Georgia Driver’s License FAQs
- Understanding Different DL Classes
- Getting a Georgia Driver’s License
- Getting a Georgia Learner’s Permit
- Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Getting a Georgia Motorcycle License
- Georgia DL Age Requirements
- Applying for Your Driver’s License for Under 18
- Applying for Your Driver’s License for Over 18
- Driver’s License Fee and Renewal or Replacement Cost
- Georgia Written Knowledge Test
- Georgia Road Test
- Driver’s License Renewal Process, Eligibility, and Requirements
- Losing and Replacing Your Georgia Driver’s License
- Driver’s License and Permit Expiry, Suspension, and Reinstatement
- Driving in Georgia with an Out of State or a Foreign Driver’s License
- Miscellaneous
Understanding Different DL Classes
What is a Class C license in Georgia?
A Class C license in Georgia is a standard driver's license that allows you to operate regular passenger vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and vans, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds.
What is a Class CP license in Georgia?
A Class CP license in Georgia is a learner's permit that allows individuals, typically 15 years old, to practice driving with certain restrictions. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
What is a Class CM license in Georgia?
A Class CM license in Georgia is a commercial learner's permit for individuals learning to drive commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses. This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed commercial driver.
What is a Class D license in Georgia?
A Class D license in Georgia is an intermediate driver's license for drivers aged 16 or 17. It comes with certain restrictions, such as not driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and limits on the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle.
Getting a Georgia Driver’s License
How to get a driver's license in Georgia?
To get a driver's license in Georgia, you need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You'll need to pass a vision exam, a knowledge test, and a road skills test. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency.
How to get an over 21 license in Georgia?
If you're over 21 and want to get a Georgia driver's license, you follow the same process as a normal driver’s license: fill out a form, bring your documentation, and pass a few tests.
What do you need to get a license in Georgia?
To get a license in Georgia, you need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), your Social Security number, and two documents proving Georgia residency (like utility bills or a lease agreement).
How long does it take for your license to come in the mail in Georgia?
After you apply for a Georgia driver's license, it typically takes about 7 to 14 days for your license to arrive in the mail. However, it can sometimes take up to 30 days.
How do I know if I have an enhanced driver's license in Georgia?
Georgia does not currently issue enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). Instead, Georgia issues Real ID-compliant licenses, which are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner. If you see this star on your license, it means your license meets federal identification standards.
What does a Georgia driver's license look like?
A Georgia driver's license features the state's peach symbol, the state outline, and your photo on the left side. If it's a Real ID-compliant license, there will be a gold or black star in the upper right corner. The license includes your personal details like name, address, and license number.
Can you retake your driver's license picture in Georgia?
Yes, you can request to retake your driver's license picture in Georgia by visiting a DDS office. There might be a fee associated with getting a new photo.
What do I need to change my address on my license in Georgia?
You can change the address on your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. You will need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement.
Where is the document number on a Georgia driver's license?
The document number on a Georgia driver's license is typically found in the lower portion of the license card. It’s a unique identification number that is different from your driver’s license number.
How do I get a temporary driver's license in Georgia?
To get a temporary driver's license in Georgia, you must visit a Georgia DDS office. Temporary licenses are usually issued to drivers whose permanent license is being processed or has been lost or stolen. You’ll need to provide identification and pay a fee.
Can I change my Georgia driver's license address online?
Yes, you can change your address on your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia DDS website. You’ll need to provide your driver's license number and some personal details to complete the process.
Who would be eligible for a temporary license issued in Georgia?
Temporary licenses in Georgia are usually issued to individuals whose permanent driver's license is being processed, those who have lost or had their license stolen, or in cases where the license is suspended but the person is eligible for limited driving privileges.
Who is the issuing authority for driver's licenses in Georgia?
The issuing authority for driver's licenses in Georgia is the Georgia DDS.
Do you have to take a written test to get your license in Georgia?
Yes, you have to pass a written knowledge test to get your driver's license in Georgia. This test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
Can you smile in Georgia license photos?
Yes, you can smile in your Georgia driver's license photo, but the smile must be natural and not exaggerated. This is to ensure that your facial features are clearly visible for identification purposes.
Getting a Georgia Learner’s Permit
How to get your permit in Georgia?
To get your learner's permit (Class CP), you must be at least 15, pass a vision and a knowledge test, and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency to a DDS office.
What do you need to get your permit in Georgia?
To get your permit in Georgia, you need to provide proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill or school enrollment form).
How long do you have to have your permit in Georgia?
In Georgia, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can apply for a driver's license.
How long do you have to wait after your permit to get your license in Georgia?
You need to wait at least 12 months and one day after getting your learner's permit before you can apply for a Class D intermediate driver's license in Georgia. During this time, you must also complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night.
Can you drive to school with a permit in Georgia?
Yes, you can drive to school with a learner's permit in Georgia, but you must travel with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.
