Georgia driver license guide

Official name of the learner permit

Instructional Permit, Class CP (commonly called a Learner's Permit). It is step 1 of Georgia's three-step teen licensing program (TADRA): CP permit, then Class D provisional license, then Class C full license.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a learner permit

15Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit (Class CP) fee

$10, paid before the knowledge test starts. It is not refunded if you fail, and you pay it again for every testing attempt.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long the learner's permit is valid

2 years.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent (under 18)

Applicants under 18 must bring a parent/guardian, responsible adult or authorized driver-training instructor to sign the application, with paperwork showing the relationship. The signer can ask DDS to revoke the license any time before the teen turns 18.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit driving rules

You may drive only with someone at least 21 who holds a Class C license, sits in the seat beside you, and is fit to take control of the vehicle.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold the permit before a Class D license

At least 1 year and 1 day (time on an out-of-state permit counts once it is transferred).Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge exam format

Two separate tests, Road Signs and Road Rules, with 20 questions each.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

At least 15 of 20 correct on each test (Road Signs and Road Rules).Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retake after failing the knowledge exam

Wait 1 day after a first failure and 7 days after a second; the $10 permit fee is charged again for each retest.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge exam languages

26 languages for the non-commercial Road Rules and Road Signs tests, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese. The road test is in English only.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

At least 20/60 in one eye (with or without corrective lenses) and a 140-degree field of vision.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a first permit

One proof of identity (e.g., certified U.S. birth certificate or passport), your full SSN on the online form, two proofs of Georgia residency from separate sources, lawful-status documents if not a U.S. citizen, and proof of school enrollment if under 18. Documents must be in English.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

Knowledge exams are walk-in (start at least 30 minutes before the center closes). Road tests are by appointment only. Everyone must submit the online License/ID/Permit Form before visiting a center.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Joshua's Law driver education

16- and 17-year-olds applying for a Class D license must finish a DDS-approved driver education course: 30 hours of classroom or online instruction plus either 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a certified school or 40 hours of parent-taught training using the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving

40 hours with a parent or guardian, 6 of them at night. No log is required, but a parent or guardian must attest to it at the DDS center. Applicants 18 and over also sign an affidavit for 40 hours (6 at night) before the road test.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Class D provisional license requirements

Age 16 or 17; Class CP permit held at least 1 year and 1 day; no major traffic violations that led to a permit suspension; Joshua's Law driver education; ADAP or eADAP alcohol and drug course; school-enrollment proof; vision exam and road skills test. Fee $10 for a 5-year term.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Class D provisional license restrictions

No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. First 6 months: only immediate family as passengers. Next 6 months: at most one non-family passenger under 21. After 1 year: at most three non-family passengers under 21. Rules follow the license class, not age.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Moving from Class D to a full Class C license

At 18 or older with no major traffic convictions in the past 12 months; the upgrade can be done in Online Services or the DDS 2 GO app.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test scoring and retakes

Passing score is 75%. After a failure wait 1 day (7 days after a second failure); wait 30 days if you failed because of an accident or traffic violation.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

A renewed license is valid for up to 8 years (Class C: 8 years; Class D: 5 years).Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 150 days before expiration. If the license has been expired 2 years or more, you must retake the road signs, road rules, road skills and vision tests.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes, through DDS Online Services or the DDS 2 GO app, if you are a Georgia resident, at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and your current card is a REAL ID (gold or black star). Drivers 64+ need an approved vision report on file.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License / renewal fee

Regular Class C license: $32 for 8 years. Online Services and DDS 2 GO renewals get a $5 discount on eligible transactions.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID in Georgia

Every Georgia license and ID issued after 2012 is REAL ID-compliant, marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner. Only one physical card (license or ID) can carry the star. TSA does not accept the temporary paper interim license.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID extra cost

None; normal license/ID fees apply.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline to get a Georgia license after moving

Within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for license transfers

If your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than 2 years, you surrender it and pass only a vision exam; no knowledge or road test. Expired more than 2 years: knowledge, road and vision tests plus a certified driving record.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement license/permit/ID fee

$10 if at least 150 days remain before expiration; otherwise you must renew and pay the renewal fee.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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