What You Need to Know About Earning a License

The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act establishes graduated driver licensing for Georgians between the ages of 15 to 18, with three separate classifications.

Step 1 - Instructional Permit (Class CP)

This is granted to 15 year-olds upon passage of a written examination. While driving, the permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed (Class C) adult 21 years or older.

Step 2 - Intermediate License (Class D)

The license is granted to drivers between 16 and 18 years of age who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and passed a driving test. The Intermediate License has the following restrictions:

1. No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. No exceptions.
2. During the first six months, only immediate family may ride as passengers.
3. During the second six months following license issuance, only one non-family passenger under age 21 may ride in the vehicle.
4. After twelve months following license issuance, no more than three non-family passengers under age 21 may ride in the vehicle.
5. On or after January 1, 2007 (Joshua's Law), anyone who obtains an initial Class D license must have completed:

   1. An approved driver education program, consisting of 30 hours approved classroom or online training and 6 hours of formal driving instruction with a state approved driving instructor. The Parent Teen Driving Guide may substitute for the formal driving instruction.

      AND

   2. A cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night). This requirement is included in the Parent Teen Driving Guide. If the teen completed their 6 hour driving requirement with an instructor rather than the Parent Teen Driving Guide, the parent/guardian will sign a Driving Affidavit at the time of the road test appointment.

Driver’s Education is not required at age 17.

These requirements also apply to an applicant for an initial Class C driver's license who has not previously been issued a Class D license.

Step 3 - Full License (Class C)

For drivers 18 years of age or older who hold a Class D license, this license is granted if there have been no major traffic convictions for the previous 12 months.