Section 6: Teen Driving Laws

This Section Covers

  • School Enrollment Requirements
  • Joshua's Law
  • Class C Instructional Permit (CP)
  • Class D Provisional License
  • Teens Moving to Georgia
  • Revocation of Minor's License/Permit
  • License/Permit Suspensions
    • Suspension of Driver's License/Permit or Driving Privileges
    • Convictions Other Than DUI
    • Convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DUI)

In 1997 The Teenage and Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) established a graduated driver's licensing program for teens ages 15 to 18 in Georgia. This means that teens progress through a licensing process in three phases. As teens reach a certain age, complete certain requirements and have demonstrated their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, they are allowed to progress to the next phase. Successful progression to the next phase also requires a demonstration of responsibility on the part of the teen by avoiding any violations during the term of the license held. TADRA also includes school enrollment requirements and license suspension/revocation provisions for dangerous behaviors (e.g. DUI, excessive speeding, etc.)

School Enrollment Requirements

Anyone younger than 18 years of age must present one of the following in order to obtain a driver's license or instructional permit:

  1. Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1- obtained from school personnel);
  2. High School Diploma;
  3. General Education Development (GED);
  4. Special Diploma;
  5. Certificate of High School Completion;
  6. College or vocational school transcript dated within the last thirty days (official transcript with seal required);
  7. Certificate of Adult Literacy proving pursuit of a GED (available from the Technical College System of Georgia for those currently enrolled in a GED program);
  8. Declaration of Intent for Home Schoolers.

Responsible Adult Requirements

All applicants under 18 years of age must have a responsible adult present to sign the application and complete the Responsible Adult Affidavit. A responsible adult is a person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, competent to verify the application, and has personal knowledge of the applicant. He or she may be:

  • A parent or legal guardian of the applicant (must provide school or military documents, tax information or a driver's license/permit/ID card to show relationship to applicant),
  • A social worker who has worked with the applicant (must provide an employee ID or a letter from the state agency),
  • Certified Driver Training instructor authorized to act on behalf of the parent, legal guardian or responsible adult of the applicant with notarized documentation to verify,
  • An employee of a homeless shelter where the applicant resides (must provide an employee ID or a letter from the shelter),
  • A stepparent of the applicant;
  • Other persons who can be identified by a state agency or official, school official or certified school records, or documentation from a federal agency or entity.

Joshua's Law

Joshua's Law promotes increased teen driving safety. The highlights of Joshua's Law include:

  • Approved driver education training required to obtain a Class D Provisional license at ages 16 and 17;
  • Approved driver education training required to obtain a Class M Instructional Permit (MP) at age 16;
  • You must be 17 years of age to obtain a Class M Motorcycle Operator's License.
  • The first stage of the graduated licensing program is a Class C Instructional Permit (CP).