In Georgia, every new driver under 18 must take a 30-hour driver education course and six hours of driver training (Joshua's Law) from a State of Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) licensed driving school. Otherwise, you must complete 40 hours of supervised driving with a Parent or Guardian, six of which must be at night.

Phase 1: Getting Your Learner's Permit

Once you are 15 years old, you can apply online for a Learner's Permit.

You must present documentation showing your identity, residential address, and US citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. Your Social Security Number must be provided on the required online License/ID/Permit Form. Please refer to Real ID Requirements for more information. If you are under 18, you must provide proof of school enrollment. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for more details.

Knowledge Exam
The Knowledge Exam consists of the Road Rules and Signs Test. You must pass each test. A minimum score of 15 out of 20 correct answers on each trial is required to pass.

After you obtain your permit, you can start the Behind-the-Wheel driving lessons. You can only drive a regular vehicle with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sits in the front passenger seat.

Phase 2: Getting Your Class D Provisional License

Once you are 16 years old, have held your Learner's Permit for at least one year (with no significant violations that resulted in the suspension of your permit), and have satisfied the Driver Education (Joshua's Law) requirements, you can apply online for a Provisional License.

A driving log is not required, but a Parent or Guardian must be present when applying for the license at DDS. The parent must attest to the teen's completion of this training.

Road Skills Test
You will be expected to do all or part of a series of tests on the Road Skills Test. For a sample list, view Road Skills Test Overview. You must present your vehicle registration and valid insurance card. The tag (license plate) cannot expire, and your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. Schedule your road test appointment online now.

Restrictions

• You may not drive between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., with no exceptions.
• Only immediate family members can ride in the vehicle during the first six months following issuance.
• During the second six months following issuance, only one passenger under 21 years of age who is not a member of the driver's immediate family can ride in the vehicle.
• After one year from the date of issuance, only three passengers under 21 years of age and not members of the driver's immediate family can ride in the vehicle.

Phase 3: Getting Your Class C Driver's License

At age 18, you can upgrade your driver's license to a Class C (under 21) driver's license. You can do a Class D to C upgrade using Online Services or downloading the DDS 2 Go Mobile App.