Georgia DDS · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your Georgia Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your Georgia Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.

📋 Georgia GDL Program Overview

Georgia's Graduated Driver License program — the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) — phases privileges over three stages. Phase 1 is the Class C Instructional Permit (CP) at age 15. Phase 2 is the Class D Provisional License at age 16 (after holding the CP for 1 year + 1 day and completing Joshua's Law). Full unrestricted Class C is available at age 18.

Phase 1 — Class C Instructional Permit (CP)

Minimum age: 15. Must hold at least 1 year and 1 day before Phase 2. Fee: $10. Valid 2 years.

Phase 2 — Class D Provisional License

Age 16. Curfew and passenger restrictions until age 18. Fee: $10. Valid 5 years.

Full License — Class C

At age 18. All GDL restrictions lifted. Valid for 8 years. Fee: $32.

🪪 Phase 1 — Getting Your Learner License

Confirm Eligibility

You must be at least 15 years old and a Georgia resident. Applicants under 18 need a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult to sign the application and complete a Responsible Adult Affidavit. Applicants under 18 must also complete ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program) before testing.

Prepare and Visit DDS

Knowledge exams are walk-in at every DDS Customer Service Center. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Use DDS Online Services at dds.georgia.gov to fill out your application in advance and check office hours. Tuesday is the busiest day — midweek, midday is best.

Gather Your Documents

Georgia Real ID requirements apply. Bring documents proving identity, citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number, and 2 proofs of Georgia residency. Under-18 applicants must also bring school-enrollment proof (Certificate of Attendance DS-1, diploma, or GED) and ADAP completion.

Proof of identity: certified birth certificate OR valid U.S. passport
Social Security number (card, W-2, or pay stub with full SSN)
Two proofs of Georgia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
Under 18: parent/guardian signature, Responsible Adult Affidavit, school enrollment, ADAP certificate

Pass the Vision Exam & Knowledge Test

You must meet the Georgia minimum vision standard of 20/60 in one eye with a horizontal field of at least 140 degrees. The knowledge test is 40 questions: 20 road signs + 20 road rules. Pass with at least 75% on EACH section — 15 correct out of 20 per section.

Pay the Fee

The Class C Instructional Permit (CP) fee is $10. The test fee must be paid before every attempt (non-refundable). DDS accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and mobile pay. DDS does not accept checks or money orders.

📜 Phase 1 Driving Rules (Learner License)

While Holding a Georgia Learner License

Supervisor: a licensed driver aged 21+, fit and capable of exercising control, seated beside the permit holder in the front passenger seat
Wireless devices: the Hands-Free Georgia Act (HB 673) prohibits holding or supporting a wireless device with any part of the body — applies to all drivers
No official time-of-day restrictions for CP holders, but the Hands-Free Georgia Act still applies
Must hold the CP for at least 1 year and 1 day before applying for a Class D Provisional License — unless 17 and enlisted in the military (exempt)

🚗 Phase 2 — Getting Your Provisional License

Meet Phase 1 Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old and have held the Class C Instructional Permit (CP) for at least 1 year and 1 day. (Exception: 17-year-olds with proof of military enlistment are exempt from the 1-year-and-1-day hold and receive a Class C license directly.)

Complete Joshua's Law

Complete a DDS-approved driver education course: 30 hours of classroom instruction (or equivalent online virtual course) plus 6 hours of on-road training with a certified instructor OR completion of the DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide. PLUS a cumulative 40 hours of supervised driving (6 of which must be at night). An affidavit is signed at road test certifying this was completed.

Pass the Road Skills Test at DDS

Schedule by appointment only (online at dds.georgia.gov). Provide your own registered, insured vehicle. The examiner evaluates: parallel parking (within 18 inches of curb; 22-ft × 10-ft test box), straight-line backing (~50 feet at ≤10 mph), stops for signs/signals, three-point turn, intersection approaches, yielding right-of-way, turning, passing, following distance, and posture. You must score at least 75%.

📋 Phase 2 Restrictions (Provisional License)

While Holding a Georgia Provisional License (Phase 2)

Passenger ladder: first 6 months = immediate family members only; second 6 months = +1 non-family passenger under 21; after 12 months = max 3 non-family passengers under 21
Night driving curfew: NO driving between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. — NO EXCEPTIONS (work, school, or medical emergencies do NOT override)
Wireless devices: Hands-Free Georgia Act (HB 673) prohibits holding or supporting a wireless device with any part of the body — applies to all drivers
Must remain free of major traffic convictions for the 12 months preceding application for Class C

🗓️ After Age 18 — Full Class C License

Full Driver License — Unrestricted

All GDL restrictions are lifted at age 18 — Class D holders who have gone 12 months with no major traffic convictions upgrade to Class C (no further testing for U.S. citizens)
Standard Class C license fee: $32, valid for 8 years
New adult applicants (18+) who have never held a Georgia license: complete Real ID documentation, pass the 40-question knowledge test (15/20 per section) and the road skills test, sign an affidavit affirming 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night). No prior driver education course is required at 18+
Report address or name changes to DDS within 60 days. Class C renews every 8 years. Drivers 64+ must pass a vision screening every 8 years

Pass Your Knowledge Test First Try

Practice with questions from the official Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024). Free, no signup required.

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