Georgia Driver's License
Requirements
In Georgia, driver's licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) — not a Department of Motor Vehicles. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class C Driver's License (good for vehicles under 26,000 lbs). Georgia operates a strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for drivers under 18 — the TADRA (Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act) — with three phases: a Class CP Instructional Permit at 15, a Class D Provisional License at 16 with passenger and nighttime restrictions, and a full Class C License at 18. Under Joshua's Law, every applicant under 18 must complete an approved 30-hour driver education course plus 40 hours of supervised practice (6 at night) before being issued a Class D License at 16. Georgia issues Class C Licenses as REAL ID-compliant by default — every newly issued license shows a gold star and is valid for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
Requirements Overview
You must be a Georgia resident to apply. The DDS requires two documents proving your current Georgia address; P.O. boxes are not accepted. New residents from another state have 30 days to transfer their out-of-state license to a Georgia license. Use the DDS's online "What to Bring" tool at dds.georgia.gov to plan your documents.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Georgia DMV website.
- Proof of identity and date of birth (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card)
- Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, or 1099 with full SSN visible)
- Two proofs of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, voter registration card — must show your name and current Georgia address)
- Parental or guardian consent on Form DDS-1 — must be signed in person at the DDS office (if under 18)
- Certificate of School Enrollment (Form DS-1) — required for all applicants under 18
- Proof of completion of an approved 30-hour driver education course — required under Joshua's Law for all applicants under 18
- Proof of completion of 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night) — certified by a parent or guardian
- For REAL ID: original (not photocopied) documents; name must match exactly across all
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Georgia DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Georgia driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Georgia Driver's Manual
Download the official Georgia Driver's Manual from dds.georgia.gov. The 40-question written knowledge test is based entirely on the manual; you need 75% (30 correct) to pass. Topics include Georgia traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and Georgia's Super Speeder law (extra fines for drivers cited for 75+ mph on a 2-lane road or 85+ mph anywhere).
Pro tip: GA DDS publishes free practice tests at dds.georgia.gov, and the official "GA DDS 2 Go" mobile app includes a practice test feature. Take them several times before your appointment.
Apply for an Instructional Permit (Class CP) — Age 15+
Visit any Georgia DDS Customer Service Center with your identity, SSN, and two Georgia residency documents — plus parental consent and Certificate of School Enrollment if under 18. Pass a vision screening (20/60 in at least one eye) and the 40-question written knowledge test. The permit costs $10 and is valid for 2 years. Drivers under 18 must hold the permit for at least 12 months and remain conviction-free for the 12 months immediately before applying for the Class D License.
Pro tip: Schedule an appointment at dds.georgia.gov — DDS centers in Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett) have the longest walk-in waits in the state, often exceeding 2–3 hours.
Complete the 30-Hour Driver Education Course (Joshua's Law)
Under Joshua's Law, every applicant under 18 must complete an approved 30-hour driver education course before being issued a Class D Provisional License. The course can be taken at most public high schools (often free or low-cost) or at licensed commercial driving schools online or in person ($200–$400). Adults 18+ are not required to take a driver's ed course but may take one to qualify for an insurance discount.
Pro tip: Public high school driver's ed in Georgia is often free or under $50 — by far the cheapest option. The Georgia Driver Reduction & Improvement Voluntary Education program (Georgia DRIVE) also offers grants to subsidize commercial driver's ed.
Complete 40 Hours of Supervised Driving
Georgia requires 40 hours of supervised practice driving — including at least 6 hours at night — for all applicants under 18. The hours must be supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat. Hours are logged on Form DS-2 and certified by a parent or guardian. The 40 hours can begin as soon as you have your Instructional Permit.
Pass the Road Skills Test
After holding your permit for at least 12 months and completing driver's ed and supervised hours, schedule the on-road skills test at a Georgia DDS location or DDS-approved third-party tester. The 20-minute test covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, lane changes, three-point turns, parallel parking, and intersection navigation. You bring your own vehicle, which must have valid Georgia registration, current insurance, and working safety equipment.
Pro tip: DDS-certified third-party testing schools (often the same school that provided your driver's ed) administer the same road test as DDS but typically have shorter wait times — worth the slightly higher fee if your local DDS office is heavily booked.
Receive Your Georgia Driver's License
After passing the road test, pay the license fee ($32 for 5-year or $36 for 8-year) and complete your application. Applicants 16–17 receive a Class D Provisional License with restrictions: no driving 12 a.m.–6 a.m. (limited work/school exceptions); during the first 6 months, no passengers under 21 except family; during months 6–12, only one passenger under 21 except family; after 12 months, up to 3 passengers under 21. Cell phone use while driving is prohibited for all drivers under 18. At age 18, the Class D automatically converts to an unrestricted Class C License. Your physical card is mailed within 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 16 years old to receive a Class D Provisional License — and you must have completed the 30-hour Joshua's Law driver's ed course, held a Class CP Instructional Permit for at least 12 months, and logged 40 hours of supervised practice (6 at night). The Instructional Permit is available at age 15. A full unrestricted Class C License is automatically issued at age 18.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Georgia DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.