply for financial aid. For more information, check out our Financial Aid page, or contact us for available options.
It is a very common practice in the trucking industry for new truck drivers to spend their first year as an over-the-road (OTR) driver. Driving OTR helps trainees gain valuable experience in the field while also opening doors to new job opportunities. A new OTR driver can expect to earn anywhere from $60,000-$65,000 per year starting out. With more experience, drivers often earn up to $75,000+ a year.
We understand that people might need to maintain their current careers while training at GDA, that's why we offer weekend courses. These classes start regularly, so don't hesitate to register today!
GDA has job placement services to help students find positions with the nation's top trucking companies. The carriers stop by GDA regularly, putting on presentations and allowing Q&A sessions from people interested in their companies. Recruiter visits happen regularly, so make sure to watch our events calender for dates that might interest you!
CDL training courses at GDA begin weekly. To see when our next open class is, please contact our Admissions Department. You can see all of our class starts on our Class Starts page.
No, neither of our campuses offers housing options for students at this moment.
Tuition reimbursement is a payment option where trucking companies offer to pay back employees for education expenses. Usually, the tuition is paid out on a monthly basis as long as the driver remains employed at the company. We work with many trucking companies that offer tuition reimbursement.
The Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) mandate is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). It was created to standardize CDL training programs across the country, leading to safer drivers.
If a student wants to get their CDL, they must attend a school which is ELDT certified. Certified schools have to incorporate classroom education as well as behind-the-wheel training into their programs. Those who are looking to become truck drivers will be ineligible to take the CDL test at the DMV if they haven't attended an ELDT approved school.
This mandate only applies to people getting their CDL after February 7, 2022. If you received your CDL or a CDL endorsement (such as school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials) prior to this date, you are not required to complete an ELDT certified program. The same applies to those who earned their CLP before February 7, 2022, and renewed it or obtained their CDL before their CLP's expiration.
