How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Georgia?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Georgia. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Georgia?

Georgia intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Georgia?

In Georgia, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Georgia Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Georgia uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 6 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: Immediate family only for first 6 months; 1 non-family passenger under 21 after 6 months; up to 3 after 12 months. No exceptions to curfew.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

First violation: license suspension for 6 months. Second violation: license suspension for 12 months or until age 18, whichever comes first.

Georgia-Specific Information

Georgia has no exceptions to the nighttime curfew, making it one of the stricter states. Must satisfy Joshua's Law requirements, which include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Georgia gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Georgia at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Georgia restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Georgia at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.