Every teen looks forward to the day they receive their license. The Safe America Foundation ensures a smooth process for both teen and parents wanting more information on the procedure of getting a license.

Requirements for Obtaining Your Permit

• You must be at least 15 years of age.
• A parent or legal guardian (who must present certified guardianship court papers or adoption papers with embossed court seal) must sign for the applicant.
• The parent or legal guardian must present a Georgia Driver License or ID card. If the parent/guardian does not possess a Georgia License or ID card, the teen must present a standard Proof of Residency document.
• Any out of state permits, licenses, or ID cards must be surrendered. If the teen held a license or permit in another state, a certified Driving History, dated within the last 30 days, from the issuing state is also required.

Documents Required

• An original US birth certificate, certified copy of the US birth certificate (with embossed state seal), US certificate of birth registration, certified copy of court records (for adoption, name changes, etc.), certified naturalization records, immigration card or a Valid Passport must be presented. More identification requirement information can be found here. Hospital issued birth certificates are not acceptable.
• Non US citizens must present original, non-expired immigration documents.
• Applicants must know their social security number; however the original social security card is not required. An online verification (first name, last name, date of birth and social security number) with the social security records system is completed prior to issuing the permit. Non citizens may present a Social Security Denial Letter, Form SSA L676 in place of a social security number.
• A Georgia DDS Certificate of Attendance form must be signed and notarized by your school. It is only valid for 30 days. If not attending school, applicants under the age of 18 must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or proof of enrollment in college. Students enrolled in an approved home school program must present a Certificate of Attendance form from the local Board of Education. Click for more information.

The Permit Process

The locations to get your permit are on the Department of Driver Services website at www.dds.ga.gov. When you arrive, you will check in and get an application to fill out. Take the application with the required documents to the counter and pay the $10 fee. Effective January 5, 2009, the fee must be paid before the test begins; DDS accepts cash, money order, check, or credit/debit cards. The $10 fee is forfeited if you fail the test. The $10 permit fee would be paid again at the next test attempt. After passing the test, the photo is taken and a temporary paper permit is given. A laminated version will arrive in the mail in about 30 days.

• The permit is valid for 24 months.
• The permit holder is allowed to drive:
• With a licensed driver at least 21 years old

The License

In order to receive your license, an individual must possess an instructional permit for 12 months and pass a driving test. However, on January 1, 2007, the state of Georgia enacted Joshua’s Law. Joshua’s Law requires all teens wishing to obtain a license at 16 to complete a 30 hour driver education course that is certified by the Department of Driver Services as well as complete a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving training, with 6 of those hours completed at night. Those individuals who do not complete an approved driver education course must wait until age 17 to become licensed. If a teen does not complete the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an instructor, the teen must track and log their 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and they will not be eligible for a 10% insurance discount. For more information on the 40 hour behind-the-wheel log, click here.

Safe America driver education courses are licensed by the State of Georgia Department of Driver Services. Many of Safe America’s driving instructors are current or former firefighters and police officers. Each student will attend the required 30 hours of classroom training, which includes the state-mandated Alcohol and Drug Awareness (ADAP) training. Students will also complete either six hours (required by state) or 10 hours of private, individual behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driver training instructor. The behind-the-wheel training is performed in individually scheduled 2-hour increments which must occur within the 6 months following the classroom training. This is scheduled after completion of classroom instruction.

Pick a location for Driver Education classes:

What is Joshua’s Law?

On January 1, 2007, Joshua’s Law went into effect in the state of Georgia stating that if you are 16 years old, you must complete a driver education course approved by the Department of Driver Services as well as complete a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving training, with 6 of those hours completed at night. Those individuals who do not complete an approved driver education course must wait until age 17 to become licensed.

What is TADRA?

Enacted on July 1, 1997, TADRA involves a three-step educational process that allows the young driver to gain more experience behind the wheel:

STEP ONE – The Instructional Permit (CP) is granted to 15-year-olds upon successfully passing a written examination. The driver with this permit must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 21 years old and possesses a valid Class C driver's license at all times while driving.

STEP TWO – The Intermediate License (Class D) is granted to drivers between 16 and 18 years of age who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and passed a driving test. The Intermediate License has the following restrictions:

1. No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. No exceptions.
2. Passenger restrictions:

• For the initial six-month period immediately following the issuance of a Class D license, any Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when any other passenger in the vehicle is not a member of the driver's immediate family.
• During the second six-month period immediately following issuance of a Class D license, any Class D license holder cannot drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than one other passenger in the vehicle (who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family) is less than 21 years of age.
• After the second six-month period, any Class D license holder cannot drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than three other passengers in the vehicle (who are not members of the driver’s immediate family) are less than 21 years of age.

*** When a teen driver turns 18, they must go to DDS and obtain a Class C license. This is important, because if the driver holds a Class D license—the license held by 16-18 year olds—the same restrictions are enforced without any regard to the age of the individual.

** Drivers under the age of 18 years in a 12-month license suspension period must not incur a violation point count over four points.

** Georgia has a zero tolerance for underage drunk driving. Convicted drivers with a blood-alcohol content level of .08 grams or higher will face a 12-month license suspension on the first offense.