Georgia · Handbook chapter 5 · 4 min read

Georgia's graduated licensing under TADRA and Joshua's Law: the Class CP permit, the Class D provisional license and its passenger and curfew limits, school enrollment, responsible adults and teen suspensions.

Why this chapter matters

Georgia's Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) moves teens through three stages: CP permit, Class D provisional license and Class C full license. The limits at each stage are common test questions.

Responsible adult and school enrollment

Every applicant under 18 needs a responsible adult (18 or older, such as a parent, legal guardian, stepparent or social worker) to sign the application and affidavit. The person who signs can ask DDS to revoke your permit or license at any time before you turn 18 (a notarized form and a $10 fee).

You must also show proof of school enrollment, such as a Certificate of School Enrollment, a diploma or GED, or a home-school declaration of intent.

Stage 1: Class C instructional permit (CP)

• Available from age 15.
• Pass the vision test and both knowledge tests (Road Rules and Road Signs); $10 per testing attempt.
• Drive only with a person at least 21, licensed for a Class C vehicle, fit to take control, sitting beside you.
• The permit is valid for 2 years.

Stage 2: Class D provisional license

To apply you must be 16 and have held your permit for one year and one day. You also need:

• a DDS-approved driver education course: 30 hours of classroom or online instruction and either 6 hours behind the wheel with a certified instructor or the DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide (40 hours of parent-taught training);
• a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night, certified by affidavit;
• the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP);
• a passed road test.

A 17-year-old who has enlisted in the military can skip the one-year permit period.

Class D limits

"Immediate family" means parents and stepparents, grandparents, siblings and stepsiblings, children, and anyone else living at your home.

Stage 3: Class C license

At 18, a Class D holder with no major traffic violation convictions in the past 12 months can upgrade to a full Class C license ($32 for eight years).

Teen suspensions

The permit or license of anyone under 21 is suspended for six months on a first conviction (12 months for a second) for:

• hit and run or leaving the scene of a crash;
• racing, or fleeing or eluding police;
• reckless or aggressive driving;
• any offense worth 4 or more points, such as unlawfully passing a school bus, improper passing on a hill or curve, or speeding 24 mph or more over the limit.

Drivers under 18 who collect 4 or more points in 12 months are also suspended.

Teen DUI

No limited driving permit is available. A second DUI brings at least 18 months.