Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card

This Section Covers

  • Current Georgia Residents
    • Class C Instructional Permit (CP)
    • Class D Provisional License
    • Class C License
  • State ID Card
  • Other License Types
    • Commercial Driver's License
    • Motorcycle Operator's License
  • Licenses for Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their Spouses
  • National Guard License
  • New Georgia Residents

Current Georgia Residents

Four young people, each holding up an ID card or license, stand in front of a parked car.

Class C lnstructional Permit (CP)

For first-time issuance of a Class C Instructional Permit (CP), you must meet all requirements to obtain a Secure DL/ID if you have not already done so. See information under the heading "Requirement to Obtain to Georgia Driver's License" for complete requirements.

Obtaining a Class C Instructional Permit (CP)

Upon reaching age 15, or anytime thereafter, you may apply for a Class C Instructional Permit (CP). The following information will help you prepare for your visit to a DDS Customer Service Center:

  • You will be required to present documents verifying your identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and Georgia residency as explained under the "Read ID Documentation Requirements" heading.
  • You must know your Social Security Number or provide proof of your ineligibility to obtain a Social Security Number. See the DDS website for more information.
  • If you are under age 18, you will be required to present proof of school enrollment; see information under the "School Enrollment Requirements" heading for requirements;
  • If you are under age 18, a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult will have to sign the application, thereby giving their consent for you to obtain a permit. The individual who signs your application may, for any reason, revoke your permit until you reach the age of 18;
  • You will be required to pass a vision test. Your eyes will be tested by means of a me­chanical device;
  • You will be required to pass a knowledge exam related to Road Signs and Road Rules. Please refer to information under the heading "Knowledge Exam" for more information related to the knowledge exam;
  • The test fee is $10.00 and must be paid prior to testing. If any part of the test is failed, no refund will be issued. The permit fee must be paid prior to every testing attempt.
Conditions of a Class C Instructional Permit (CP)
  • Once issued a Class C Instructional Permit (CP), you may operate any Class C vehicle when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver;
  • Class C Instructional Permits (CP) are valid for up to 2 years.

Class D Provisional License

For first-time is issuance of a Class D License, you must meet all requirements to obtain a Secure DL/ID if you have not already done so. See Section 2: Obtaining a License, Permit or Identification Card for complete requirements.

Obtaining a Class D Provisional License

Upon reaching the age of 16, and after having held a valid instructional permit for one year and one day, you may apply for your Class D license.

The following information will help you prepare for your visit to a DDS Customer Service Center.

You will need to make a road test appointment; for more information see the heading "Road Test":

  • You must surrender your Class C Instructional Permit (CP) or affirm on your application that you are unable to surrender the permit. See the information under the heading "Lost or Stolen License Replacement" for details concerning lost licenses and permits;
  • You will be required to present proof of school enrollment; see information under the "School Enrollment Requirements" heading for requirements;
  • You must present proof of completion of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP). This program is taught in most schools, and is also available online. For information about ADAP, you may visit the DDS website;
  • A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult will have to sign the application, thereby giving their consent for you to obtain a license. The individual who signs your application may, for any reason, revoke your license until you reach the age of 18;
  • You must pass a road test designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. See the heading "Road Test" more information related to the Road Test;
  • You must satisfy the driver education requirements listed under Driver Education Requirements. (NOTE: Teens with parents active in the U.S. Military can use an out of state driver's education certificate provided that it is within 9 months of their 16th birthday.)
Military Note

A 17-year-old will be exempt from holding their learners permit for one year and one day with proof that they are enlisted in the military. They will be issued a Class C license at issuance.

Driver Education Requirements

To obtain a Class D license at the age of 16 or 17 you must complete both a driver education course approved by DDS and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).

An approved driver education course consists of:

  • either 30 hours of classroom instruction OR completion of an equivalent online virtual course;

AND

  • 6 hours of on-the-road experience with a certified instructor OR completion of the DDS Parent Teen Driving Guide available Online or at any CSC. You must also have completed a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of other driving experience, including at least 6 hours at night. A DDS provided affidavit must be signed at the time of road testing to certify that this requirement has been met.

NOTE: If the teen obtains the on-the-road component of driver's education from a certified instructor, a separate document affirming that this requirement has been met must be completed at the time of the road test.

  • If you have not completed the driver education requirements, you cannot obtain a Class D license. For information on approved driver education courses, see the DDS website.
  • The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) is taught in most schools and is also available online via the DDS website.
Conditions of a Class D Provisional License
  • A Class D license holder may not drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. NO EXCEPTIONS;
  • During the first six months following is­suance, only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle. 'Immediate family member' includes the driver's parents and step-parents, grandparents, siblings and step­-siblings, children, and any other person who resides at the driver's residence;
  • During the second six months following is­suance, only one passenger under 21 years of age who is not a member of the driver's immediate family may ride in the vehicle;
  • After the first and second six-month periods, only three passengers under 21 years of age who are not members of the driver's immedi­ate family may ride in the vehicle;
  • A Class D license holder must, for the 12 months preceding application for their Class C license, be free from any convictions for major traffic violations that result in the mandatory suspension of a driver's license.