Peach State Driver: Your Complete Guide to Getting a Georgia Driver's License

Getting your driver's license in the Peach State is a major milestone, opening up the freedom to explore everything from the bustling streets of Atlanta to the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The journey to becoming a licensed driver involves several key stages managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Georgia's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, known as TADRA, and outlining the process for adults, ensuring you arrive at the DDS Customer Service Center confident and prepared for every step.

For Teen Drivers (Ages 15-17): The GDL Program & Joshua's Law

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe, controlled manner, Georgia has a mandatory GDL program called the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA). A central component of this is Joshua's Law, which establishes specific driver education requirements. [1]

Step 1: The Instructional Permit (Class CP)

This is the very first stage, allowing a new driver to learn and practice on the road with a supervising adult.

Who is eligible?

You must be at least 15 years old. [1, 2]

How to get your Instructional Permit:

Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key original documents to the DDS, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency. For minors, this also includes a Georgia Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1) dated within the last 30 days. [4]
Visit a DDS Customer Service Center: You must apply in person. It's best to complete your application online beforehand to save time. At your visit, you will:
- Submit your application and all required documents.
- Have a parent, guardian, or authorized driving instructor present to sign the application.
- Pay the $10 permit fee.
- Pass a vision exam.
Pass the Knowledge Exam: You must pass a two-part knowledge exam based on the Georgia Driver's Manual.
- Road Signs Test: You must correctly identify 15 out of 20 road signs.
- Road Rules Test: You must correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions about traffic laws. [2]

Rules of the Road with an Instructional Permit:

You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, alert, and capable of taking control of the vehicle. They must be in the front passenger seat. [1]
You must hold the permit for one year and one day before you can apply for a provisional license. [2, 3]

Step 2: The Provisional License (Class D)

After holding your permit for a year, you can graduate to a provisional license, which allows you to drive alone with significant restrictions.

Who is eligible?

You must be 16 or 17 years old.
You must have held your Instructional Permit for one year and one day without any major traffic convictions.
Joshua's Law Requirements: You must present proof of completing:
1. A state-approved 30-hour driver education course.
2. A total of 40 hours of supervised driving experience, including at least 6 hours at night. This must be certified by a parent or guardian. [1, 2, 3]

How to get your Provisional License:

The final step is to pass the Road Skills Test. You must schedule an appointment for this test at a DDS center or use a certified third-party tester.

Restrictions on a Provisional License (TADRA):

Nighttime Curfew: You cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 5:00 a.m. No exceptions. [1, 3]
Passenger Restrictions (First 6 Months): You cannot have any non-family members as passengers. Only your immediate family members can ride with you. [1, 3]
Passenger Restrictions (After 6 Months): For the second six months, you can have no more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a member of your immediate family. [1, 3]
After One Year: After holding the Class D license for one year, the passenger restriction is increased to no more than three passengers under 21 who are not family. [1, 3]

Step 3: The Full Unrestricted License (Class C)

At age 18, the provisional license can be upgraded to a full Class C license, provided you have had no major traffic convictions in the previous 12 months. The GDL restrictions are lifted.

For Drivers 18 and Over

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first Georgia license, the process is more direct. You are not required to complete the GDL program.

Visit a DDS Center: Make an appointment and bring your original documents proving identity, residency, etc., for a Secure ID.
Pass the Tests: You must pass the vision exam and the two-part knowledge exam (road signs and road rules). You will be issued an Instructional Permit.
Take the Road Test: While there is no one-year waiting period, you must feel competent enough to pass the Road Skills Test. You can schedule this for a later date or, if available, take it the same day.
Pay the Fee and Get Your License: Once all tests are passed and documents are verified, you'll pay the licensing fee and receive your full Class C license.

New to Georgia? Transferring Your License

If you move to Georgia and hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you must obtain a Georgia license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Make an appointment at a DDS Customer Service Center.
Surrender your out-of-state license.
Provide full documentation for a Georgia Secure ID.
Pass a vision exam.
The knowledge test and road test are waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, you can successfully navigate the Georgia DDS and earn the privilege of driving in the Peach State.