Category: Georgia

Photo: Glen Edelson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hands-Free Georgia Act means no driver in Georgia may hold or support a phone while driving, whether you are on a learner’s permit, a Class D or a full license. Each conviction adds points. For a driver under 18, a couple of phone tickets plus one other violation is enough to lose the license. This page sets out what the law allows, what it bans and what it costs, as of November 2026.

Key facts

• In force since July 1, 2018 (House Bill 673, O.C.G.A. 40-6-241).
• Applies to drivers of any age and any license type.
• Penalties: 1st conviction 1 point and up to $50; 2nd conviction 2 points and up to $100; 3rd or later 3 points and up to $150.
• Under 18, 4 points in 12 months suspends your permit or license.

What does the Hands-Free Georgia Act ban?

While driving you may not:

• hold or support a phone or other electronic device with any part of your body
• write, send or read texts, instant messages, emails or internet content
• watch a video, unless it is for navigation
• record or broadcast video (dash cams that run continuously are exempt)

What is still allowed?

• Calls through speakerphone, an earpiece, wireless headphones, the car’s hands-free system or a smartwatch.
• GPS navigation.
• Voice-to-text that turns your speech into a message automatically.
• A phone in a mounted holder. DDS says the phone can only be used with an earpiece, a wrist device, a mounted holder or the car’s Bluetooth. A phone left on the console or seat is fine, as long as you don’t pick it up.

The 2018 official guidance from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety says headsets and earpieces may be used only for communication, not for music or other entertainment.

Exceptions

• Reporting a crash, medical emergency, fire, crime or hazardous road conditions.
• Being lawfully parked. Stopping at a red light or stop sign does not count as parked.
• First responders and utility workers on duty.

Hands-free penalties and points in Georgia

Conviction	Points	Maximum fine
1st	1	$50
2nd	2	$100
3rd or later	3	$150

Why it hits teen drivers harder

The fines are the same for everyone. The difference is the points limit. Georgia suspends the license or permit of a driver under 18 who reaches 4 points within 12 months. Adults can reach 15 points in 24 months before the same thing happens.

Scenario: two phone tickets and a stop sign

Ava, 16, on a Class D, is convicted twice under the Hands Free Law in one year, for 1 + 2 = 3 points. A month later she runs a stop sign (disobeying a traffic-control device, 3 points). That makes 6 points in 12 months, so her license is suspended. Even without the stop sign, one more phone conviction would add 3 points.

Permit holders

The law applies to you as the driver, even with a supervising adult beside you. Points go on your record while you are on the permit. Major violations that lead to a suspension can also stop you from getting a Class D. See Class CP and Class D rules.

Is there a stricter phone rule just for Georgia teens?

The current DDS Driver’s Manual and ADAP manual describe one hands-free rule for drivers of any age and license type. Neither sets out a separate, stricter ban for teens. If you hear otherwise, check with DDS. Whatever the law allows, the safest habit for new drivers is to set the phone to Do Not Disturb before moving off.

Other distraction rules

• Georgia law requires drivers to exercise due care and bans any action that distracts from safe driving. Eating, grooming or fiddling with the stereo can still get you a ticket.
• The Georgia permit test includes road rules like these.

Common questions

Can I use my phone at a red light in Georgia?

No. A car stopped at a signal or stop sign is not lawfully parked, so the ban still applies.

Can I use Google Maps or Apple Maps?

Yes. Navigation is allowed, but don’t hold the phone. Use a mount or voice.

Can I listen to music through earbuds?

The 2018 official guidance says headsets and earpieces are for communication only, not music. Use the car’s speakers instead.

Does a hands-free ticket go on my record as a learner?

Yes. Points are added on conviction whatever type of license or permit you hold.

How many phone tickets before a teen loses their license?

Points from 3 convictions (1 + 2 + 3 = 6) would pass the 4-point limit for under-18s. Two convictions (3 points) plus any other point-carrying offense would too.

Can a defensive driving course remove hands-free points?

Georgia allows points avoidance or reduction through a certified 6-hour driver improvement course. The limits are explained in Georgia Super Speeder law and points.

What do other states allow?

See hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Public Safety, “Are You Ready for Hands-Free Georgia?” press release, June 1, 2018 (dps.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 5 Continued: Other Laws” (Distracted Driving, Texting and Cell Phones), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Chapter 2: Traffic Laws and Safe Driving”, ADAP Student Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 10 Continued” (Points System), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: erluko, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Under Georgia’s Super Speeder law, a speeding conviction at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, or 85 mph or more on any road, adds a $200 state fee on top of the court fine. For drivers under 21, one ticket for 24 mph or more over the limit also means a suspended license. Here is how the Super Speeder fee, Georgia’s points and the teen suspension rules fit together, using DDS figures as of November 2026.

What counts as a Super Speeder in Georgia?

You become a Super Speeder if you are convicted of speeding at:

• 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, or
• 85 mph or more on any road or highway in Georgia.

The trigger is your actual speed, not how far over the limit you were.

The fee and the deadline

1. DDS mails you a notice of the $200 Super Speeder fee. This is separate from the fine and fees you pay the court.
2. You have 120 days from the date on the notice to pay DDS.
3. If you miss the deadline, your license, permit or driving privilege is suspended. To reinstate it you pay a $50 reinstatement fee plus the $200.
4. Every Super Speeder conviction carries its own $200 fee, and its own $50 if you are suspended for not paying.

Being a Super Speeder adds no points by itself. The speeding ticket still carries its normal points (see below). Drivers licensed in other states pay the same fee. If they don’t pay, Georgia suspends their right to drive in Georgia and reports it to their home state.

Georgia points for speeding and other violations

Conviction	Points
Speeding 15 to 18 mph over	2
Speeding 19 to 23 mph over	3
Speeding 24 to 33 mph over	4
Speeding 34 mph or more over	6
Hands Free Law: 1st / 2nd / 3rd or later conviction	1 / 2 / 3
Disobeying a traffic-control device or officer	3
Impeding traffic	3
All other moving violations	3
Reckless driving	4
Improper passing on a hill or curve	4
Aggressive driving	6
Unlawfully passing a school bus	6

Points are counted from the date of the violation. Out-of-state violations that would earn points in Georgia are added to a Georgia resident’s record.

