Everything Georgia teen drivers and parents need to know about state-mandated driver education, Class D provisional licensing, required DDS paperwork, and graduated passenger restrictions.
Teens who successfully complete an approved 30-hour course can earn their Class D Provisional Driver’s License on or after their 16th birthday.
Teens who do not complete a certified 30-hour driver education course cannot obtain a provisional license until they reach 17 years of age.
Review the essential criteria Georgia teen drivers must fulfill before visiting the DDS Customer Service Center.
Applicant must be at least 16 years of age. Those without an approved course certificate must wait until age 17.
Applicant must have held a valid Georgia Instructional Permit (Class CP) for a minimum of one full year and one day (366 days).
No major traffic convictions or moving violations that resulted in the suspension of the Instructional Permit during the holding period.
A cumulative total of at least 40 supervised behind-the-wheel driving hours, including at least six (6) hours driven after dark.
Successfully pass the official DDS vision screening exam (20/60 in each eye) and the practical DDS on-road driving skills examination.
A parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult must co-sign the application and retains authority to revoke the license before age 18.
Ensure you bring original or certified copies of all necessary identity, school, and drug education credentials.
Class D drivers are subject to strict curfew laws and graduated passenger limits to ensure safe roadway progression.
During the first six (6) months after issuance, ONLY immediate family members may ride as passengers in the vehicle (parents, stepparents, siblings, step-siblings, grandparents, or children).
During the second six (6) months following issuance, only ONE (1) passenger under 21 years of age who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family may ride in the vehicle.
After completing the first full year of holding a Class D license, up to THREE (3) passengers under 21 years of age who are not immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.
Special considerations regarding turning 18, military families, and school attendance requirements.
Upon turning 18 years old, drivers holding a Class D provisional license can upgrade to an unrestricted Class C full driver’s license online or at the DDS, removing all curfew and passenger limits.
Pursuant to Senate Bill 236, the DDS accepts out-of-state driver training certificates from military dependents who relocate to Georgia within 9 months of their 16th birthday, accompanied by official military orders.
Teens under 18 will have their license or permit suspended if they drop out of school, accumulate ten (10) or more unexcused absences, or incur serious disciplinary suspension infractions (TAA compliance).