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Georgia DL Age Requirements
What age can you get your permit in Georgia?
You can get your learner's permit in Georgia at the age of 15.
What age can you get your license in Georgia?
You can get your Class D intermediate driver's license in Georgia at the age of 16, provided you have held a learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day, completed a driver's education course, and logged at least 40 hours of supervised driving.
How old do you have to be to test drive a car in Georgia?
While there isn't a specific statewide law in Georgia, most car dealerships require you to be at least 18 years old to test drive a car. Some dealerships may allow younger drivers to test drive if accompanied by a licensed adult.
Applying for Your Driver’s License for Under 18
How to get a driver's license in Georgia at 16?
To get a Class D intermediate driver's license in Georgia at 16, you must have held a learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day. You must also complete a state-approved driver's education course, log 40 hours of supervised driving (including 6 hours at night), and pass a road test at the DDS.
How late can a 16-year-old drive in Georgia?
A 16-year-old with a Class D license in Georgia cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM. There are also passenger restrictions: during the first six months, no passengers are allowed except for immediate family members.
Can a 16-year-old drive alone in Georgia?
Yes, a 16-year-old can drive alone in Georgia if they have a Class D intermediate license. However, they must follow the restrictions on driving hours and passenger limits.
Can you drive at 15 in Georgia?
At 15, you can drive in Georgia with a learner's permit, which comes with certain restrictions.
Can you drive at 14 in Georgia?
No, you cannot drive at 14 in Georgia. The minimum age to obtain a learner's permit is 15.
Can you get your license at 17 without a permit in Georgia?
No, in Georgia, you cannot get your driver's license at 17 without a learner's permit. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can apply for a driver's license.
Can a 17-year-old register a car in their name in Georgia?
Yes, a 17-year-old can register a car in their name in Georgia, but they may need a parent or guardian to sign the title if they are under 18.
Applying for Your Driver’s License for 18 and Over
How long do you have to wait after your permit to get your license if you are over 18 in Georgia?
If you are over 18, there is no mandatory waiting period after obtaining your learner's permit before you can get your driver's license.
Can you get your license at 18 without a permit in Georgia?
Yes, if you are 18 or older in Georgia, you can apply for a driver's license without first getting a learner's permit.
Driver’s License Fee and Renewal, Replacement, and Transferring Cost
How much does a driver's license cost in Georgia?
A standard Class C driver's license in Georgia costs $32.
How much does a permit cost in Georgia?
A learner's permit (Class CP) in Georgia costs $10 and is valid for two years.
How much does an ID cost in Georgia?
The cost for a Georgia ID card is $32 for an 8-year card. However, a free ID may be available if you meet certain conditions, such as being over 18 and without a valid driver's license.
How much is the driving test in Georgia?
There is no separate fee for the driving test in Georgia; it is included in the cost of your driver's license application.
How much is the permit test in Georgia?
The permit test fee is $10, which is the cost of obtaining a learner's permit (Class CP) in Georgia.
How much does it cost to transfer your license to Georgia?
The cost to transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Georgia is $32. This fee is the same as the cost of a new driver's license in Georgia.
Georgia Written Knowledge and Road Test
How many questions are on the Georgia permit test?
The Georgia permit test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions: 20 questions on road signs and 20 questions on road rules.
How many questions can you miss on the Georgia permit test?
You can miss up to 5 questions on each section of the Georgia permit test. You need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly in both the road signs and road rules sections to pass.
What do you need to take your permit test in Georgia?
To take the permit test in Georgia, you need to bring proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency. If you are under 18, you also need a Certificate of School Enrollment.
What score do you need to pass the permit test in Georgia?
To pass the Georgia permit test, you need a score of 75%, which means correctly answering at least 15 out of 20 questions in each section.
Can you take the written driving test online in Georgia?
No, you cannot take the written driving test online in Georgia. The permit test must be taken in person at a Georgia DDS.
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Driver’s License Renewal Process, Eligibility, and Requirements
How to renew your Georgia driver’s license?
You can renew your Georgia driver’s license online, in person, or by mail (if eligible). To renew, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency. You may also need to pass a vision test if renewing in person.
How early can you renew your driver's license in Georgia?
You can renew your Georgia driver's license up to 150 days (about five months) before it expires.
Do I have to renew my license when I turn 21 in Georgia?
No, you don’t have to renew your license specifically when you turn 21 in Georgia. However, if you want a new license without the "Under 21" designation, you can apply for a replacement after your 21st birthday.
Can you renew a learner's permit in Georgia?
Yes, you can renew a learner's permit in Georgia if it has not yet expired. You will need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) location to renew it.
Can I renew my license online in Georgia?
Yes, you can renew your Georgia driver's license online if you meet the eligibility requirements, such as having a valid license and not needing to update any personal information.
Can I renew my tag if my license is suspended in Georgia?
Yes, you can renew your vehicle tag even if your driver's license is suspended in Georgia. The status of your driver’s license does not affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration.
