What a Georgia Class CP learner's permit is and who can get one

A Georgia Class CP is a learner's permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for your Class D license. You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get one. The permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it.

You do not need a Class CP to drive in Georgia if you are 18 or older — you can go straight to a Class D license by passing the road test. But if you are under 18, Georgia law requires you to hold a Class CP for at least one month before you can take the road test for a Class D.

The Class CP also comes with restrictions. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — even hands-free. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your Class D license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass the written knowledge test to receive a Georgia Class CP learner's permit.
  • A Class CP is valid for five years and requires you to have a licensed adult in the car whenever you drive.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a Class CP for at least one month before you can take the road test for a Class D license.
  • While you hold a Class CP, you cannot drive alone, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot use a cell phone while driving.

Documents you need to bring to the Georgia DDS office

Bring proof of your date of birth and proof of your Social Security number. A birth certificate, passport, or state ID works for date of birth. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

You also need proof of your Georgia residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process. Bring their ID as well.

Steps to get your Class CP permit

Go to a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. You cannot get a Class CP online or by mail. Find your nearest office on the DDS website.

When you arrive, tell the staff you want to get a Class CP. They will give you an process form to fill out. Hand it back with your documents. Pay the fee — as of 2024, a five-year Class CP costs $20. The fee may change, so ask the office staff to confirm the current price.

Next, you will take the written knowledge test. The test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office.

If you pass, the staff will take your photo and issue your Class CP on the spot. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

What the written knowledge test covers

The test asks about Georgia traffic laws, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You will see questions about parking, turning, and lane changes. The test also covers what different road signs mean — stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, and informational signs.

Study the Georgia Driver's Manual before you take the test. The manual is free and available on the DDS website. It covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours and pass on their first try. Others spend a week or more. How long you need depends on how much you already know about driving.

You can also take practice tests online through the DDS website or through third-party apps. These practice tests use real questions from past exams, so they are a good way to see what to expect.

How long your Class CP is valid and what happens when it expires

Your Class CP is valid for five years from the date you receive it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit.

If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get your Class D license, you will need to renew it. Go back to a DDS office, bring your expired permit and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to take the written test again.

If you turn 18 while you hold a Class CP, you can still use it to practice driving. You do not have to renew it early. But you still cannot take your road test until you have held the permit for at least one month.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a Class CP

You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. This person is responsible for supervising your driving. They can be a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. This curfew is set by Georgia law and has no exceptions.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving — not to text, call, or use an app. You also cannot use a hands-free device to talk on the phone. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency.

You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car, unless the passenger is your sibling. This rule is meant to reduce distractions while you are learning.

When you can take your road test after getting a Class CP

You must hold your Class CP for at least one month before you can take the road test. After one month has passed, you can schedule a road test at any DDS office.

The road test costs $20 and takes about 20 minutes. You will drive on public roads with a DDS examiner in the car. The examiner will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and other driving tasks. You must pass the road test to get your Class D license.

You can take the road test as many times as you need to pass. There is no limit. Each attempt costs $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class CP if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the Class CP and go straight to a Class D license by passing the road test. You do not need to hold a permit first.

What happens if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period and no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the Georgia Driver's Manual and try again.

Can someone else pick up my Class CP permit for me?

No. You must go to the DDS office in person to get your Class CP. The staff will take your photo and issue the permit to you directly.

What if I move to a different state while I hold a Georgia Class CP?

Your Georgia Class CP is only valid in Georgia. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out what you need to do.

Can I drive on the highway with a Class CP?

Yes, you can drive on the highway with a Class CP as long as a licensed adult is in the car with you. There are no restrictions on where you can drive, only on when (no midnight to 5 a.m.) and who can be in the car with you.