Driving Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Fit on the Road

Atlanta is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Southeast, which makes it a strong city for people looking for driving jobs of all kinds. Whether you want to drive tractor‑trailers on I‑285, deliver packages in Midtown, or shuttle passengers from Hartsfield–Jackson to Buckhead, there are opportunities across the metro area.

This guide walks you through the main types of driving jobs in Atlanta, what they involve, common requirements, and where to start your search locally.

Main Types of Driving Jobs in Atlanta

Atlanta offers everything from flexible gig work to structured, long‑haul careers. The most common categories are:

• Truck driving (CDL)
• Delivery and courier work
• Rideshare and taxi driving
• Transit and shuttle driving
• School bus and motorcoach driving
• Specialty and municipal driving roles

Each has different licensing, schedules, and earning patterns.

CDL Truck Driving Jobs in Atlanta

Why trucking is big in Atlanta

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of several major interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285) and is close to major distribution centers in Forest Park, Union City, Lithia Springs, and McDonough. That makes CDL truck driving one of the largest transport job categories in the region.

You’ll see roles such as:

• Local delivery driver (day routes)
• Regional driver (Southeast lanes)
• OTR (over‑the‑road) driver (multi‑state)
• Dedicated account driver (same customer/routes)
• Tanker, flatbed, or refrigerated trailer driver

CDL license types (Georgia)

To work most trucking jobs, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by Georgia:

• Class A CDL – for combination vehicles like tractor‑trailers (18‑wheelers)
• Class B CDL – for straight trucks, many buses, some delivery vehicles
• Class C CDL – for smaller vehicles carrying certain passengers or hazardous materials

In metro Atlanta, many warehouse, freight, and logistics employers prefer Class A drivers but there are also plenty of Class B positions for box trucks, dump trucks, and some local delivery.

Where to get or upgrade your CDL in Atlanta

CDL services are handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). For most Atlanta‑area drivers, a main service center is:

Georgia DDS – Atlanta Customer Service Center
400 Whitehall St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (678) 413‑8400

Other nearby DDS centers that handle CDL services include locations in Forest Park, Norcross, and Lithonia. Always verify which centers offer CDL testing and medical card processing before you go.

Typical requirements for CDL truck driving jobs

Most Atlanta trucking employers commonly look for:

• Valid Georgia CDL (A or B)
• DOT medical card
• Clean or acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol screening
• Background check
• Basic English reading skills (for logs, bills of lading, safety instructions)
• Ability to handle Atlanta traffic, tight loading docks, and urban routes

Some roles may also require:

• Hazmat endorsement (H) or Tanker endorsement (N or X)
• One or more years of experience (though there are also “recent graduate” and trainee positions)

Delivery & Courier Driving Jobs in Atlanta

Not everyone wants to drive an 18‑wheeler. Atlanta has a large number of non‑CDL delivery jobs, especially in:

• Package delivery (residential and business)
• Same‑day and medical courier work
• Restaurant and grocery delivery
• Office and legal document courier services

Common vehicle types and licensing

Many local delivery roles use:

• Cargo vans and box trucks – sometimes require Class C or B CDL depending on size/weight
• Pickup trucks and personal vehicles – often just need a standard Class C (non‑commercial) driver’s license
• Bikes or scooters – mainly in denser neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and parts of Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward

For most basic delivery and courier jobs in Atlanta, you’ll typically need:

• Valid Georgia Class C driver’s license
• Reliable personal vehicle (if required for the job)
• Proof of auto insurance
• Smartphone (for route and delivery apps)
• Ability to navigate around intown neighborhoods, OTP suburbs, and sometimes rural areas

Where delivery driving is most active

High‑demand delivery areas within and around the city often include:

• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead – offices, condos, and hotels
• West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland – dense restaurant and residential mix
• Cumberland, Perimeter Center, Sandy Springs – office parks and apartments
• Airport area (College Park, Hapeville, Forest Park) – freight and time‑critical deliveries

Rideshare & Taxi Driving in Atlanta

Rideshare driving

Atlanta’s mix of commuters, tourists, conventions, and nightlife often creates consistent demand for rideshare drivers.

