What you need to know about Georgia's learner's permit

Georgia's learner's permit is called a Class CP permit, and it lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get one. The permit is valid for five years, so you have time to practice and prepare for your road test without rushing.

The Class CP permit comes with restrictions: you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These rules exist to keep new drivers safe while they are learning. Once you pass your road test, you can move to a Class D license, which has fewer restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass Georgia's written knowledge test to get a Class CP learner's permit.
  • The permit requires a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old to be in the car with you at all times.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a Class CP permit.
  • Your Class CP permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the Georgia Department of Driver Services office.

Documents to bring to the Georgia Department of Driver Services

When you go to your local Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. This is your proof of identity. You will also need proof that you live in Georgia — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for this.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can explore for one at the same time you explore for your permit. You will also need to fill out the DL 44 form, which is Georgia's process for a driver's license or permit. You can read this form from the Georgia DDS website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office.

The written knowledge test

Georgia's written test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office, so you do not need to study from a paper booklet unless you prefer to.

Georgia provides a free study guide called the Georgia Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up at any DDS office. The manual covers everything the test will ask about. Most people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass — there is no limit on attempts, though you may have to wait a short time between tries.

The cost and how long it takes

A Class CP learner's permit costs $32 in Georgia. This is a one-time fee that covers the five-year validity period. You do not pay extra to renew it during those five years. If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement for $20.

You can usually get your permit the same day you pass the written test. The DDS office will take your photo and issue your permit before you leave. If you explore online through the Georgia DDS website, you can complete some of the paperwork ahead of time, which can speed up the process when you arrive at the office.

Restrictions while you hold a Class CP permit

Your Class CP permit requires a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old to be in the front seat with you whenever you drive. This person is responsible for supervising your driving and helping you learn. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other teenagers in the car, even if one of them has a license.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This curfew applies every day, including weekends and school breaks. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of crashes while you are still learning.

Moving from your permit to a Class D license

Once you have held your Class CP permit for at least 12 months and you are at least 16 years old, you can take the road test. Georgia's road test includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, a driving portion where you demonstrate basic skills like parking and turning, and a post-drive evaluation. You will drive with a DDS examiner who will watch how you handle the car and whether you follow traffic laws.

If you pass the road test, you will receive a Class D license. A Class D license still has some restrictions if you are under 18 — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school. These restrictions ease once you turn 18 or after you have held your Class D license for a certain period of time.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again. Georgia does not charge you an extra fee to retake the test, though you may have to wait a short time — usually a few days — before you can try again. Use that time to study the areas where you struggled. The Georgia Driver's Manual breaks down each topic, so you can focus on the sections you found hardest.

Many people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no shame in retaking the test, and taking your time to learn the material well means you will be a safer driver once you are behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Georgia does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to be at least 15 years old and pass the written knowledge test. Bring the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — regardless of where you go to school.

What if I move to Georgia from another state?

If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you will need to get a Georgia Class CP permit. You cannot use an out-of-state permit in Georgia. Bring your out-of-state permit along with your proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number to a DDS office. You will still need to pass Georgia's written test.

Can I practice driving on private property with my permit?

No. Your Class CP permit only allows you to drive on public roads, and only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the car. You cannot practice on private property, parking lots, or closed courses without a licensed adult present, even though these are not public roads.

What if I turn 18 before I pass my road test?

You can still use your Class CP permit to practice driving. Once you turn 18, some of the restrictions change — for example, you may be able to drive without a supervising adult in some cases, depending on Georgia's current rules. Check with your local DDS office about what changes when you turn 18, because the rules can vary.

How do I renew my permit if it expires before I get my license?

Your Class CP permit is valid for five years, so most people do not need to renew it before they pass their road test. If your permit does expire before you are ready to test, you can renew it at a DDS office. Bring your expired permit and pay the renewal fee, which is typically lower than the original permit fee.