When does Georgia suspend a license for points?

Driver	Suspension trigger
Under 18	4 points within 12 months
Under 21	Any single 4-point violation
Everyone	15 or more points within 24 months

Once a license is suspended for points, the point total goes back to zero.

Teen and under-21 suspensions

If you are under 21, your permit or license is suspended for 6 months for a first conviction and 12 months for a second or later one for any of these:

• speeding 24 mph or more over the limit
• reckless driving
• aggressive driving
• unlawfully passing a school bus
• improper passing on a hill or curve
• any other 4-point offense
• hit and run, racing, or fleeing a police officer
• 4 or more points in 12 months while under 18

A limited driving permit is only possible for a speeding conviction of 24 to 33 mph over, and only if you are at least 18 and the sentencing judge approves it. A plea of nolo contendere counts as a conviction for these under-21 suspensions.

A Class D holder also needs 12 months free of major traffic convictions before upgrading to a Class C (Class CP and Class D rules). Alcohol rules for under-21s: zero tolerance laws.

Worked examples

16-year-old, 80 mph on a 55 mph two-lane road

That is 25 mph over, so it is a 4-point offense. As a driver under 21, a first conviction means a 6-month suspension, with no limited permit because the driver is under 18. At 80 mph on a two-lane road, the driver is also a Super Speeder and owes DDS $200.

17-year-old, two smaller tickets

16 over in March (2 points), then 20 over in October (3 points). That makes 5 points in 12 months while under 18, so the license is suspended.

19-year-old, 86 mph on a 70 mph rural interstate

That is 16 over, so 2 points and no automatic under-21 suspension. But 86 mph is over 85, so the $200 Super Speeder fee applies.

Can you reduce points in Georgia?

• Points avoidance: complete a certified 6-hour driver improvement (defensive driving) course after the ticket and before court, or when the court orders it. When you show the original certificate, the court cuts the fine by 20% and assesses no points. This is allowed once every 5 years.
• Points reduction: licensed Georgia residents can ask DDS to remove up to 7 points once every 5 years after completing the same 6-hour course. Send or bring the original certificate to DDS.

Georgia speed limits to know

Unless a sign says otherwise, Georgia’s default limits are:

• 30 mph in urban or residential districts
• 35 mph on unpaved county roads
• 70 mph on rural interstates
• 65 mph on urban interstates and multi-lane divided highways
• 55 mph everywhere else

School and work zones can be posted lower. Driving too slowly in the passing lane while faster traffic is behind you can mean a fine of up to $1,000 and 3 points. See also the basic speed law.

Common questions

How fast is Super Speeder in Georgia?

75 mph or more on a two-lane road, or 85 mph or more on any road.

Does the court collect the $200 Super Speeder fee?

No. DDS collects it separately. You can pay online, by mail or in person.

Does Super Speeder add points?

No. Only the speeding conviction itself carries points.

How many points before a teen loses their license in Georgia?

4 points within 12 months for drivers under 18. Any single 4-point offense suspends a driver under 21.

Can a teen get a limited permit after a speeding suspension?

Only drivers aged 18 or older, for 24 to 33 mph over, and only with the sentencing judge’s approval.

Can a parent take away a teen’s license too?

Yes. The adult who signed the application can request revocation before the teen turns 18, using a notarized DDS form and a $10 non-refundable fee.

How does Georgia compare with other states?

See points systems and license suspensions in the US.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia. Phone points: Hands-Free Georgia Act for teens.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 5 Continued: Keep Right Except to Pass” (Super Speeder, Speed Limits), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Reinstatement FAQs: Super Speeder” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 10 Continued” (Types of Suspensions, Points System), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 10 Continued: Safety Responsibility Law” (Limited Driving Permits), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 6 Continued” (License/Permit Suspensions, Revocation of Minor’s License), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Georgia, some driving schools can give you your road test instead of a DDS examiner, under the DDS Third Party Testing Program. There is a catch: you can only test at a school where you took both parts of the 30 and 6 driver education course. This page explains who qualifies, what the school test involves and what you do after you pass.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Only DDS-certified, full-service driver training schools can be Third Party Testers.
• You can only test at the school where you completed the 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel course.
• Passing gets you a certificate, not a license. You take it in person to DDS with your Class D or Class C application.
• The test has the same two parts as the DDS road test: basic skills first, then an on-road drive.

Who can take the Georgia road test at a driving school?

DDS says only people who completed a 30 and 6 hour driver education course at the third-party tester’s own facility can test there. You cannot book a third-party test at a school you did not train with.

That rules out these routes:

• Teens who did the 6 hours with a parent using the Parent Teen Driving Guide instead of an instructor.
• Learners who did the classroom part with one school and the driving part with another. DDS says the full course must be at the tester’s facility. If your school offered the classroom part online, ask it to confirm you qualify.
• Adults who never took a 30 and 6 course.

All of these learners test at a DDS Customer Service Center instead (Georgia road test guide), or through the virtual road test where it applies.

Which schools can do it?

Role	Who it is	DDS requirement
Third Party Tester	The driving school	DDS-certified for at least 2 calendar years without noncompliance, and “full-service”: offers both the 30-hour classroom and the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training
Third Party Examiner	The instructor who tests you	DDS-certified instructor for at least 2 calendar years, employed by a Third Party Tester, and has passed DDS training and an exam

Certification lasts up to 4 years before renewal. DDS publishes a list of Certified Third Party Testers through its online services. Before you enroll, check the list, or ask the school directly whether it is currently a certified tester. Not every certified driving school is one.

What is on a Georgia third-party road test?

Each school’s test follows DDS’s Guidelines for Road Skills Test Routes. Routes must be approved by DDS before a school can use them.