Losing and Replacing Your Georgia Driver’s License
How to get a replacement driver's license in Georgia?
You can get a replacement driver's license in Georgia by applying online, in person, or through the Georgia DDS mobile app. The easiest and fastest method is to apply online.
What documents do I need for a replacement driver's license in Georgia?
To get a replacement driver's license in Georgia, you must provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and your Social Security number. If you are applying in person, you'll also need two proofs of Georgia residency, such as utility bills or a lease agreement.
Driver’s License and Permit Expiry, Suspension, and Reinstatement
How much does it cost to reinstate your license in Georgia?
The cost to reinstate your Georgia driver's license varies based on the reason for suspension. For a first-time suspension, the fee is generally $210 if paid online or $200 if paid in person. More serious offenses, such as DUI, may result in higher reinstatement fees.
How long is a Georgia driver's license good for?
A Georgia driver's license is valid for 8 years. However, you can choose to renew it for either 5 or 8 years when you apply for renewal.
How to check if my license is suspended in Georgia?
You can check the status of your driver's license in Georgia online through the Georgia DDS website by accessing your driving record.
Can I drive with an expired license in Georgia?
No, it is illegal to drive with an expired license in Georgia.
If my permit expires, do I have to take the test again in Georgia?
Yes, if your learner's permit expires in Georgia, you will need to retake and pass the knowledge test to obtain a new permit.
Driving in Georgia with an Out of State or a Foreign Driver’s License
How to get a Georgia driver's license from out-of-state?
To get a Georgia driver's license when moving from another state, visit a Georgia DDS office with your current out-of-state license, documents to prove your identity (like a passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency (such as utility bills or a lease agreement). You will also need to pass a vision exam. The written and road tests are usually waived if your out-of-state license is valid.
Can I drive in Georgia with an out-of-state permit?
Yes, you can drive in Georgia with an out-of-state learner's permit as long as you follow the rules of both the state that issued the permit and Georgia's driving laws.
Can I get a license in Georgia if suspended in another state?
No, you cannot get a driver's license in Georgia if your license is suspended in another state. You must first resolve the suspension and obtain clearance before being eligible to apply for a Georgia driver's license.
What do I need to transfer my license to Georgia?
You'll need your current out-of-state license, documents to prove your identity, a Social Security number, and two documents proving your Georgia residency to a Georgia DDS office.
How long can you drive with a foreign license in Georgia?
You can drive with a valid foreign driver's license in Georgia for up to one year as a visitor. If you become a resident, you’ll need to obtain a Georgia driver's license within 30 days.
Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
How many questions are on the Georgia CDL permit test?
The Georgia CDL permit test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
How to get CDL in Georgia?
To get a CDL in Georgia, you must be at least 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate driving. You must pass a series of written tests to obtain your CDL permit, complete a CDL training program, and then pass a skills test, including a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and a road test.
How much does it cost to get your CDL in Georgia?
The cost of getting a CDL in Georgia varies depending on the license type and endorsements. Generally, it costs around $32 for the permit, $50 for the road test, and $20 for the actual CDL license. Additional costs may apply for training programs and endorsements.
How to get Class A CDL in Georgia?
To get a Class A CDL in Georgia, you must first obtain a CDL permit by passing the necessary written tests. After that, you must complete a CDL training program, pass the skills test, and apply for the Class A CDL, which allows you to operate combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
How to get Class B CDL in Georgia?
To get a Class B CDL in Georgia, you must pass the written tests to obtain a CDL permit and then complete a CDL training program. After that, you need to pass the skills test to qualify for a Class B CDL, which allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
How old do you have to be to get your CDL in Georgia?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL in Georgia for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving.
What are the 3 tests for a CDL permit in Georgia?
The 3 tests for a CDL permit in Georgia include the General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes test.
How much does CDL school cost in Georgia?
The cost of CDL school in Georgia can vary widely, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the program and the type of CDL you are pursuing.
Getting a Georgia Motorcycle License
How to get a motorcycle license in Georgia?
You must pass a motorcycle knowledge test to obtain a motorcycle permit. After holding the permit for at least six months if you're under 18 (no waiting period if you're over 18), you must pass a motorcycle skills test. Alternatively, you can complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Course to waive the skills test.
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Georgia?
You must be at least 17 years old to obtain a motorcycle license in Georgia. If you are under 18, you must have held a motorcycle permit for at least six months and meet additional requirements.
Do you need a motorcycle license in Georgia?
Yes, you need a motorcycle license (Class M) or a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver's license to legally operate a motorcycle in Georgia.
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Miscellaneous
How to check my driving record in Georgia?
You can check your driving record in Georgia online by visiting the Georgia DDS website and in person at any DDS Customer Service Center.
Where can I get a Georgia Driver's Manual?
You can download a Georgia Driver's Manual online from the Georgia DDS website or pick up a physical copy at any DDS Customer Service Center. You can also download it from our website for free.