How to Get a Georgia Driver’s License in 2025: A Complete Guide

The process of getting a Georgia driver’s license can seem overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—whether you’re a teenager or an adult (18+) getting your first driver’s license.

How to Get a Georgia Driver’s License

Step 1 – Start with an Instructional Permit (Ages 15-18)

At age 15, you can apply for an instructional permit (Class CP). To do this, visit a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center and:

1. Provide the following documentation (You can find a full list of acceptable documents here. All documents must be originals- no photocopies):
   • Proof of Identity.
   • Proof of Social Security Number.
   • Two documents proving Georgia residency.
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status in the U.S.
2. Proof of school enrollment: A notarized Certificate of School Enrollment (Form DS-1) signed within the last 30 days. If not enrolled, provide proof of completion such as a diploma, GED, or other acceptable documents.
3. Parental consent: A parent or guardian must accompany you to sign the application and complete a Responsible Adult Affidavit.
4. Vision exam: You will be required to pass a vision test with or without corrective lenses. If you need corrective lenses to pass the test, you must wear them when driving.
5. Knowledge exam: Pass a knowledge test consisting of 40 questions (20 on road signs and 20 on road rules). You must answer at least 15 questions correctly in each section to pass. If you fail the exam, you will have to pay the exam fee for each retest. You can test your knowledge with our free GA practice test.
6. Obtain permit: Once you obtain your permit, you may drive as long as a licensed driver is in the front seat next to you. This license is valid for two years.

If you want to learn more, we recommend our complete Georgia learner’s permit guide.

Step 2 – Get Your Georgia Provisional License (Ages 16-18)

Here are the steps you need to go through to obtain a Georgia Class D provisional license:

1. Age requirement: Be at least 16 years old.
2. Permit holding period: Have held a valid instructional permit for at least one year.
3. Driver education: Complete a DDS-approved driver education course consisting of 30 hours of classroom or online instruction (if under 17 years old)
4. Supervised driving: Complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including six hours at night.
5. Documentation: Provide the same identification documents as required for the permit.
6. School enrollment: Present a Certificate of School Enrollment (download Form DS-1) signed within the last 30 days.
7. Awareness Program Certificate: Certificate of completion for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program. Either the physical class (ADAP) or the online (eADAP) course.
8. Parental consent: A parent or guardian must accompany you to sign the application.
9. Road skills test: Pass the road skills test. You will need to provide your own vehicle for the test, with registration and proof of insurance. During the test, you will demonstrate your competence in driving and your knowledge of driving laws and common safe driving practices.
10. Fee payment: Pay the applicable license fee. You will be given a temporary paper license and your permanent Georgia provisional license will come in the mail within 30 days.

Georgia Provisional Driver’s License Restrictions

1. You can not drive between 12 AM and 6 AM.
2. During the first 6 months, you can only drive with immediate family members.
3. During the second 6 months, you can’t operate the vehicle with more than one unrelated passenger.
4. During the remainder of the period, no driving with more than 3 passengers under 21, not counting immediate family members.

Step 3 – Get Your Unrestricted Georgia Driver’s License (Ages 18+)

The requirements for obtaining your full Georgia driver’s license depends on if you had a learner’s permit or provisional license prior to turning 18.

• If you’ve had a Provisional License, you can simply exchange it for your full license after you’ve had it for at least one year and one day without any major traffic violations.

• If you’ve had a Learner’s Permit, you can skip the provisional license once you turn 18. However, you will still need to fulfill all the criteria you would have needed for a provisional license (see the section above). During your application, you will perform a road test and verify that you have completed 40 hours of driving practice, including six hours at night.

Getting a Georgia Driver’s License as a New Driver (18 or older)

If you’re 18 or older and applying for your first Class C Driver’s License, follow these steps:

1. Complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night.
2. Pass a written test on road signs and traffic laws. Study for it here.
3. Pass a vision test. (See vision requirements above).
4. Pass the Road Test. Schedule an appointment at a Georgia DDS location and bring a registered, insured vehicle with a licensed driver over 21.
5. Receive Your License. After passing, you’ll get a temporary paper license, with the permanent one arriving by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between a REAL-ID and a Standard ID?

A REAL-ID needs extra documents to prove your identity. Starting Oct 1, 2021, you will need a REAL-ID to fly on an airplane, enter a government facility, or visit a military establishment.

If you get a Standard Driver’s License, it will be Printed “Not for Federal ID” and you will need extra proof of identity to enter these areas.

That’s It!

That’s all you need to know about getting your driver’s license in Georgia. With all these steps, you’ll want to make sure you follow these instructions precisely in order to avoid any complications throughout the process.