Part 1: Basic skills (always first)

Done on a paved, level area at or near the school, away from traffic, with cones or posts marking each space:

• parallel parking
• turnabout
• straight-line backing

Part 2: On-road driving

Starts straight after the basic skills. The route must include:

• 4 right turns and 4 left turns
• typical local roads, such as expressways, divided highways and two-lane roads
• controlled and uncontrolled intersections: traffic lights, stop signs, yields
• situations that need a lane change

The whole appointment is scheduled in a 45-minute slot, which includes a pre-test talk, both parts of the test and a post-test talk. Each school has a primary and an alternate route, and the alternate cannot just be the primary route driven in reverse.

School test or DDS test?

	Driving school (third party)	DDS Customer Service Center
Who can test	Only that school’s 30 and 6 students	Anyone who meets the Class D or Class C requirements
Route	The school’s DDS-approved route near the school, which you may know from lessons	The center’s route
Result	Certificate, then a DDS visit for the license	License issued at the center
Cost	Set by the school. Ask before you book.	Check DDS fees for your license class

After you pass: getting your license

1. Keep the certificate the examiner gives you.
2. Take it in person to a DDS Customer Service Center with your Class D or Class C application.
3. Bring everything the license needs. For a Class D, that means proof of school enrollment, ADAP completion, the 40-hour supervised driving affidavit and a responsible adult to sign. You also need to have held your Class CP for one year and one day. The full list is in Georgia Class CP and Class D rules.

The school test only replaces the driving exam. It does not replace any other Class D requirement.

Common questions

Can any Georgia driving school give me my road test?

No. Only full-service schools that DDS has certified as Third Party Testers, and only for students who did their 30 and 6 course there.

I did driver ed online. Can I test at a driving school?

Only if the same school gave you both the 30-hour classroom part and the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training. Ask the school to confirm before you book.

Does the driving school issue my license?

No. You get a certificate and take it to DDS with your application.

Is the school test easier?

It has the same structure as the DDS test, with basic skills first and then the road drive, on a route DDS has approved. What helps is knowing the area. Brush up on common reasons people fail.

Can adults use third-party testing?

Yes, if they completed a 30 and 6 course at the testing school. DDS says the certificate goes with a Class D or Class C application.

How much does a third-party road test cost?

Schools set their own prices. Ask the school for its testing fee in writing.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia. Driver education rules: Joshua’s Law explained.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Third Party Testing” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Third Party Testing Program FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Guidelines for Road Skills Test Routes”, RC-TPT-999 (6/22) (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Driver Education FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Trooper First Class Pratz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you move to Georgia, you have 30 days after becoming a resident to apply for a Georgia driver’s license. Most adults with a valid out-of-state license only need a vision exam and documents. Teens have to meet Georgia’s own teen rules first. This guide covers adults, teens, US territory licenses and foreign licenses, using the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) rules as of November 2026.

Key facts

• Deadline: apply within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident.
• Valid out-of-state license (or one expired 2 years or less): vision exam only, no knowledge or road test.
• Expired more than 2 years: knowledge, road and vision exams, plus a certified driving record.
• Under 18: Georgia’s school enrollment, driver education and ADAP requirements apply before your license transfers.
• Licenses from other countries do not transfer, except where Georgia has a reciprocity arrangement.

When do you count as a Georgia resident?

Under Georgia law you are a resident if any one of these applies:

• You have a permanent home in Georgia and intend to return when you are away.
• You take a job or run a business in Georgia, or you enroll your children in a Georgia school.
• You have been in Georgia for 30 days or more.

The 30-day clock to get a Georgia license or permit starts when you become a resident.

Who does not need a Georgia license

• Nonresidents aged 16 or older carrying a valid license from their home state or country. Georgia’s legal restrictions for your age still apply to you.
• Active-duty military who are not Georgia residents, with a valid home-state license. This also covers a spouse or dependent child with a valid home-state license.
• Out-of-state college students aged 16 or older who carry a valid home license, are enrolled in a Georgia school and have paid nonresident tuition, with proof of payment. If the license is not in English, you also need an international driving permit.

How to transfer an out-of-state driver’s license to Georgia (18 and older)

An “out-of-state” license means one from any of the other 49 states, the District of Columbia or a US territory. Any DDS Customer Service Center can do the transfer. To transfer a full license you must be 18, or 17 if your license is the equivalent of a Georgia Class C with no time, route, purpose or passenger restrictions.

Your current license	What DDS requires
Valid, or expired for 2 years or less	Surrender the license, pass a vision exam, bring documents. No written or road test.
Expired for more than 2 years	Pass the knowledge, road and vision exams. Bring a certified driving record (MVR) from the issuing state, plus documents.
Lost or stolen	Pass a vision exam. Bring a certified MVR from the issuing state, plus documents.

Steps

1. Fill in the online License/ID/Permit Form before you go. DDS requires it, and keeps your details on file for 60 days.
2. Gather your documents (see the checklist below).
3. Visit a DDS Customer Service Center. Your Social Security number is checked with the Social Security Administration, and your details must match both agencies’ records.
4. Pass the vision exam and have your photo taken.
5. Pay the fee. A regular Class C license costs $32 for 8 years (as of November 2026). Centers take cash, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

DDS hole-punches your old license and gives it back to you with an interim license. The hole-punched card is not valid for driving.

Document checklist

• Proof of identity (1 document) for US citizens, such as a certified US birth certificate or an unexpired US passport or passport card.
• Proof of name change if your name differs from your identity document, for example a certified marriage certificate or court order.
• Your full Social Security number, entered on the online form.
• Proof of Georgia residency (2 documents) from separate sources, showing your name and current home address. P.O. boxes do not count. Examples are a signed lease, a utility bill from the last 6 months, or a bank statement from the last 6 months.
• Non-US citizens: immigration documents proving identity and lawful status, brought in person.

All documents must be in English, and DDS does not accept translated documents. For a lost card, DDS does not accept uncertified printouts from a website, but the other state’s agency can fax the record straight to DDS. REAL ID document rules apply too: see REAL ID and your first US driver’s license.

