Key points
An approved driver education course includes either 30 hours of classroom instruction or an equivalent online course.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“either 30 hours of classroom instruction OR completion of an equivalent online virtual course; AND”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8Adults applying straight for a Class C license must sign an affidavit of 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 at night.
Source: Handbook p. 9
“You must also sign an affidavit affirming that you have completed 40 hours of supervised road driving which includes 6 hours of night driving;”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 9For a Class D license, you must complete both approved driver education and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).
Source: Handbook p. 8
“you must complete both a driver education course approved by DDS and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8To get an instructional permit you must pass a knowledge exam on road signs and road rules.
Source: Handbook p. 26
“pass a knowledge exam related to Road Signs and Road Rules. Please refer to page 16 for more information related to the knowledge exam;”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 26Begin the written test at least 30 minutes before the service center closes.
Source: Handbook p. 12
“customers must begin taking the written test at least 30 minutes prior to closing.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 12The permit test fee is $10.00 and must be paid before testing.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“The test fee is $10.00 and must be paid prior to testing.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 8You need a minimum score of 75% to pass the road test.
Source: Handbook p. 13
“You must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 13On the road test you back up about 50 feet slowly, at no more than 10 mph.
Source: Handbook p. 12
“a distance of approximately 50 feet at a slow rate of speed (not more than 10 miles per”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 12After a second or later failure, wait 7 days before retaking the part you failed.
Source: Handbook p. 13
“2nd or Subsequent Failure: You must wait 7 days before retaking the portion you have failed.”
Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 13
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 30 hours | classroom driver education | Handbook p. 8 |
| 40 hours | supervised driving | Handbook p. 9 |
| 6 hours | night driving | Handbook p. 9 |
| 30 minutes | latest start before closing | Handbook p. 12 |
| $10.00 | test fee | Handbook p. 8 |
| 75% | passing road test score | Handbook p. 13 |
| 50 feet | backing distance on the road test | Handbook p. 12 |
| 10 mph | maximum backing speed | Handbook p. 12 |
| 7 days | wait after a second failure | Handbook p. 13 |
3 questions from the Georgia practice test
1. How much classroom instruction does a Georgia approved driver education course require for a 16 or 17 year old?
- 8 hours
- 24 hours
- 30 hours of classroom instruction, or an equivalent online course
- 50 hours
Show answer
30 hours of classroom instruction, or an equivalent online course. Georgia's approved driver education for a Class D license at 16 or 17 includes 30 hours of classroom instruction or an equivalent online course, plus 6 hours on the road with a certified instructor or completion of the Parent/Teen Driving Guide. Eight, 24, and 50 hours are not the classroom figure. Separately, the teen needs at least 40 hours of other driving, including 6 at night, under Joshua's Law.
2. Which additional program must a Georgia applicant complete to obtain a Class D license at age 16 or 17?
- An approved driver education course
- A motorcycle safety course
- A commercial vehicle inspection course
- A defensive driving course after receiving the license
Show answer
An approved driver education course. For a Class D license at age 16 or 17, Georgia requires completion of a driver education course approved by DDS, along with the other listed requirements. The manual separately mentions ADAP, but that is an additional alcohol and drug awareness requirement rather than the driver education course named here. A commercial inspection course is unrelated to this noncommercial teen license. Motorcycle training serves a different license class. The key cue is the applicant's age paired with Class D: approved driver education is required before issuance.
3. What minimum score is required to pass Georgia's Class C or D road test?
- 60%
- 90%
- 80%
- 75%
Show answer
75%. The road test requires a minimum score of 75 percent. This is distinct from the road rules test, which uses a count of 15 correct answers out of 20. An applicant who remembers an 80 percent classroom-style threshold would overstate the road test standard, while 60 percent understates it. Ninety percent is not the printed minimum. A simple cue is to associate the driving evaluation with three quarters, or 75 percent, and the written road rules test with 15 of 20.
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 3: Testing Information. 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.