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  • 15Youngest age for the permitp. 8
  • 15 of 20Right answers needed in each exam partp. 12
  • 1 yr + 1 dayWith the permit before a Class D licensep. 27
  • 40 hoursOf practice driving, 6 of them at nightp. 8

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring proof of:

    • Who you are (identity)
    • U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
    • Your Social Security number
    • Georgia residency (two documents)
    • School enrollment, if you're under 18

    (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 6, 8)

  2. Bring a responsible adult (under 18)

    A parent, guardian or other responsible adult must sign your application and can cancel the permit for any reason until you turn 18. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 8, 26)

  3. Pass the vision test and knowledge exam

    The exam has a road signs part and a road rules part; you need 15 of 20 correct in each. There is a test fee each time you try. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 8, 12)

  4. Practice with a qualified driver

    Drive only with a licensed Class C driver aged 21 or older who sits beside you. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 8)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website before you go.

Rules while you have a Class C instructional permit

  • A licensed driver aged 21 or older, fit to take control, must sit in the seat beside you. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 8)
  • You may not hold or support a phone while driving (Hands-Free Georgia). (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 25)
  • Everyone under 18 in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 24)

If you don't pass

After a first failure, retake the failed part the next day; after a second or later failure, wait 7 days. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 13)

What comes next

At 16, after a year and a day with the permit, driver education, ADAP and 40 practice hours, you can take the road test for a Class D provisional license with curfew and passenger limits. (Georgia Drivers' Manual, p. 8, 27)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Georgia practice exam: 40 questions, 30 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Georgia Drivers' Manual (2023-2024), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 1 higher.