State Driving Guide

Georgia

Official permit & driving info · Last reviewed 2024-03-01

Official DMV Driver Handbook

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15
Permit Age
⏱️
40
Practice Hours
🌙
6
Night Hours
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3
License Stages
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Getting Your Permit

Georgia teens can apply for an Instructional Permit at age 15. You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test. A parent or guardian must be present and sign the application. All new teen drivers in Georgia must comply with Joshua's Law, which requires completion of a certified driver education course or 40 hours of supervised driving.

Required Documents
  • ✓
    Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
    Source: Georgia DDS
  • ✓
    Proof of Social Security Number
    Source: Georgia DDS
  • ✓
    Proof of Georgia residential address
    Source: Georgia DDS
  • ✓
    Proof of school enrollment (or home school affidavit) for applicants under 18
    Source: Georgia DDS
  • ✓
    Parent or guardian consent (signature required on application)
    Source: Georgia DDS
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Graduated License Stages
Instructional Permit
Age 15+

Requirements: Pass vision test and written knowledge test. Parent or guardian must be present. Must be enrolled in school (or home school). Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat at all times.

Restrictions: Must have a supervising licensed driver 21+ at all times. Cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM.

Source: Georgia DDS — Teen Drivers
Provisional License (Class D)
Age 16+

Requirements: Must hold instructional permit for at least 12 months. Must complete 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night) OR complete an approved driver education course (Joshua's Law). Must pass a road test.

Restrictions: Cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM (with limited exceptions). Cannot have more than 1 passenger under age 21 (excluding immediate family members) for the first 6 months. Cannot use any wireless communication device while driving.

Source: Georgia DDS — Joshua's Law
Full License (Class C)
Age 18+

Requirements: All GDL restrictions are automatically lifted when driver turns 18, assuming no major violations.

Restrictions: No GDL restrictions. Hands-free law still applies to all drivers.

Source: Georgia DDS
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Required Practice Hours
40
Total Hours
6
Night Hours

Required under Joshua's Law unless the teen completes an approved driver education course from a certified school. Practice hours must be logged and certified by a parent or guardian.

Source: Georgia DDS — Joshua's Law (O.C.G.A. §40-5-22)
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Georgia-Specific Laws
Joshua's Law — Driver Education Requirement

All Georgia teens under 18 applying for a Class D provisional license must either: (1) complete an approved 30-hour driver education course, OR (2) log at least 40 hours of supervised driving with 6 hours at night and have a parent/guardian certify the hours.

O.C.G.A. §40-5-22 (Joshua's Law) · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Hands-Free Georgia Act

All drivers in Georgia are prohibited from holding or using a mobile phone or any wireless device while driving. Hands-free use (Bluetooth, speakerphone on a flat surface, earpiece) is the only legal option. Violations result in points and fines.

O.C.G.A. §40-6-241.2 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Move Over Law

Georgia drivers must move over one full lane (or slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit if a lane change is not safe) when passing stopped emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, and highway workers with lights flashing.

O.C.G.A. §40-6-16 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Seat Belt Law

Georgia requires all front-seat occupants to wear a seat belt. All passengers under age 18 in any seat must be buckled. Children under age 8 must be in a child safety seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and weight.

O.C.G.A. §40-8-76.1 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Speed Limits

Default speed limits: 30 mph in urban districts, 55 mph on most state roads, 65-70 mph on interstates where posted. School zone speed limit is 15 mph when children are present. Always obey posted signs.

O.C.G.A. §40-6-181 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
DUI / Zero Tolerance for Minors

Georgia has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. A driver under 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher can be charged with DUI. The legal limit for drivers 21+ is 0.08% BAC.

O.C.G.A. §40-6-391 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
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Road Test Tips for Georgia
  • Bring your instructional permit, your 40-hour driving log (or Joshua's Law certificate), and the vehicle's registration and insurance.
  • Practice backing into a parking space — Georgia road tests often include backing maneuvers.
  • Come to a complete stop before the stop line at every stop sign and red light.
  • Signal all lane changes and turns in advance.
  • Check mirrors and turn your head to check blind spots — examiners watch for this.
  • Know the speed limits in the area where you are tested — and stay under them.
  • Do not use your phone at any point during the test.
  • Practice driving in varied conditions: neighborhoods, highways, and intersections.
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Source transparency: All rules on this page are sourced directly from official government publications. Laws may change — always verify with the Georgia DMV before your test. Last reviewed: 2024-03-01.