Georgia Class D (Teen Provisional) License

A Georgia Class D license is the provisional stage of the state's TADRA graduated path. After holding a Class CP permit for 12 months without major violations and completing Joshua's Law requirements, a teen can take the road skills test and receive a Class D at age 16. The Class D upgrades automatically to a Class C at the driver's 18th birthday.

Eligibility for a Class D

• At least 16 years old.
• Held a Class CP permit for at least 12 consecutive months and 1 day.
• Completed the Joshua's Law requirements: 30 hours of driver-education theory plus 40 hours of supervised practice (including 6 at night).
• No major moving-violation convictions during the permit period.
• Currently enrolled in or graduated from high school (Form DS-1 enrollment certificate).
• Parent or guardian present to sign the financial-responsibility certificate.

Road skills test

The DDS road skills test takes 15-20 minutes. The examiner watches for parallel parking, three-point turn, backing in a straight line, controlled stops, lane changes with proper signaling, and 5-10 minutes in moderate traffic. The applicant brings a registered vehicle with proof of Georgia insurance. Most DDS Customer Service Centers schedule road tests by appointment through DDS Online Services. Some teens use a third-party tester from a driving school for faster scheduling — DDS accepts the third-party certificate for first-time issuance.

Restrictions during Class D

Georgia Class D drivers operate under TADRA restrictions until they turn 18:

• Passenger limit: for the first 6 months, no passengers under 21 except family members. Months 7-12: only one non-family passenger under 21. After 12 months: up to three non-family passengers under 21.
• Nighttime curfew: no driving between midnight and 6 a.m., with limited exceptions for work, school, religious activities, or medical emergencies.
• Cell-phone ban: no use of any wireless device, including hands-free, while driving — applies to all drivers under 18.
• Seat-belt rule: driver and every passenger must wear a seat belt; the driver is cited for any minor passenger not buckled.
• Zero-tolerance BAC: 0.02% for drivers under 21, with automatic 6-month suspension on first offense.

Convictions during the Class D period

Georgia treats teen driver convictions much more harshly than adult drivers. Under-21 drivers face suspension at just 4 points in 12 months — roughly a quarter of the adult threshold. Any conviction for racing, reckless driving, fleeing law enforcement, hit-and-run, or any DUI triggers automatic suspension regardless of points. See the Georgia point system for full thresholds.

Graduating to a full Class C

The Class D becomes an unrestricted Class C automatically on the driver's 18th birthday. There's no separate trip to DDS, no additional fee, no new test. The plastic card itself doesn't change shape or design — only the underlying restrictions lift. The next time the driver renews (within 8 years), they receive a Class C card.

Special cases

A teen who turns 18 without ever obtaining a Georgia permit or Class D can apply directly for an adult Class C, but they still need a permit (held at least 30 days for adults), a passed knowledge test, and a passed road skills test. Georgia does not recognize out-of-state permits for direct conversion in the under-18 path — Joshua's Law applies regardless of any prior driving experience.

For a national perspective on graduated licensing, see our national driving safety hub.