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How to Get Your Georgia Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with Georgia DDS directly.

Under 18 (Joshua's Law)

  1. Get your Class CP Learner's Permit

    Available at 15, after passing the written knowledge test.

  2. Complete Joshua's Law requirements

    For 16- and 17-year-olds: 30 hours of driver education classroom instruction plus 6 hours behind-the-wheel (or 40 hours of parent-taught training), plus 40 hours of supervised driving including 6 at night.

    • Driver education completion certificate
    • Supervised driving log

  3. Hold the Class CP permit at least 1 year and 1 day

    Time held on an out-of-state permit counts toward this, as long as the total still adds up to at least a year and a day.

  4. Complete ADAP or eADAP

    Georgia's Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program, required before the Class D license is issued.

  5. Visit your DDS office

    Bring all required documents, pass a vision exam and the road skills test, take a photo, and pay the license fee. Applicants under 18 must bring a parent, guardian, or authorized driving instructor to sign.

    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of residency
    • Parent/guardian or instructor signature

  6. Follow Class D Provisional License restrictions

    No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. For the first 6 months, no passengers outside your immediate family. For the second 6 months, no more than one passenger under 21 who isn't immediate family.

  7. Move to a full Class C license

    Restrictions end automatically at 18.

18 and Older

  1. Provide required documents

    Documents verifying your identity, residential address, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of residency
    • Proof of citizenship or lawful presence

  2. Sign a supervised-driving affidavit

    Applicants 18 and older self-affirm on an affidavit that they've completed 40 hours of supervised road driving, including 6 at night — no formal course or logged documentation is required, and Joshua's Law's driver-education requirement doesn't apply at this age.

  3. Pass the knowledge, vision, and road skills exams

    Georgia's written knowledge test is split into two 20-question sections (road rules, road signs); you need at least 75% correct on each section independently to pass.

  4. Receive your full Class C license

    No provisional restrictions apply to adult first-time applicants.

Notes

  • Exact application fees change over time — confirm the current amount on the Georgia DDS website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-08