Teens moving to Georgia

Georgia does not simply swap a teen’s license from another state. What happens depends on what you hold now.

No license or permit from another state

You follow the same process as any Georgia teen: a Class CP permit from 15, then a Class D at 16. Start with Georgia instructional permit at 15.

Out-of-state learner’s permit

• You must meet all Georgia learner’s permit requirements, including school enrollment proof and a responsible adult to sign.
• No knowledge test is required to transfer a non-commercial permit, but you must pass a vision exam.
• Your time on the out-of-state permit counts toward Georgia’s one year and one day permit period before a Class D.

Out-of-state provisional or full license (under 18)

You will normally be eligible for a comparable Georgia license. First, though, you must meet all of Georgia’s teen requirements:

• proof of school enrollment
• Georgia-approved driver education (Joshua’s Law)
• the ADAP alcohol and drug course (ADAP and eADAP)
• a parent, guardian or responsible adult to sign

Because other states set different teen rules, DDS asks families to check their case with the Customer Contact Center on (678) 413-8400.

Driver education from another state

DDS says a Class D needs driver education from a Georgia Certified Driver Training School. The one exception is for children of active-duty US military parents. They can use an out-of-state driver training certificate if they move to Georgia within 9 months of their 16th birthday. Bring the parent’s military orders as proof.

Scenario: moving at 16 with a permit

Jordan held a permit in another state for 8 months before moving to Atlanta. Jordan transfers the permit with a vision exam and no knowledge test. The 8 months count, so Jordan can apply for a Class D once the total reaches one year and one day. Jordan still needs Georgia driver education, ADAP and the 40 supervised hours (40-hour guide) before the road test.

Licenses from US territories

Since February 6, 2020, Georgia has waived the knowledge and road tests for licenses from Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and Saipan. The license must be valid, or expired for less than 2 years, and you must meet the normal identity requirements. If you do not have the card, bring a certified driving history from the territory.

Can you transfer a foreign license to Georgia?

Usually not. DDS says licenses issued outside the 50 states and DC are non-transferable, so you complete the full process: knowledge, road and vision exams, plus identity, lawful presence, Social Security and residency documents.

• Visitors: you can drive on a valid foreign license until you become a resident. An officer may ask for your passport or visa to check that the license is valid.
• Reciprocity: Georgia recognizes licenses from countries with a reciprocal agreement with DDS, and the license must be equivalent to a Georgia Class C. DDS names South Korea and Taiwan. A South Korean license with a License Certification Letter from the South Korean Consulate is exempt from the knowledge and road tests, but you must pass the vision exam. Check the current list and terms with DDS before you go.
• Missing card: bring a driving history printed in English, dated within the last 30 days, from the issuing country.

More on driving in the US with an overseas license: Driving in the US on a foreign license.

Common questions

How long do I have to get a Georgia license after moving?

30 days from becoming a Georgia resident.

Do I have to retake the driving test when I move to Georgia?

Not if your out-of-state license is valid or has been expired for 2 years or less. You only take the vision exam.

Does my out-of-state permit time count in Georgia?

Yes. Time held on an out-of-state permit counts toward the one year and one day Georgia requires before a Class D.

My teen did driver ed in another state. Does it count?

Only for children of active-duty military parents who move within 9 months of the teen’s 16th birthday. Otherwise you need a Georgia-certified course.

Can I keep my old license?

An out-of-state US license is hole-punched and handed back, and it is no longer valid for driving. Most non-US citizens can keep their foreign license. The rules for US citizens holding foreign licenses differ between DDS pages, so ask at the center.

Can I do the transfer online?

No. You fill in the form online, but the transfer itself is done in person at a Customer Service Center.

How do other states handle this?

See Moving to a new state: transferring your driver’s license.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia. Teen license rules: Georgia Class CP and Class D rules.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 1: General Licensing Information”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2 Continued: Other License Types Continued” (New Georgia Residents), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 6 Continued” (Teens Moving to Georgia), Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Transfer Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “New Georgia Residents and Out-of-State License Transfers” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Drivers From Other Nations” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Reciprocity for US Territories” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Information for Non-US Citizens” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Provisional License (Class D)” and “Learners Permit (Class CP)” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Driver Education FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “License FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Fees and Terms” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Georgia’s virtual road test (VRT) is a DDS road skills test where the examiner watches you drive remotely, through a dual-facing camera and a hands-free phone, instead of sitting in your car. A licensed adult aged 21 or older rides with you as the passenger. DDS describes it as its standard method for non-commercial drivers. Here is who can take it, what to bring and how it works.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• For non-commercial road tests: Class D for teens and Class C for adults.
• The examiner observes remotely via a dual-facing camera with live, two-way communication.
• Your passenger must be a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, at least 21, with a valid driver’s license and a cell phone.
• Appointment only, booked through DDS Online Services. No same-day appointments.
• DDS reports 166,658 virtual road testers from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2025, with a 92% pass rate.

How does the Georgia virtual road test work?

1. Submit the online License/ID/Permit Form, then book your road test appointment in DDS Online Services.
2. Arrive with your adult passenger and vehicle. The vehicle needs a paper copy of the registration, a current insurance card and an unexpired plate. It must pass a DDS safety inspection.
3. The camera and phone link you to the examiner. DDS’s fact sheet says you only need to bring a licensed driver aged 21 or older, a cell phone, and confidence.
4. Drive the test. The examiner gives instructions and scores you remotely while your adult rides as the passenger.

Under-18 applicants still need every Class D document on test day: permit, school enrollment proof, ADAP certificate, driver education certificate and the parent’s 40-hour affidavit. See Class CP and Class D rules.

Who can ride with you on a virtual road test?

• A parent, guardian or other responsible adult who is at least 21 and holds a valid driver’s license.
• No one else. DDS’s road test page says only the applicant and that driver may be in the vehicle, with no other minors, children or pets.