Typical hot spots and time windows:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Downtown and Midtown – rush hours, game days, concerts, and large conventions
• Buckhead, West Midtown, East Atlanta Village, Edgewood – evening and late‑night hours
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Truist Park – event days

Rideshare companies have specific rules and pickup zones at ATL airport, so drivers usually need to:

• Use the designated rideshare waiting lot
• Follow app instructions for North and South terminal pickups
• Comply with airport and city regulations

Taxi and black car services

Metro Atlanta also has traditional taxi companies and black car/chauffeur services, particularly:

• Around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead hotels
• Near ATL airport and major office districts

Professional car services may require:

• More formal dress code and customer service focus
• Clean driving record and sometimes a background check through the company
• Familiarity with hotel, convention, and business routes

Bus, Shuttle, and Transit Driving Jobs

MARTA bus operator jobs

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is a major employer for professional drivers in the city.

MARTA operates buses across Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, and parts of Gwinnett County. Bus operator positions generally involve:

• Driving fixed routes on a set schedule
• Assisting passengers, including those with disabilities
• Working early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Basic expectations often include:

• Valid driver’s license
• Safe driving record
• Customer service skills
• Ability to complete MARTA’s training program, which usually includes learning to operate large buses and earning or using a CDL (often Class B with passenger endorsement)

MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main phone: (404) 848‑5000

Hiring and applications are typically handled through MARTA’s careers portal or HR office.

Airport and hotel shuttle driving

Many hotels near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and ATL airport run their own shuttles. There are also:

• Corporate campus shuttles (Perimeter, Cumberland, Tech Square)
• Parking lot shuttles (airport and event venues)
• Private university shuttles (Georgia Tech, Georgia State in the broader metro area)

These roles often require:

• Clean driving record
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to operate 15‑passenger vans or small buses (some positions require a passenger endorsement or Class B CDL)

School Bus & Motorcoach Driving in Atlanta

School bus driving

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and surrounding school districts in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett regularly hire school bus drivers.

Common features of these jobs:

• Split shifts (morning and afternoon routes)
• Weekends and summers often off (except for special programs or trips)
• Paid training in many cases to help you earn the needed CDL with school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements

Atlanta Public Schools – Transportation Department
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 802‑3500 (district general number; ask for transportation)

Drivers must usually:

• Pass a background check and drug screening
• Complete safety and student management training
• Maintain a clean MVR and meet Georgia school bus driver requirements

Motorcoach and charter bus jobs

Atlanta hosts:

• Sports events
• Concerts and festivals
• Conventions and trade shows
• Tourism to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and civil rights landmarks

This supports a number of motorcoach and charter bus companies that hire drivers for:

• Day trips around Atlanta and nearby cities
• Out‑of‑state tours
• Team and group travel

These jobs usually need:

• Class B or Class A CDL with passenger endorsement
• Comfort with city driving, narrow streets, and tight turns
• Professional appearance and customer‑oriented attitude

Municipal, Utility, and Specialty Driving Jobs

Not all driving jobs are in trucking, delivery, or passenger transport. Metro Atlanta also has specialty driving roles, such as:

• City and county vehicles – sanitation trucks, street sweepers, utility trucks
• Construction and heavy equipment hauling
• Wrecker/tow truck driving
• Service and repair vehicles (HVAC, plumbing, electrical companies)
• Armored truck driving (cash transport)

Many of these roles are with:

• City of Atlanta
• Fulton County
• DeKalb County
• Utility companies and major service contractors

They often prefer or require:

• CDL (often Class B) for larger trucks
• Familiarity with local streets and neighborhoods
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and sometimes on‑call schedules

Basic Requirements for Most Atlanta Driving Jobs

While each role is different, many employers in the Atlanta area look for the following:

