What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DDS office — start to finish.
A Georgia Class M Instructional Permit (MP) lets you practice riding on public roads while you prepare for the Class M Motorcycle License. You apply in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center, and the knowledge exam is based on the Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual.
It is not mandatory to hold an MP before taking the Class M exam — but road-test reservations are available only to applicants who hold one. The steps below follow the official DDS process; always confirm current fees and documents on dds.georgia.gov before you go.
You must be at least 16 to apply for a Class M Instructional Permit, and at least 17 for the full Class M License. If you are 16, you must complete a DDS-certified driver education course under Joshua's Law (30 hours of instruction plus 6 hours behind the wheel).
Bring proof of identity, age and residence. If you are under 18, a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult must sign the application and complete the Responsible Adult Affidavit, and you must present a Certificate of School Enrollment (Form DS-1). New Georgia residents should check dds.georgia.gov for the Real ID document list.
At the DDS Customer Service Center you take a vision exam and the motorcycle knowledge exam — 20 questions, 16 correct (80%) to pass. If you passed a vision test within the year for another license, the vision test may be waived.
Once you pass, you are issued a Class M Instructional Permit (MP), valid for 6 months. Pay the applicable permit fee — confirm the current amount with DDS.
While riding on the permit you may ride only in daylight hours, may not carry passengers, may not use limited-access roadways, and must wear the safety equipment prescribed by law — a DOT helmet and eye protection.
For the full license you must pass a special road signs test, a special road rules test, and an on-cycle Rider Skills Test on a motorcycle you furnish. Alternatively, complete a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or BRC2 to earn a 90-day waiver of the knowledge and skills tests.
Check the official DDS page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. The Georgia DDS requires a minimum score of 80% — 16 of 20 correct — on the motorcycle knowledge exam.