What you are scored on

DDS publishes one task list for the Class C and D road skills test:

• Parallel parking midway between two standards, within 18 inches of the curb (space 22 feet by 10 feet)
• Straight-line backing for about 50 feet, looking back the whole time
• A turnabout in a narrow space
• Stopping for signs and signals, approaching corners, yielding, turning, passing and following distance
• Posture: both hands on the wheel

DDS states the 75% minimum score in its description of the traditional, in-car test. It does not give a separate virtual pass mark. Confirm with DDS when you book if that matters to you. The task-by-task guide is in Georgia road test: parallel parking, three-point turn and scoring.

Virtual vs traditional road test in Georgia

	Virtual	Traditional
Where the examiner is	Remote, watching via a dual-facing camera	In your passenger seat
Who rides with you	Your licensed adult, 21 or older	The examiner
Communication	Hands-free cell phone, live two-way	In person
Vehicle rules	Same: registration, insurance, valid plate, safety inspection	Same

What DDS’s figures say

DDS’s Virtual Road Test fact sheet reports a 92% pass rate for 166,658 tests taken from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2025. It also reports that, after passing, virtual testers had fewer convictions than traditional testers: 24 vs 27 per 100 drivers. Customers told DDS they felt less anxious driving with someone they know.

A high pass rate does not make the test easy. Practice every task, especially parallel parking and backing. The usual failure points are in common reasons people fail the US driving test.

Common questions

Is the Georgia road test virtual now?

DDS’s fact sheet calls the virtual road test the standard method for non-commercial drivers. DDS also still describes a traditional test with the examiner in the car.

Can my older brother be my passenger?

Yes, if he is at least 21 and holds a valid driver’s license.

Do I need my own phone?

Your adult passenger needs a cell phone for two-way communication with the examiner.

Can I take a virtual test for a motorcycle or CDL?

No. DDS offers the virtual format for non-commercial road tests. Motorcycle and CDL skills tests have their own rules.

What if it rains?

DDS may suspend testing for bad weather, equipment failure or other conditions it cannot control, and will reschedule.

Can I test with my driving school instead?

Some certified schools can test their own students. See taking your Georgia road test at a driving school.

Compare with other states: US road test by state. Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 3: Testing Information” and “Section 3 Continued”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Road Test Appointments” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Test and Exams Information” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Virtual Road Test: Quick Facts” fact sheet (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Get a Class D Provisional License” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Connor Scott McMan, Pexels

Georgia teens need at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 at night, before a Class D license. Georgia has no required log. Instead, a parent or guardian signs an affidavit at DDS. The free DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide is a set of lesson plans that can replace the 6 instructor hours under Joshua’s Law. This checklist covers both.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• At least 40 hours of supervised driving, at least 6 of them at night.
• No driving log is required.
• At the road test, a parent, guardian or authorized DDS-certified instructor swears or affirms the hours were done.
• The Parent/Teen Driving Guide is free to download or available at any Customer Service Center.
• Paired with a 30-hour classroom or online course, the guide meets Joshua’s Law.

Who can supervise practice hours?

DDS’s driver education FAQ says the supervising person must:

• be at least 21
• hold an unexpired Class C driver’s license
• sit next to the driver at all times
• be capable of taking control of the vehicle if needed

Two routes: 6 instructor hours or the guide

	Instructor route	Parent/Teen Driving Guide route
Behind-the-wheel training	6 hours with a DDS-certified school	Parent-taught, following the guide
Supervised driving	40 hours on top, 6 at night	The guide’s 40 hours, which include the supervised driving
Paperwork at DDS	The 40-hour affidavit, plus a separate document confirming the instructor hours	Driving Experience Affidavit (DDS-7), signed at DDS
Insurance discount	DDS says only 30 classroom hours plus 6 behind-the-wheel hours from a state-licensed school qualifies	Not named in DDS’s insurance answer, so ask your insurer

The full Joshua’s Law rules are in Georgia Joshua’s Law explained.

What is in the Parent/Teen Driving Guide?

The guide is organized as numbered sessions from 1 to 40, building from a parking lot to expressways and night driving:

Sessions	Focus
1 and 2	Instrument panel, controls, mirrors and blind spots (bring a tape measure and cones or cups)
3 to 5	Moving, stopping, reference points and steering at different speeds
6 and 7	Backing and one-hand steering
8 to 10	Turning, lane position and visual skills
11 to 13	Searching your path 12 to 20 seconds ahead, curves and turns on quiet roads
14 to 16	Angle, perpendicular and parallel parking
17 and 18	Turnabouts: 2-point, 3-point and U-turns
19 to 21	Multiple-lane roads: lane changes, following distance, blind spots
22 to 24	Crowded urban roads
25 to 28	Expressways at speeds up to 70 mph
29 and 30	Crash avoidance: vision, steering and braking drills
31 to 40	Driving after sunset: glare, headlights and night vision

The guide suggests mixing night driving into lessons where possible. Sessions 14 to 18 line up with the parallel parking and turnabout tasks on the Georgia road test.

Tips from the guide for supervising parents

• Start in an automatic car if you can, in a large empty parking lot, then move to quiet neighborhoods.
• The guide calls 30 minutes the best learning period for beginners. Spend the first half of a one-hour session on new skills and the second half checking them.
• Give directions in two parts: where first, then the action (“At the next intersection, turn right”).
• Use commentary driving. Have your teen say out loud what they see and plan to do.
• Practice your own emergency moves from the passenger seat: steering with your left hand, and using a center parking brake if your car has one.
• Check your teen has the permit and insurance information before every drive.

Tracking your hours anyway

Georgia does not require a log, but the adult who signs is swearing under penalty of law that the hours were done. A simple record of date, minutes, day or night, and the skill practiced makes the affidavit honest and easy to sign. It also shows you whether you have reached the 6 night hours.

Common questions

Do I need a driving log in Georgia?

No. A parent, guardian or authorized DDS-certified instructor attests to the 40 hours when you apply.

Can a grandparent supervise?

Any supervisor who is at least 21 with an unexpired Class C license and sits next to you can supervise practice. The affidavit is signed by a parent, guardian or authorized instructor.

