Georgia Learners Permit: Requirements and Rules

Georgia's learner's permit is the Class C Instructional Permit, called the CP. You can apply at age 15, and you need to pass a vision test and the knowledge exam, pay the fee, and bring documents that prove your identity and residency (and school enrollment if you are under 18).

If you are under 18, a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult must sign your application. The CP lets you drive a Class C vehicle only when a licensed supervisor who is at least 21 sits beside you.

Who can get a Georgia learners permit

The CP is the first stage of Georgia's graduated licensing program for ages 15 to 18. The minimum age is 15, and you can apply at 15 or any time after that, according to the Georgia driver manual (p. 9). Official Georgia guidance describes the permit as being for teens preparing to get their full driver's license (georgia.gov).

Requirements for a Georgia learners permit (drivers permit GA)

To get a CP, you need to:

• Pass a vision test using a mechanical device
• Pass the knowledge exam
• Pay the fee
• Meet the Real ID document rules
• Know your full Social Security number. DDS verifies it electronically with the Social Security Administration, and it must be entered on the online form.
• Have your photo taken
• Have a parent, guardian, or responsible adult sign the application (under 18)

Requirements are listed in the Georgia driver manual (p. 9) and on the DDS how-to page.

Documents you need

Identity documents must be originals or certified copies. Examples include a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or an I-551.

For residency, you need two documents, each dated within the last six months, such as a utility or phone bill. DDS says the two must come from separate sources or accounts, and a P.O. box does not count as residency proof. Every document must show your first and last name.

Documents must be in English. DDS does not accept translated versions of documents in other languages.

If you are under 18

Applicants under 18 must show proof of school enrollment. Accepted options include:

• Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1), which must be signed and notarized by the school and is valid for 30 days
• High school diploma, GED, or special diploma
• Certificate of high school completion or certificate of adult literacy
• College or vocational transcript dated within 30 days
• Home-schooler's declaration of intent

DDS guidance also accepts a school transcript, a recent grade report, or a school ID as proof of enrollment, not only the DS-1 form (DDS how-to page).

The responsible adult

The responsible adult must be at least 18, competent to verify the application, and personally know the applicant. That person signs the application and completes a Responsible Adult Affidavit. An authorized driver training instructor may also sign for an applicant under 18 (georgia.gov).

The person who signs a minor's application can revoke the permit for any reason until the minor turns 18. Revocation requires a DDS form with a notarized signature and a non-refundable $10.00 fee.

Bring a parent or guardian and proof of school enrollment when you visit a DDS office. The online application is at dds.drives.ga.gov, but DDS saves the information you submit online for only 30 days.

The vision test

You must pass a vision test using a mechanical device. For a non-commercial license, the minimum is 20/60 vision in one eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees (Georgia driver manual, p. 6).

If you do not pass the screening, a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist must complete a Vision Report Form (DS-274) before DDS reviews it. If you wear glasses or contacts to pass the screen, your license will carry a corrective lenses restriction.

Georgia knowledge test

The knowledge exam has two parts: Road Signs and Road Rules. Each part has 20 questions, and you need 15 correct on each part to pass (Georgia driver manual, p. 13).

You do not need an appointment. The handbook says knowledge exams are walk-in at every DDS Customer Service Center, and you must start the written test at least 30 minutes before closing. Road Signs is given in English only. Road Rules is offered in some other languages, but you must be able to read the simple English used on highway and directional signs.

If you have a reading disability, you can schedule an oral exam. If you are hearing-impaired, you can request an interpreter. Arrange either through your local Customer Service Center.

Testing rules are strict. You cannot bring pens, pencils, paper, or other items, and you cannot use a cell phone or wireless device. You can only talk to the examiner. Breaking these rules counts as misconduct, and the session is scored as a failure.

If you fail, wait until the next day to retake the part you failed. After a second or later failure, wait 7 days. The handbook sets no limit on the number of retakes.

Online knowledge testing is not confirmed. Official DDS pages describe only in-person testing, so check with DDS before planning around an online option. The handbook does not state a time limit for the test either, so confirm that with DDS too.

DDS publishes practice tests on its website. You can also study with the GetMyPermit Georgia practice test.

