Key points
At 15 or older you may apply for a Class C Instructional Permit.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“Upon reaching age 15, or anytime thereafter, you may apply for a”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8A permit holder must drive with a licensed Class C driver at least 21 who sits beside them.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“you may operate any Class C vehicle when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver;”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8At 16, after holding the permit for at least one year, you may apply for a Class D license.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“Upon reaching the age of 16, and after having held a valid instructional permit for one year”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8The adult who signed your application may, for any reason, revoke your license until you turn 18.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“This person may, for any reason, revoke your license until you reach age 18.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 27A Class D holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“A Class D license Holder may not drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8For the first six months, only immediate family members may ride with a Class D driver.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“During the f irst six months following issuance, only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 27In the second six months, one non-family passenger under 21 is allowed.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“During the second six months following issuance, only one passenger under 21 years of age who is not a member of the driver's immediate family may ride in the vehicle;”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 27After the first year, up to three non-family passengers under 21 are allowed.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“After the first and second six-month periods, only three passengers under 21 years of age who are not members of the driver's immediate family may ride in the vehicle;”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8To upgrade to a Class C license, you need no major traffic convictions in the prior 12 months.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“A Class D license Holder must, for the 12 months preceding application for their Class C license, be free from any convictions for major traffic violations”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | minimum age for an instructional permit | Handbook p. 8 |
| 21 | minimum age of the supervising driver | Handbook p. 8 |
| 16 | minimum age for a Class D license | Handbook p. 8 |
| 18 | age until which the signer may revoke the license | Handbook p. 27 |
| 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. | Class D curfew | Handbook p. 8 |
| 6 months | first period with family only passengers | Handbook p. 27 |
| 1 passenger | non-family passengers under 21 in the second six months | Handbook p. 27 |
| 21 | age of passengers the limit covers | Handbook p. 27 |
| 3 passengers | non-family passengers under 21 after the first year | Handbook p. 8 |
| 12 months | conviction free period before a Class C license | Handbook p. 8 |
3 questions from the Georgia practice test
1. At what age may a person apply for a Georgia Class C Instructional Permit?
- 16 years old
- 14 years old
- 15 years old
- 17 years old
Show answer
15 years old. Georgia says that a person may apply for a Class C Instructional Permit upon reaching age 15 or anytime afterward. Fourteen is below the stated threshold, while 16 and 17 are later ages rather than the first opportunity. The permit is an instructional stage, so the age answer does not by itself authorize unsupervised driving. The cue is the opening point in the licensing sequence: age 15 begins eligibility to apply, followed by the permit conditions and testing requirements in the manual.
2. Who must sit beside a Georgia Class CP permit holder while the permit holder drives?
- Any licensed passenger at least 18
- A parent only, regardless of license class
- Any adult seated in the back seat
- A licensed Class C driver at least 21 who can control the vehicle
Show answer
A licensed Class C driver at least 21 who can control the vehicle. The supervising person must meet several conditions at once: at least 21 years old, licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, fit and capable of exercising control, and seated beside the permit driver. A younger licensed passenger, an unqualified parent, or an adult in the back seat does not satisfy the full requirement. The cue is the front seat and the three qualifications: age, Class C license, and ability to take control.
3. During the second six months of a Georgia Class D provisional license, how many non-family passengers under 21 may ride along?
- None
- Only one
- Three
- Any number
Show answer
Only one. The Class D passenger rule tightens in stages. During the first six months only immediate family members may ride, during the second six months only one passenger under 21 who is not a member of the driver's immediate family may ride, and after the first and second six month periods up to three such passengers may ride. Family members do not count. The limit is one during the second period, not none and not three.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Georgia practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Georgia Drivers Manual, Section 6: Teen Driving Laws. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.