Do the 6 instructor hours count toward the 40?

DDS describes the 40 hours as other driving experience, in addition to the instructor’s 6 hours.

Where do I get the Parent/Teen Driving Guide?

It is a free download on the DDS manuals page and is also available at any Customer Service Center.

Do adults need 40 hours too?

Yes. First-time applicants aged 18 and over sign an affidavit confirming 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 at night.

How do Georgia’s hours compare with other states?

See supervised driving hours by state.

Related: Georgia instructional permit at 15. Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “40-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide 2024-2025”, introduction and sessions 1 to 40 (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Driver Education FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Joshua’s Law Requirements” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Joshua’s Law Explained FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Manuals” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Katie Brittle, Pexels

ADAP, Georgia’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program, is a 4-hour course that every teen under 18 must complete before getting a Class D driver’s license. Most students take it at high school. Teens who cannot take it there can use eADAP, the free online version. This page covers who needs it, who qualifies for eADAP and how to replace a lost certificate.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Required by law for anyone under 18 getting a Georgia driver’s license.
• 4 hours, usually taken in freshman year in health, physical education or ROTC class.
• eADAP: online and free, but only for qualifying teens.
• Not required at 18 or older.
• Bring the certificate when you apply for your Class D.

Do I need ADAP to get a Georgia license?

Yes, if you are under 18. Without it you cannot get a Georgia driver’s license until you turn 18. ADAP is not the same as driver’s education, and you need both for a Class D (Joshua’s Law explained). Some driver education programs include ADAP in their 30-hour course, so check before you sign up for both.

ADAP or eADAP: which one can you take?

	ADAP	eADAP
Format	Classroom	Online, available around the clock
Who takes it	Most students, through their high school	Only teens who cannot take classroom ADAP through their public or private high school
Cost	Through your school	Free
Lost certificate	Get a replacement from the instructor who taught your class	Reprint it yourself with “Print Student Certificate”

Who qualifies for eADAP?

DDS gives these examples:

• Home-schooled teens
• New students who missed the classroom course, including teens who recently moved to Georgia
• Students who did not pass the classroom course
• Students with scheduling conflicts, such as band, ROTC or athletics
• Students who turn 16 the semester before their school offers ADAP
• Students in a GED program
• Students who were absent when the classroom course ran

How eADAP works

1. Register on the eADAP program page through DDS’s ADAP page. Every student needs their own email address, so siblings cannot share one.
2. Your username and password arrive by email, usually within 10 minutes. Check your spam folder.
3. Complete the course and the final exam.
4. Print your certificate. If it will not print, install Adobe Acrobat Reader, refresh, then use “Print Student Certificate”. If that still fails, email DDS’s ADAP support with your full name, date of birth and email address.

What ADAP covers

The ADAP Student Manual (revised July 2025) has four chapters:

• TADRA, Georgia’s graduated licensing law
• Traffic laws and safe driving
• Alcohol and drug awareness
• Summary and discussion

Facts from the program that you will also see on the Road Rules test:

• Drivers under 21 are considered under the influence at 0.02 blood alcohol or more.
• Under 21, a first DUI suspension is at least 6 months. It is at least 12 months at 0.08 or above, or for refusing testing, and no limited permit is available.
• Underage possession of alcohol while driving brings a 6-month suspension for a first conviction.
• A Class D driver with a DUI conviction in the previous 12 months cannot move up to a Class C at 18.

National context: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21, implied consent and DUI and drugged driving and cannabis.

ADAP for parents

DDS also runs a Parent ADAP course for parents and guardians. It covers drug prevention strategies and legal accountability, and it can help you coach your teen. Registration is on DDS’s ADAP page.

Common questions

Do I need ADAP for my learner’s permit?

DDS’s learner’s permit page does not list it. You need the certificate for your Class D. Taking it early avoids a last-minute delay.

Can anyone take eADAP?

No. It is only for teens who cannot take classroom ADAP through their high school.

Is eADAP free?

Yes.

I am 18. Do I need ADAP?

No. At 18 neither ADAP nor eADAP is required.

I took ADAP at school and lost the certificate. What now?

Ask the instructor who taught your class for a replacement. eADAP can only reprint certificates for courses taken through eADAP.

Where do I ask questions about ADAP?

DDS has an “Ask ADAP” form linked from its ADAP page. DDS says replies usually come within 2 business days.

Related: Class CP and Class D rules and Georgia road test. Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP/eADAP)” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “ADAP FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “eADAP FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Georgia Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program Student Manual”, revised July 2025 (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Get a Class D Provisional License” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 6: Teen Driving Laws”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Luis Negron, Pexels

Joshua’s Law is the Georgia rule that 16 and 17-year-olds must finish a DDS-approved driver education course before getting a Class D license. The course is 30 hours of classroom or online instruction, plus either 6 hours with a certified instructor or the Parent/Teen Driving Guide. Teens also need 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 at night. Below are the four ways to meet it and what to bring to DDS.

What is Joshua’s Law in Georgia?

Joshua’s Law is Senate Bill 226, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2005 and in effect since January 1, 2007. DDS lists its main points:

• Approved driver education is required for a Class D provisional license at 16 and 17.
• Approved driver education is required for a Class M motorcycle instructional permit (MP) at 16.
• You must be 17 to get a Class M motorcycle license.

DDS says 17-year-olds applying on or after July 1, 2021 must meet the same requirements as 16-year-olds. An older DDS FAQ still says teens without driver ed can be licensed at 17. Follow the current Joshua’s Law Requirements page, which says driver ed is required.

