Georgia Department of Driver Services License Requirements for Learner’s Permits and Provisional Class D Licenses
Written by Staff Writer

Georgia residents can qualify for a Class D provisional license at age 16 or 17 after meeting the state’s teen licensing requirements. First-time applicants age 18 or older may apply directly for a Class C license, but they must complete the required testing and supervised driving.
Eligibility for Provisional Driver's License at Age 16
To qualify for a Class D provisional license, applicants must be at least 16 and must have held a valid Class CP learner’s permit for at least one year and one day.
Applicants who are 16 or 17 must also satisfy Joshua’s Law. This includes 30 hours of approved classroom or online instruction, along with either six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction from a certified school or completion of the approved parent-taught option. They must also complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including six hours at night.
Applicants must complete ADAP or eADAP, pass the required vision and road skills tests and have no major traffic violations that resulted in suspension of the learner’s permit.
Class D drivers may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. During the first six months, only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle. During the second six months, the driver may carry one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member. After one year, the driver may carry up to three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family members.
Requirements for Adults Applying for a Class C License
First-time applicants age 18 or older may apply directly for a Georgia Class C driver’s license. They must:
- Complete the required application and provide acceptable identity and residency documents.
- Pass the vision and knowledge exams.
- Schedule and pass the road skills test.
- Sign an affidavit confirming at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including six hours at night.
- Pay the applicable license fee.
Adults may obtain a learner’s permit for additional practice, but they are not required to hold one for one year and one day before applying for a Class C license.
Pro-Tip: Plan ahead before scheduling your Georgia road skills test. Confirm that you have held your learner’s permit for at least one year and one day, completed the required driver education and finished all 40 supervised driving hours, including six hours at night. Keep your course certificates and other required documents together so they are ready for your DDS appointment.
Learner's Permit Holding Period for Driver's License
In Georgia, the learner's permit must be held for one year and one day before applying for a driver's license. This period is crucial for gaining driving experience and meeting other requirements.
Factor | Details |
Holding Period | One year and one day |
Age for Provisional License | Eligibility at age 16 |
Driver Education Requirement | Completion of approved driver education required for teens |
Supervised Driving Hours | Minimum of 40 hours, including 6 hours at night |
Clean Driving Record | No major violations resulting in permit suspension |
Direct Application for Full License | Available at age 18 or older |
Driver Education Requirements for Teens
Georgia teens can qualify for a Class D provisional license beginning at age 16. Applicants must hold a Class CP learner’s permit for at least one year and one day and complete an approved driver education program.
The requirements include 30 hours of classroom or online instruction and either six hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction or the approved parent-taught option. Teens must also complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including six hours at night.
After completing these requirements, applicants must pass the road skills test. Class D drivers remain subject to passenger and nighttime driving restrictions.
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