Georgia DMV Permit Test: Instructional Permit and Teen Licenses (TADRA) Concepts
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Overview
Georgia's teen driver law, known as TADRA, created a graduated licensing program in three steps: the Class CP instructional permit, the Class D provisional license, and the full Class C license. This chapter covers what each step requires and the limits on teen drivers.
You can get a Class CP permit at 15 by passing a vision test and the knowledge exam. If you are under 18, you must show proof of school enrollment, and a parent, guardian, or responsible adult must sign. That person can ask to have your permit revoked any time before you turn 18. With a permit, you may drive only with a licensed Class C driver at least 21 years old in the seat beside you.
At 16 you can apply for a Class D license after holding the permit for one year and one day. Joshua's Law requires driver education (30 hours of class plus 6 hours with a certified instructor or the Parent/Teen Driver Guide) and 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 at night. You also need the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) and a road test.
A Class D driver may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. Passengers are limited: immediate family only for the first six months, one non-family passenger under 21 for the next six months, and up to three after that. A driver under 21 convicted of offenses such as reckless or aggressive driving loses the license for six months. At 18 you can hold a full Class C license.
Key concepts
Class CP instructional permit
Available at age 15 after a vision test and the knowledge exam. You may drive only with a person at least 21 who holds a Class C license, is fit to take control, and sits in the seat beside you.
Memory tipPermit at 15; supervisor 21+ beside you.
Source: Georgia DDS Drivers' Manual (Teen Driving Laws) · as of 2026
Class D provisional license
Available at 16 after holding the permit for one year and one day, finishing Joshua's Law driver education, 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night), and ADAP, and passing a road test.
Memory tip16, one year and a day, 40 hours with 6 at night.
Source: Georgia DDS, Teen Drivers · as of 2026
Joshua's Law
Requires a DDS-approved driver education course for a Class D license at 16 or 17: 30 hours of classroom or approved online instruction, plus 6 hours with a certified instructor or the DDS Parent/Teen Driver Guide.
Memory tip30 hours of class plus 6 hours of driving lessons.
Source: Georgia DDS Drivers' Manual (Teen Driving Laws) · as of 2026
Class D night limit
A Class D license holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. There are no exceptions.
Memory tipMidnight to 5 a.m.: no driving, no excuses.
Source: Georgia DDS Drivers' Manual (Teen Driving Laws) · as of 2026
Class D passenger limits
First six months: immediate family only. Second six months: one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family. After that: up to three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family.
Memory tipFamily only, then 1, then 3.
Source: Georgia DDS Drivers' Manual (Teen Driving Laws) · as of 2026
Suspensions for drivers under 21
A conviction for offenses such as reckless driving, aggressive driving, racing, hit and run, or any 4-point violation suspends the license of a driver under 21 for six months for a first conviction and twelve months for a second.
Memory tipUnder 21: serious violation means losing the license.
Source: Georgia DDS Drivers' Manual (Teen Driving Laws) · as of 2026
Often tested
- Class CP permit at 15; Class D at 16; full Class C at 18.
- Hold the permit one year and one day before a Class D license.
- Joshua's Law: 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 at night.
- Class D: no driving from midnight to 5 a.m.
- Class D passengers: family only, then one, then up to three non-family under 21.
Easy to confuse: Class D passenger limits
| Time since the Class D license was issued | Passengers under 21 who are not immediate family |
|---|---|
| First six months | None (immediate family only) |
| Second six months | One |
| After one year | Up to three |
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. What is the youngest age at which you can apply for a Georgia Class CP instructional permit?
- ① 15
- ② 15 and a half
- ③ 14
- ④ 16
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Answer: ① 15
Key point: Class CP permit: age 15
In Georgia you may apply for a Class C instructional permit (Class CP) once you reach age 15. You must pass a vision test and the knowledge exam on road signs and road rules.
Wrong choices
- 15 and a half: Georgia does not use a 15 and a half rule. The permit age is 15.
- 14: You cannot get a Class CP permit before age 15.
- 16: 16 is the youngest age for a Class D provisional license, not the permit.
Question 2. You have a Class CP permit. Who must be with you when you drive?
- ① Any licensed driver at least 18, sitting anywhere in the car
- ② No one, as long as you drive in daylight
- ③ A licensed Class C driver at least 21 years old, sitting in the seat beside you
- ④ Any adult passenger, licensed or not
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Answer: ③ A licensed Class C driver at least 21 years old, sitting in the seat beside you
Key point: Permit driving: licensed driver 21+ in the seat beside you
With a Class CP permit you may drive only with a person at least 21 years old who is licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, is fit and able to take control, and is sitting in the seat beside you.
Wrong choices
- Any licensed driver at least 18, sitting anywhere in the car: The supervising driver must be at least 21, not 18, and must sit beside you.
- No one, as long as you drive in daylight: A permit holder may never drive alone, day or night.
- Any adult passenger, licensed or not: The supervising driver must hold a Class C license.
Question 3. During which hours may a Class D provisional license holder NOT drive?
- ① From 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., unless driving to work
- ② From 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., unless a parent is in the car
- ③ From 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 5:00 a.m., with no exceptions
- ④ From 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
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Answer: ③ From 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 5:00 a.m., with no exceptions
Key point: Class D: no driving midnight to 5 a.m.
A Class D license holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Georgia allows no exceptions to this rule.
Wrong choices
- From 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., unless driving to work: The hours are midnight to 5 a.m., and there is no work exception.
- From 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., unless a parent is in the car: The limit starts at midnight, and a parent in the car does not create an exception.
- From 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.: The limit starts at midnight, not 10 p.m.
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