The four ways to meet Joshua’s Law

Method	Instruction (30 hours)	Behind the wheel	Supervised driving
1	Classroom at a certified school	6 hours with a certified school	40 hours with parent or guardian, 6 at night
2	Classroom at a certified school	Parent/Teen Driving Guide	Included in the guide’s 40 hours
3	Online, certified virtual program	6 hours with a certified school	40 hours with parent or guardian, 6 at night
4	Online, certified virtual program	Parent/Teen Driving Guide	Included in the guide’s 40 hours

With methods 2 and 4, the Parent/Teen Driving Guide covers both the behind-the-wheel part and the 40 supervised hours. With methods 1 and 3, the 6 instructor hours come on top of the 40. More on the guide: Georgia 40-hour supervised driving and the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

How to choose a method

• Cost: DDS says certified course prices generally start at around $250, and online virtual programs cost less. Prices are set by schools.
• Insurance: DDS says only a completion certificate from a state-licensed school for 30 classroom hours plus 6 behind-the-wheel hours qualifies for an insurance premium reduction. Ask your insurer before you choose. See car insurance for new drivers.
• Road test at school: some DDS-certified full-service schools can give the road test to their own driver ed students (taking your road test at a driving school).
• Time: the guide route puts all the driving on the family, so plan the hours early in your permit year.

Picking a course that counts

• Only DDS-certified schools and DDS-approved online programs count. DDS will not accept classes from uncertified schools.
• Online providers may sell courses approved for other states. Make sure yours meets Georgia’s Joshua’s Law requirements.
• Check the school’s certification in DDS’s school list before you pay.
• If you lose your online course login, contact the course provider. DDS does not have it.

What you show at the road test

• A certificate of completion for the driver education course from a DDS-certified school.
• A parent, guardian or authorized DDS-certified instructor, who swears or affirms that you completed 40 hours of supervised driving with 6 at night. No driving log is required.
• If your behind-the-wheel hours came from a certified instructor, the manual says a separate document confirming this must be completed at the road test.
• Your ADAP certificate, which is a separate requirement (ADAP and eADAP).

Special cases

Military families

DDS accepts an out-of-state driver training certificate from military dependents who move to Georgia within 9 months of their 16th birthday, with the parent’s military orders. A 17-year-old who is enlisted can apply for a Class C without the 1 year and 1 day permit hold, using form DS-517.

Moved to Georgia after driver ed elsewhere

For other teens, DDS says a Georgia course from a certified school is needed for a Class D. If you took a course out of state, contact DDS. See Moving to Georgia.

Turning 18

Joshua’s Law covers 16 and 17-year-olds. At 18 you can apply for a Class C without driver ed, but you still sign a 40-hour affidavit.

Common questions

Can I skip driver’s ed in Georgia if I wait until 17?

No, not since July 1, 2021. Seventeen-year-olds must meet the same requirements as 16-year-olds.

Can the whole course be online?

The 30-hour instruction can be online. The behind-the-wheel part is done with a certified instructor or through the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

Who does the 6 hours of night driving?

DDS’s Joshua’s Law FAQ says a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need a driving log?

No. A parent or guardian attests to the hours when you apply.

Is ADAP part of driver’s ed?

No, but some 30-hour courses include ADAP. Check with your provider.

How does Georgia compare with other states?

See supervised driving hours by state.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Joshua’s Law Requirements” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Joshua’s Law Explained FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “What Courses Can I Take to Satisfy Joshua’s Law?” course chart (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Driver Education FAQs” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card” and “Section 6: Teen Driving Laws”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Get a Class D Provisional License” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Third Party Testing” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: formulanone from Huntsville, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Georgia you can apply for a Class CP instructional permit (learner’s permit) once you turn 15. Applicants under 18 bring identity and residency documents, proof of school enrollment and a responsible adult to sign. You then pass a vision exam and the knowledge exam and pay $10. This checklist covers what to bring and the rules once you have the permit.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Minimum age: 15.
• Fee: $10, paid before the knowledge exam and again for every attempt.
• Valid for 2 years.
• Supervisor: licensed Class C driver, at least 21, sitting beside you.
• You must hold it for 1 year and 1 day before a Class D.

Before you go: submit the online form

DDS requires the online License/ID/Permit Form before any Customer Service Center visit. Your information stays on file for 60 days, so submit it close to your visit date. Your full Social Security Number goes on this form.

Georgia learner’s permit document checklist

1. Proof of identity (one document, U.S. citizens)

• U.S. birth certificate, original or certified copy with a raised seal
• Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship

Non-citizens bring an identity document and a lawful status document from DDS’s immigration document table. DDS does not accept translated documents.

2. Proof of Georgia residency (two documents)

The two must come from separate sources or accounts and show your name and home address. P.O. boxes do not count. School records are on the list, including a transcript, report card or form DS-1, which helps teens who have no bills in their name. Bank statements and utility bills must be dated within the past 6 months.

3. Proof of school enrollment (under 18, choose one)

• A notarized Certificate of School Enrollment form from your school
• A transcript from your most recent school (it does not have to be certified)
• Your most recent progress or grade report
• A current school ID card
• Home-schooled: a Certificate of Enrollment or Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program filed with the Georgia Department of Education
• Not in school: high school diploma, GED, special diploma, certificate of high school completion, or proof of enrollment in a GED program or post-secondary school

4. A responsible adult (under 18)

A parent, legal guardian, responsible adult or authorized driver training instructor must come with you and sign. They must bring paperwork showing their relationship to you. DDS’s list includes:

• Parent, legal guardian or stepparent
• A social worker who has worked with you
• An employee of a homeless shelter where you live
• A certified driver training instructor with notarized authorization

The person who signs can ask DDS to revoke your permit at any time before you turn 18.

5. Other items

• Any out-of-state license, permit or ID, which you surrender. If it was lost, bring a driving record (MVR) from that state dated within the last 60 days.
• All documents must be in English and show your first and last name.

At the Customer Service Center

1. Show your documents.
2. Pass the vision exam: at least 20/60 in one eye, with or without glasses, and a 140-degree field of vision.
3. Pay the $10 fee.
4. Pass both knowledge tests, Road Signs and Road Rules, with 15 of 20 correct on each (Georgia DDS permit test).
5. Have your photo taken.

Knowledge exams are walk-in. Start at least 30 minutes before closing.