Fees and how to pay

The CP fee is $10.00. You pay it before testing, and it is not refunded if you fail any part of the test. You must pay the fee again before every testing attempt (Georgia driver manual, p. 9).

The sources disagree on payment methods. The handbook (p. 7) says DDS does not accept checks, money orders, or cashier's checks, and accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and mobile pay. An official DDS introduction page says the Class CP fee can be paid by cash, money order, check, or credit card. Check with DDS before paying by check or money order.

Two other fees need checking with DDS. The handbook lists the replacement permit fee as $5.00 on one page and $10.00 on another. The Class D initial license fee is not confirmed by an official source, so ask DDS for the current amount. A Class D-to-Class C exchange costs $32 for an 8-year license (p. 10).

What the CP allows

A CP holder may drive any Class C vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed person who is at least 21 years old. That supervisor must be fit and capable of controlling the vehicle and must sit in the seat beside the driver. Official DDS guidance repeats these supervision rules (DDS how-to page).

The CP is valid for 2 years. The handbook's page 9 says "up to 2 years," but official DDS pages confirm the 2-year figure.

Georgia's hands-free law applies to you. Drivers may not hold or support a phone with any part of the body. You may use a phone only with headphones, a wireless device, or a holder or mount. Penalties are 1 point and up to $50 for a first conviction, 2 points and up to $100 for a second, and 3 points and up to $150 for a third or later (Georgia driver manual, p. 26).

All occupants under 18 must wear a seat belt, and Georgia's seat belt law is primary (p. 25).

The handbook does not cover several CP limits. These include night driving hours, passenger limits, highway, city, or bridge restrictions, and driving out of state. Check with DDS before assuming any of these apply or don't apply.

From permit to Class D

At age 16, you can apply for a Class D provisional license after holding the CP for one year and one day. A 17-year-old who has enlisted in the military is exempt from the holding period and receives a Class C license after passing the road test.

To get a Class D at 16 or 17, you need:

1. A DDS-approved driver education course. It has two parts: 30 hours of classroom instruction or an approved online equivalent, plus 6 hours of on-the-road training with a certified instructor or the DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
2. The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP). It is taught in most schools and is available online.
3. At least 40 hours of other driving experience, including at least 6 hours at night. Completing the Parent/Teen Driving Guide serves as the affidavit for the 40 hours. If a certified instructor covers the 6 road hours, you need a separate document at the road test.
4. Surrender of your CP, or an affirmation on the application that it cannot be surrendered.

If a parent is on active U.S. military duty, a teen may use an out-of-state driver's education certificate if it is within 9 months of the teen's 16th birthday.

You must pass a road test, booked by appointment through DDS Online Services. The vehicle must be a four-wheel vehicle you provide, with valid registration or plate, liability insurance, and a passed safety inspection. The minimum passing score on the Class C/D road test is 75% (Georgia driver manual, p. 13-14).

Class D restrictions include no driving from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Passenger limits are:

• First six months: only immediate family may ride.
• Second six months: one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family.
• After that: up to three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family.

Getting a Class C

A CP holder can apply for a Class C only after turning 18. A Class D holder can apply for a Class C at 18 if they held the Class D until 18 or for one year and one day, and had no major traffic convictions in the prior 12 months (p. 10).

Adults 18 or older can skip the CP and apply directly for a Class C. They must pass the knowledge and road tests and sign a 40-hour affidavit that includes 6 night hours (p. 10).

Keeping your permit

A first conviction under age 21 for certain offenses, such as hit and run, racing, fleeing an officer, reckless driving, or aggressive driving, leads to a 6-month suspension of the permit or license. A second or later conviction leads to a 12-month suspension (p. 28).

If you are under 18 and accumulate 4 points in 12 months, your permit or license is suspended. A limited driving permit is not available to teens for DUI suspensions.

Avoid fake DMV sites

The handbook warns that fake DMV websites charge for materials. Official Georgia sites end in .gov (p. 12). Use the links in this post to reach the official pages.

Sources

• Georgia driver manual (2023-2024)
• Georgia DDS: how do I get a learner's permit
• Georgia DDS: introduction (Class CP fee)
• Georgia DDS: section 6
• georgia.gov: apply for a Georgia learners permit (Class CP)
• Georgia DDS online application