How licensing works in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) licenses drivers. Georgia's teen system is called TADRA and has three steps, each with its own license class.
| Stage | Age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Class CP learner's permit | 15 | Pass the road signs and road rules tests. Drive with a supervisor 21 or older who has a Class C license and sits next to you. |
| Class D provisional license | 16 or 17 | Hold the permit 12 months and one day. 40 supervised hours (6 at night). Driver education under Joshua's Law. Pass the road test. Curfew and passenger limits. |
| Class C full license | 18 | No major traffic convictions in the last 12 months. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
Joshua's Law
Applicants under 18 must complete driver education from a Certified Driver Training School. The classroom part is at least 30 hours, in person or online. The driving part can be done with a DDS-licensed instructor or by following the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
Class D rules
Class D drivers may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m., with no exceptions. Passenger limits change as you gain experience. These limits depend on your license class, not your age.
| Time with Class D | Passengers allowed |
|---|---|
| First 6 months | Immediate family members only |
| Second 6 months | One non-family passenger under 21 |
| After 1 year | Up to three non-family passengers under 21 |
The Georgia knowledge exam
The exam has two separate tests, and you must pass both.
| Test | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| Road signs | 20 | 15 correct (English only) |
| Road rules | 20 | 15 correct (some other languages available) |
- Knowledge tests are walk-in at every DDS Customer Service Center. Start at least 30 minutes before closing.
- You may not bring pens, paper or wireless devices into the testing area, or talk to anyone except the examiner. Breaking these rules counts as a failure.
- If you have a reading disability or hearing impairment, your local center can arrange an oral exam or interpreter.
- Practice tests are on the DDS website.
Stop Yield Railroad ahead School zone
Rules specific to Georgia
Supervision
A Class CP permit holder must always drive with a supervisor who is at least 21, holds a valid Class C license, sits next to them, and can take control if needed.
The road test
- Road tests are by appointment only, through DDS Online Services.
- You must bring a four-wheel vehicle with valid registration.
- With a temporary dealer tag, bring a bill of sale from the last 30 days (7 days from a private seller).
- You may use a car with driver-assist features, but you must show you can drive without them.
- A virtual road test is an option: the examiner watches by camera, and a licensed adult 21 or older rides with you.
Practice parking and backing before your road test.
- Pull up beside the front car.
- Back in at an angle.
- Straighten out in the space.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Class CP permit age | 15 |
| Supervisor age | 21 or older, Class C license |
| Permit holding period | 12 months and one day |
| Practice hours | 40, including 6 at night |
| Joshua's Law classroom | At least 30 hours |
| Class D curfew | Midnight to 5 a.m. |
| Road signs test | 15 of 20 to pass |
| Road rules test | 15 of 20 to pass |
Test tips
- Read the Georgia Drivers Manual, especially the signs chapter.
- Practice the signs test and rules test separately.
- Learn the TADRA numbers: 15, 21, 12 months and one day, 40 and 6 hours, midnight to 5 a.m.
- Arrive early so you start at least 30 minutes before closing.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Georgia. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking, alcohol and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your exam.