Rules while you hold a Georgia permit

• Your supervisor must be at least 21, hold a license to drive Class C vehicles, be fit and able to take control, and sit in the seat beside you.
• Carry your permit whenever you drive and show it to police if asked.
• No holding a phone while driving (Hands-Free Georgia Act for teens).
• Points and suspensions still apply. Under 18, 4 points in 12 months means suspension.
• You need the permit for behind-the-wheel driver education training.

Plan your year on the permit

The earliest route to a Class D is a permit on your 15th birthday and a road test at 16. You must have held the permit for 1 year and 1 day. During that year, finish:

• Driver education under Joshua’s Law
• 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 at night
• ADAP or eADAP

Then see Class D rules for what changes after you pass.

Common questions

Can I get my Georgia permit before 15?

No. DDS says applicants must be at least 15.

Does the school enrollment form need to be notarized?

The Certificate of School Enrollment form must be notarized. A transcript, grade report or school ID are alternatives.

Who can supervise me on a Georgia permit?

Anyone at least 21 who holds a Class C license and sits beside you. It does not have to be a parent.

Can my 19-year-old sibling supervise?

No. The supervisor must be at least 21.

How long is the Georgia permit valid?

2 years.

I moved from another state with a permit. Does my time count?

For the Class D, DDS counts out-of-state permit time if the permit is transferred to Georgia. The total must still be 1 year and 1 day. See Moving to Georgia.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Get a Learners Permit (Class CP)” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 6: Teen Driving Laws”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 1: General Licensing Information” and “Section 1 Continued”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Fees and Terms” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Joshua’s Law Requirements” (dds.georgia.gov)

Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Georgia teens drive on a Class CP instructional permit from 15, then a Class D provisional license from 16 until they upgrade to a Class C at 18. The Class D comes with a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew and passenger limits that loosen at 6 and 12 months. Here are the exact rules for each stage, for teens and parents.

Class CP vs Class D vs Class C at a glance

Rule	Class CP permit	Class D provisional	Class C (18+)
Minimum age	15	16	18
Supervision	Licensed Class C driver aged 21 or older in the seat beside you	None needed	None
Night driving	Allowed with supervisor	Not between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.	No curfew
Passengers	Supervisor required	Limited (see below)	No GDL limit
Term and fee (as of November 2026)	2 years, $10	5 years, $10	8 years, $32

Class CP permit rules

• You may drive any Class C vehicle only with a person who is at least 21, licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, fit and capable of taking control, and sitting in the seat beside you.
• The permit is valid for up to 2 years.
• The adult who signed your application can ask DDS to revoke your permit at any time before you turn 18.

Getting the permit: Georgia instructional permit at 15.

Who can get a Class D license?

You must be at least 16 and meet all of these:

• Held a valid Class CP for at least 1 year and 1 day. Time on an out-of-state permit counts if you transfer it to Georgia.
• No major traffic violations that led to suspension of your permit.
• Completed Joshua’s Law driver education and 40 supervised hours, 6 at night (Joshua’s Law explained).
• Completed ADAP or eADAP (ADAP guide).
• Proof of school enrollment and a responsible adult to sign.
• Passed the road test (Georgia road test).

Military exception: a 17-year-old enlisted in the military, with form DS-517, is exempt from the 1 year and 1 day hold and is issued a Class C license.

What time is the Georgia Class D curfew?

A Class D holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 5:00 a.m. DDS states there are no exceptions.

Who can ride with a Class D driver in Georgia?

Time since Class D issued	Passengers allowed
First 6 months	Immediate family members only
Months 7 to 12	Family, plus no more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family
After 12 months	Family, plus no more than three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family

“Immediate family” means your parents and stepparents, grandparents, siblings and step-siblings, children, and anyone else who lives at your home. In the first 6 months the rule is family only, whatever the passenger’s age. From month 7, the limits apply to non-family passengers under 21.

Scenario: six weeks after passing

Maya, 16, got her Class D in September. In October she wants to drive her cousin, who lives across town, to practice. That is not allowed, because a cousin who does not live with her is not immediate family. Driving her younger brother is fine.

Other rules that hit teen drivers hard

• Suspension for 6 months (12 for a second conviction) if you are under 21 and convicted of hit and run, racing, fleeing police, reckless driving, aggressive driving or any 4-point offense, such as passing a stopped school bus or speeding 24 mph or more over the limit.
• Under 18: 4 or more points in any 12 months means suspension.
• Under 21: a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or more counts as under the influence. A first DUI suspension is at least 6 months, or 12 months at 0.08 or above or for refusing testing.
• All drivers: no holding or supporting a phone (Hands-Free Georgia Act for teens).

Speeding risks: Super Speeder law and points for new drivers.

Moving up to a Class C at 18

You can apply for a Class C when you turn 18. You must have held the Class D until 18, or for 1 year and 1 day, with no major traffic convictions in the 12 months before you apply. Those include DUI, fleeing police, racing, reckless driving, hit and run, or any violation worth 4 or more points. Surrender the Class D and pay $32 for an 8-year license. U.S. citizens need no other documents or tests, and DDS lets you do the upgrade through Online Services. The new license is still marked as under 21.

Common questions

Can I drive at midnight if a parent is with me on a Class D?

DDS says the 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew has no exceptions.

Can I drive my friends in my first 6 months?

No. Only immediate family may ride with you for the first 6 months.

Does a stepbrother count as family?

Yes. Step-siblings count, and so does anyone who lives at your residence.

Does my Class D turn into a Class C automatically?

No. You apply for the upgrade at 18, in person or online.

Can my parent take my license away?

Yes. The adult who signed can request revocation before you turn 18, using DDS’s notarized form and a $10 fee.

How do Georgia’s limits compare with other states?

See US graduated licensing compared.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Georgia.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card” and “Class C License”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 6: Teen Driving Laws” and “Section 6 Continued”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Get a Class D Provisional License” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Fees and Terms” (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Chapter 1: TADRA”, ADAP Student Manual, revised July 2025 (dds.georgia.gov)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 10: Losing Your Driving Privileges”, Georgia Driver’s Manual (dds.georgia.gov)