What You Need to Know About Georgia's Instructional Permit

A Georgia instructional permit, officially called a Class CP permit, lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You cannot drive alone with this permit, and you must follow specific rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive. The permit is the first step toward a Class D (regular passenger) license in Georgia, and you must hold it for a minimum period before you are may be able to access to test for your full license.

Georgia issues instructional permits to people aged 15 and older. The rules differ slightly depending on whether you are under 18 or 18 and older, mainly around how long you must hold the permit and what times you can drive. You will need to pass a written knowledge test at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office to get the permit, and you will need to bring specific documents with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test at a DDS office to receive a Georgia instructional permit.
  • Applicants under 18 must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before taking the road test; applicants 18 and older must hold it for at least one business day.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security to explore.
  • A licensed adult aged 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with an instructional permit.
  • Drivers under 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with an instructional permit, even with a supervising adult present.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

You will need to bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID card from another state. A school ID or a copy of a document will not work — the DDS office requires an original or certified copy.

You also need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Georgia address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, can serve as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a card or cannot find it, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The Written Knowledge Test and Permit Issuance

The knowledge test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test is offered in English and several other languages at most DDS offices.

You take the test at a DDS office on the day you explore. If you pass, you receive your instructional permit when ready — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. The permit is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some offices may require you to wait a certain amount of time between attempts. Check with your local DDS office about their retake policy.

The fee for an instructional permit is $20. Payment methods vary by office; most accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm what payment methods they take.

Minimum Holding Period Before You Can Test for Your License

If you are under 18 when you receive your instructional permit, you must hold it for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for your Class D license. This means if you get your permit on January 15, you cannot test until January 16 of the following year at the earliest.

If you are 18 or older when you receive your instructional permit, you only need to hold it for one business day. This means you could theoretically get your permit on a Friday and test on Monday, though most people schedule their road test appointment in advance.

The 12-month requirement for drivers under 18 is part of Georgia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which is designed to give younger drivers more time to practice before driving independently. This waiting period cannot be waived or shortened.

Rules for Driving With Your Instructional Permit

A licensed driver aged 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat next to you at all times while you drive. This person must have a valid driver's license and be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed. The supervising driver cannot be texting, using a phone, or otherwise distracted.

If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult in the car. This curfew is mandatory and applies to all instructional permit holders under 18. If you are 18 or older, there is no time-of-day restriction on when you can drive with your permit.

You must obey all traffic laws while driving with an instructional permit. Speeding, running red lights, or other violations can result in a ticket, and violations may affect your ability to pass the road test or receive your license. You also cannot drive on limited-access highways (interstates) unless you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

How to Schedule Your Road Test

Once you have held your instructional permit for the required time, you can schedule a road test appointment through the DDS website or by calling 1-888-891-5977. You can also schedule in person at a DDS office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as early as you can.

When you go for your road test, bring your instructional permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You will also need to bring the same proof of identity and residency documents you brought when you applied for your permit, in case the examiner asks to verify them.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, stopping at traffic lights, and merging. If you pass, you will receive your Class D license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day before scheduling another appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or other identity document. The DDS office will not accept it — you must bring an original or certified copy. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born.

Do not assume your proof of residency is recent enough. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 60 days before your visit, it will not be accepted. If you are moving soon and your current address does not match your identity document, bring a notarized letter from someone whose name is on a recent bill, along with a copy of that bill.

Do not drive alone or with someone under 21 in the front seat. Driving with an instructional permit in violation of these rules can result in a ticket and may disqualify you from taking your road test. If you are under 18, do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even for a short trip or an emergency — this rule has no exceptions.

Do not wait until the last day of your permit's validity to schedule your road test. Permits are valid for 12 months, but if your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will have to explore for a new permit and start over. Schedule your test well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an instructional permit if I have a learner's permit from another state?

No. If you move to Georgia, you must explore for a Georgia instructional permit. You cannot transfer a permit from another state. You will need to pass Georgia's knowledge test and follow Georgia's rules, including the 12-month holding period if you are under 18.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DDS offices, though some offices have a waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs $20. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you can receive your permit.

Can someone under 21 supervise me while I drive with an instructional permit?

No. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. They must sit in the front passenger seat. A parent or guardian under 21 cannot supervise you, even if they have a license.

What if my instructional permit expires before I pass my road test?

You will need to explore for a new permit. You must pass the knowledge test again and pay the $20 fee. If you are under 18, the 12-month holding period starts over from the date you receive your new permit. Plan ahead and schedule your road test well before your permit expires.

Can I drive to school or work with an instructional permit if I am under 18?

Yes, as long as a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the front passenger seat and you are not driving between midnight and 5 a.m. There are no restrictions on where you can drive during permitted hours, only on who can supervise and what time of day you can drive.