If you are interested in getting your driver’s license, there are certain steps you must take. First, you must obtain an instructional permit, otherwise known as a learner’s permit. Then, you must get a provisional (teen) license, and then you can obtain your full (adult) license. Keep reading to learn more about what steps you can take to get your Georgia driver’s license!
Types of Driver’s Licenses
There are three types of Georgia driver’s licenses: Non-Commercial, Commercial, and Class M.
Non-Commercial License
Non-Commercial licenses include Class C and D licenses. A Class C driver’s license is the basic driver’s license for automobile drivers. It allows you to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 26,000 pounds, tow a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 10,000 pounds, use vehicles for recreational, camping, or travel purposes, and to drive an auto cycle (three-wheeled motor vehicle with a steering wheel). A Class C license is valid for 8 years.
A Class D driver’s license is a provisional license for teens that is upgraded to Class C at 18.
Commercial License
Commercial licenses include Class A, B, and C licenses. A Class A license allows you to drive any combination vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds.
A Class B license allows you to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
A Class C (commercial) license is for operating vehicles carrying hazardous materials and with a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 26,001 pounds, transporting 16 or more persons (including the driver).
Class M License
A Class M license allows you to operate a motorcycle on Georgia’s roads. Alternatively, you may get a motorcycle endorsement, which is a qualification that is added to your existing commercial or non-commercial driver’s license to allow you to operate motorcycles.
How Can I Get My License?
I’m Over 15 and Under 18 (Never Driven Before)
If you are under 18, you must apply for a Class CP Instructional permit before applying for a Class D provisional license for teens or a Class C full (adult) driver’s license. For drivers under 18, such as yourself, the instructional permit is the first stage of Georgia’s Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) program (also known as Joshua’s Law). The instructional permit allows you to practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age
Once you meet the requirements, the Department of Driver Services will issue you a temporary instructional permit. The permanent permit will arrive in the mail within 30 days. The instructional permit is valid for 2 years. If your permit expires, you must renew your instructional permit to keep driving legally
I’m Over 16 and Under 18 (Instructional Permit Holder)
If you fall into this category, you can apply for a Class D provisional (teen) license, which is the second stage of the TADRA program. This license allows you to drive without an adult in the car, but with many restrictions. The steps you must stake to receive your Class D license include:
- You must complete a driver’s education course if you are younger than 17 years of age. Various high schools and private driving schools offer Georgia Department of Driver Services-approved driver education courses. Prices generally start at around $250. Georgia Department of Driver Services also has approved online virtual programs at a lower cost than in-person courses.
- You must hold your instructional permit for at least a year. If you had an instructional permit in another statute or country before getting your Georgia instructional permit, that instructional permit will count toward your one-year requirement.
- You must practice drivingwhile supervised for at least 40 hours, at least 6 hours of which are at night.
- You must complete an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) class at your high school. Contact the Department of Driver Services to find out when and where the nextADAP classes will be given
- You must apply for your provisional (teen) license. To do so, you must locate a nearby Customer Service Center.
- You must complete your application form. Your parent, guardian, or driving instructor must go with you to the Georgia Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center and fill out the application in the presence of a Georgia Department of Driver Services employee.
- Bring documentation to verify: Your identity (including full name); your date of birth; your Social Security or proof that you’re ineligible for a Social Security number; your US citizenship (or other proof of legal presence in the US); and your address in Georgia.
- You must verify your secondary school education. You will need to bring a Georgia Department of Driver Services Certificate of Attendance notarized from your school, or you can bring your high school diploma.
- You must pass a vision test.
- You must pay a $10 fee and pass a road test. You can schedule your road test at a Georgia Department of Driver Services Center.
- You must surrender your instructional permit. Once you give the Center your instructional permit, you will be issued a temporary Class D provisional license. Your permanent license should be mailed to you within 30 days. Your license will be valid forup to 5 years. However, when you turn 18, you should upgrade your provisional license to a Class C full adult driver’s license.
Some of the license restrictions you will have include:
- For the first 6 months, you cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m.
- For the first 6 months, you cannot have more than one passenger in the car younger than 21 years of age unless they are a member of your immediate family.
- After the first year of having your provisional (teen) license, you cannot have more than3 other passengers in the car younger than 21 years of age, unless they are members of your immediate family.
I’m Over 18 (Never Driven Before or Instructional Permit Holder)
If you are over 18 years of age and have never had a license or permit, or if you are over 18years of age and have an instructional permit, you must:
- Apply in person at a Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center.
- Certify that you practiced driving by filling out and signing a Driving Experience Affidavit at the Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center.
- Fill out an application form. You can fill out the application online and bring it to the Customer Service Center, or you can fill out the form once you arrive at the Customer Service Center.
- Pass a vision test.
- Bring documentation to verify: Your identity (including full name); your date of birth; your Social Security or proof that you’re ineligible for a Social Security number; your US citizenship (or other proof of legal presence in the US); and your address in Georgia.
- Pass a knowledge test if you do not already have an instructional permit. You do not need to schedule an appointment to take a knowledge exam; you can just walk-in.
- Pass a road test.
- Surrender your instructional permit if you have one. Once you give the Center your instructional permit, you will be issued a temporary Class D provisional license. Your permanent license should be mailed to you within 30 days.
- Have your driver’s license photo taken.
- Pay the driver’s license fee of $32.00 paid by cash, check, or card. If you are a noncitizen, you can pay a $20.00 fee for a five-year license.
Class D Provisional (Teen) License Holder (Upgrading to Class C)
If you are trying to upgrade your provisional (teen) license to a Class C full (adult) license, visit the Class D to C Upgrade webpage of the Department of Driver Services website and complete the process online. You will have to pay a $32 fee by card, and your full (adult) license will be mailed to you within 7 days. You can also complete the process in person by visiting Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center.
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