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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
- Register on the eADAP program page through DDS’s ADAP page. Every student needs their own email address, so siblings cannot share one.
- Your username and password arrive by email, usually within 10 minutes. Check your spam folder.
- Complete the course and the final exam.
- 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)