Core requirements

• Valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C, A, or B depending on the job)
• Clean or acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol screenings (especially for CDL and safety‑sensitive roles)
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Familiarity with Atlanta traffic patterns, major roads, and interstates

Helpful skills and habits

• Comfortable driving in heavy traffic and stop‑and‑go congestion
• Ability to use GPS and routing apps, but also navigate when traffic changes
• Customer service skills, especially for passenger transport and delivery jobs
• Time management and punctuality, as many routes are schedule‑sensitive
• Basic vehicle walk‑around checks (lights, tires, fluids, etc.)

Navigating Atlanta Traffic as a Professional Driver

Driving for work in Atlanta feels different than casual commuting. Some practical realities:

• Rush hours are intense – I‑75/85 through Downtown, the Downtown Connector, I‑285, GA‑400, and I‑20 can back up quickly, especially 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.
• Weather matters – heavy rain can slow traffic significantly; occasional ice or snow can disrupt routes entirely.
• Events create spikes – Falcons, Hawks, Braves games; college football; concerts; and big conventions near the Georgia World Congress Center can change your normal route conditions.
• Neighborhood driving – intown neighborhoods often have narrow streets, on‑street parking, and frequent pedestrians and cyclists.

Professional drivers who do well in Atlanta typically:

• Build backup routes for common destinations
• Check traffic and incident reports before leaving
• Allow extra time around major venues and during known rush periods
• Stay patient and focused despite congestion

Where to Look for Driving Jobs in Atlanta

You can search for “driving jobs Atlanta” on major job boards, but Atlanta also has more targeted places to check:

1. Company and agency career pages

Many large Atlanta‑area employers regularly post driving openings on their own websites, including:

• Logistics and warehouse companies around I‑20 West, I‑75 South, and I‑85 South
• Hospitals and medical systems (for courier and transport roles)
• School districts and colleges (school bus and campus shuttle jobs)
• City and county governments (sanitation, public works, transit)

2. Local workforce and employment centers

Several public agencies help connect Atlanta residents with transportation and logistics jobs:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  818 Pollard Blvd SW
  Atlanta, GA 30315
  Phone: (404) 546‑3000

• Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center
  223 Courtland St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 232‑4700

These centers can often:

• Help you search for local openings
• Clarify training programs for CDL and other licenses
• Offer guidance on résumés and applications for driving roles

3. CDL schools and training programs

If you are new to commercial driving, Atlanta‑area CDL schools and community training programs sometimes:

• Offer Class A or B CDL training
• Connect graduates with local and regional carriers
• Provide information on grants or financial assistance for training

When considering a training program, compare:

• Cost and payment options
• Training hours and schedule
• What license and endorsements you’ll qualify for
• How they help with job placement after you earn your CDL

Quick Reference: Common Atlanta Driving Job Paths

Practical Next Steps if You Want a Driving Job in Atlanta

If you’re serious about driving for work in Atlanta, a straightforward way to move forward is:

1. Decide what you want to drive

   • Passenger vehicles, vans, buses, box trucks, tractor‑trailers, or specialty trucks.

2. Check your current license and record

   • Make sure your Georgia license is valid and review your MVR.

3. Determine whether you need a CDL or endorsements

   • If yes, contact Georgia DDS or a local CDL school to understand your path.

4. Gather documents

   • License, work authorization, updated résumé, and any certificates (CDL, endorsements, medical card).

5. Use local resources

   • Check job boards and employer sites, and consider visiting WorkSource Atlanta or the Georgia Department of Labor career center for extra support.

6. Prepare for interviews and road tests

   • Be ready to talk about your driving experience, how you handle Atlanta traffic, and your approach to safety and customer service.

By understanding how driving jobs work specifically in Atlanta, you can choose a role that fits your license level, schedule needs, and comfort with the city’s roads—and turn the hours you already spend behind the wheel into a steady, local income.