Class C Instructional Permit (CP)

For first-time issuance of a Class C In­structional Permit (CP), you must meet all requirements to obtain a Real 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 heading "Real ID Documentation Requirements";
  • You must know your full Social Security Number or provide proof of your ineligibility to obtain a Social Security Number. See information under the heading "Real ID Documentation Requirements" for a list of acceptable documents;
  • If you are under age 18, you will be required to present proof of school enrollment as explained in this section;
  • 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 2 years. 

Class D Provisional License

For first-time issuance of a Class D License, you must meet all the requirements for a Real DL/ID if you have not already done so. See information under the heading "Real ID Documentation Requirements" for complete requirements.

Obtaining a Class D Provisional License

Upon reaching age 16 and after having held a valid instructional permit for one year and one day, you may apply for a Class D Provisional License by:

  • You must schedule a road test appointment (for more information see the information under 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 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 as explained in this section;
  • 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. This person may, for any reason, revoke your license until you reach age 18.
  • You must pass a road test designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • You must satisfy the Driver Education/Joshua's Law listed under the heading "Joshua's Law". (Note: Teens with parents active in the U.S. Military may use an out of state driver's education certificate provided that it is within 9 months of their 16th birthday.)

Driver Education Requirements

  • To obtain a Class D license at the age of 16 or 17 you must complete a driver education course approved by DDS. 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 approved Parent/Teen Driver Guide;
    • You must also have completed a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of other driving experience including at least 6 hours at night. Completion of the DDS approved Parent/Teen Driving Guide will serve as an affidavit certifying that this requirement has been met;
  • If the teen obtains the on-the-road component from a certified instructor, a separate document affirming that this requirement has been met must be completed at the time of the road test.
  • 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.
  • Exception
    Any 17-year-old is exempt from holding their Class CP/instructional permit with proof that they are for enlisted in the military. They will be issued a Class C license after successfully passing the road test.

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.

Teens Moving to Georgia

The following information applies to teens moving to Georgia from another state who wish to obtain a driver's license or permit in Georgia.

Under Age 18 without a valid license issued by another state

If you do not already hold a valid driver's license or instructional permit issued by another state, you will be subject to the licensing requirements of Georgia residents. Please see the preceding sections for more information.

Under Age 18 with valid out of state license

If you hold a valid driver's license or instructional permit issued by another state, you will normally be eligible to obtain a comparable license issued by Georgia. However, the state of issuance may have requirements for teenage drivers that differ from Georgia. For more information, please call the Customer Contact Center at (678) 413-8400.

Revocation of Minor's License/Permit

The parent, legal guardian or responsible adult who signed a minor's application for an instructional permit or driver's license may request revocation of the license or permit at any time prior to the minor's eighteenth birthday. The person requesting revocation of a minor's instructional permit or driver's license must submit his or her request for the revocation on the form designated by the Department. The form requires the person's notarized signature. The person requesting revocation of a minor's instructional permit or driver's license must pay a non-refundable fee of $10.00.

License/Permit Suspensions

Convictions Other Than DUI

The State of Georgia applies strict penalties to teens who fail to obey the laws regarding operation of a motor vehicle. The instructional permit or driver's license of any person under 21 years of age convicted of any of the following offenses shall be SUSPENDED for a period of six months for a first conviction, or for a period of twelve months for a second or subsequent conviction.

  • Hit and run or leaving the scene of a crash;
  • Racing on highways or streets;
  • Using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer;
  • Reckless driving;
  • Aggressive driving;
  • Any other offense for which four or more points are assessed:
    • Unlawful passing of a school bus;
    • Improper passing on a hill or curve;
    • Exceeding the speed limit by 24 miles per hour or more.
  • The accumulation of four or more points in any 12-month period while under 18 years of age.

A limited permit may be available only if the suspension resulted from a conviction for speeding 24-33 mph over the speed limit and the applicant is at least 18 years old.

Convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DUI)

First DUI Suspension:
  • If your Blood Alcohol Concentration was .02 or greater, but less than .08; or your implied consent test results were suppressed; or no test was given, your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 6 months, unless you have a previous conviction for an offense listed under the heading "Convictions other than DUI" list, in which case your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 12 months;
  • If your Blood Alcohol Concentration was .08 or greater or you refused implied consent testing, your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 12 months;
  • No limited driving permit is available.
Second DUI Suspension:

Your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 18 months, with ignition interlock permit eligibility after 120 days.