1. Get Prepared

    To qualify for a driver’s license, you must:

    • Be at least 16 years of age

    • If you are under 18 years old, see the Teen Driver’s Page at the Department of Driver Services for additional information.

    • Have held an Instructional Permit for at least one year and a day

    • Have no major traffic violations that resulted in the suspension of your Instructional Permit

    • Have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience, including at least 6 hours driving at night

    • If 16 years of age, meet Joshua's Law Requirements

    • Pass a Vision Exam

    • Pass a Road Skills Test

  2. Gather What You’ll Need

    • Schedule a Road Test Appointment

    • Gather the necessary documents

      • Documentation showing your identity, residential address, Social Security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. Refer to Secure ID for more information.

      • Applicants new to Georgia must surrender any out-of-state driver's license/permit/ID card.

      • A Georgia DDS Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1) must be signed and notarized from the applicant’s school. 

      • All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a high school diploma, GED, special diploma, certification of high school completion, or proof of enrollment in a GED program or a postsecondary school.

      • ADAP or eADAP certificate of completion.

  3. Create & Submit Application

    • Save time by completing an application form before you go. 

    • Applicants under age 18 are required to have Parent/Guardian, Responsible Adult or Authorized Driver Training Instructor sign the application. The person who signs can request the driver's license to be revoked at any time before the applicant’s 18th birthday.  

  4. Next Steps

    Conditions/Restrictions for drivers under 18 years of age:

    • You may not drive between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m, no exceptions.

    • During the first 6 months following issuance, only immediate family members can ride in the vehicle.

    • During the second 6 months following issuance, only 1 passenger under 21 years of age and who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family can ride in the vehicle.

    • After one year from the date of issuance, only 3 passengers under 21 years of age and who are not members of your  immediate family can ride in the vehicle.

    • At age 18, you can upgrade your Class D provisional driver's license to a Class C "under 21" driver’s license.

    • If you have not completed a certified Georgia Driver Training/Driver Education course, you cannot obtain a Class D license until age 17. 

    See the Teen Driver’s Page at the Department of Driver Services for additional information.