How Long Does It Take to Get a Driver’s License in Georgia? A Step-by-Step Timeline for Teens & Adults
How Long Does It Take to Get a Driver’s License in Georgia?
It’s one of the most common questions new drivers (and their parents) ask:
"How long will it take to get my license in Georgia?"
The answer depends on a few important factors:
Your age
Your experience
Whether you’re a teen under Joshua’s Law or an adult applicant
And how quickly you complete each step
At Kennesaw Driving School, we’ve helped thousands of students navigate Georgia’s licensing process—and we’re breaking it all down here for you.
This guide walks you through every stage of the journey:
How long each step takes
Legal waiting periods
Practice hour requirements
How to stay on track (and avoid delays)
Let’s dive in.
Section 1: Overview of the Georgia Licensing Process
Before we talk about time, let’s look at how the process works.
In Georgia, the licensing process differs depending on whether you’re under or over 18.
🔹 Teens (Under 18)
Must follow Joshua’s Law, which includes:
Driver’s ed (30 hours)
6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night)
Holding a permit for at least 1 year and 1 day
🔹 Adults (18+)
Don’t need to follow Joshua’s Law but still must:
Pass a knowledge test to get a permit
Practice driving (no set hour requirement)
Pass the road test
Section 2: Timeline for Teens (Under 18)
Here’s how long it typically takes teens to get their license in Georgia:
✅ Step 1: Get a Learner’s Permit (Class CP)
When: Age 15 or older
How Long It Takes: 1 day (after passing a written test)
Requirements:
Pass a vision exam
Pass the DDS written knowledge test
Provide proof of identity and residency
🕓 Total time for this step: 1–2 days
✅ Step 2: Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements
Required if you want to get a license at age 16 or 17.
This includes:
30 hours of driver’s ed (online or classroom)
6 hours of driving with a licensed instructor
40 hours of supervised driving with a parent/guardian (at least 6 at night)
⏱️ Time commitment:
Most students complete this over 3–6 months
You can finish faster with a structured schedule
💡 Pro Tip: Start your 30/6 program right after getting your permit to avoid delays.
✅ Step 3: Hold Your Learner’s Permit for 1 Year and 1 Day
This is mandatory. Even if you complete your courses early, you must wait.
🕒 Waiting Period: 12 months + 1 day
✅ Step 4: Schedule and Take Your Road Test
Once your permit time is up, you can:
Schedule your test at DDS
Provide all required documents (permit, certificates, log, school enrollment form)
Use your own car or a driving school car
🕓 Total time to schedule and test: 1–2 weeks depending on appointment availability
📍 Total Time for Teens to Get a License in Georgia:
Fast Track:12–13 months (minimum legal waiting period)Typical:14–18 months (with lesson and practice time)
Section 3: Timeline for Adults (18 and Older)
If you're 18+, Georgia allows you to skip Joshua’s Law, but you still need to follow the DDS licensing process:
✅ Step 1: Study and Pass the Written Knowledge Test
Includes: Georgia traffic laws, signs, and rules of the road
📚 Prep time: 3–10 days depending on study habits
🧠 Test day: Walk-in or scheduled at DDS
🕓 Total time for this step: 1–2 weeks
✅ Step 2: Get a Learner’s Permit (Optional but Recommended)
While not required, many adults get a permit first to:
Practice legally
Learn with a driving instructor or family member
If you skip the permit and go straight to the test, you must be fully test-ready.
✅ Step 3: Take Driving Lessons & Practice
There’s no legal hour requirement for adults, but most need:
6–10 hours of lessons with a certified instructor
2–6 weeks of practice to feel confident
💡 Kennesaw Driving School recommends at least 4 lessons + home practice for new adult drivers.
✅ Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Road Test
Once you're confident behind the wheel, schedule your test:
Choose your local DDS center
Bring your vehicle or rent one from the school
Pass the skills exam
🕓 Scheduling & testing time: 1–2 weeks
📍 Total Time for Adults to Get a License in Georgia:
With Permit + Lessons:4–8 weeksStraight to Test:1–2 weeks (if highly prepared)
Section 4: How to Avoid Common Delays
❌ Waiting to Start Driver’s Ed
Many teens wait months after getting their permit. This delays everything.
💡 Start the 30/6 program immediately after your permit.
❌ Not Logging Practice Hours
Some teens forget to log driving hours or don’t meet the nighttime requirement.
💡 Use an app like RoadReady to track your practice.
❌ Using an Unsafe Vehicle on Test Day
DDS will cancel your test if your car doesn’t pass inspection.
💡 Use a driving school vehicle or inspect yours thoroughly beforehand.
❌ Scheduling Too Late
DDS appointments fill up fast, especially during school breaks.
💡 Book your road test 4–6 weeks in advance once you’re eligible.
Section 5: How Kennesaw Driving School Helps You Get Licensed Faster
Here’s how we help you speed up the process—without cutting corners:
✅ Joshua’s Law Packages
30-hour online course + 6-hour driving
Certified by the Georgia DDS
Includes all paperwork needed for licensing
✅ Adult Driving Lessons
Customized for beginners or returning drivers
Includes test prep and road test vehicle rental
✅ Road Test Support
We help you book your test
We provide mock testing and warm-up sessions
DDS-compliant test vehicles available
✅ Expert Instructors
Calm, clear, and experienced
Familiar with local DDS test routes
Focused on building confidence—not just passing
Section 6: FAQs About Georgia Licensing Timelines
❓ Can I get my license in less than a year?
Only if you’re 18+. Teens must hold their permit for 1 year and 1 day by law.
❓ How long does it take to finish the 30-hour course?
Online: As fast as 2–3 days
Classroom: Usually 1 week (in 5–6 hour sessions)
❓ Can I take the road test without lessons?
Legally, yes if you’re over 18—but it’s strongly discouraged unless you’ve practiced a lot and feel 100% confident.
❓ How fast can I get my license if I’m prepared?
Adults can test and get their license in as little as 1–2 weeks if they pass the written and road tests quickly.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Drive Sooner
Getting your Georgia driver’s license takes planning, practice, and patience. Whether you’re a teenager navigating Joshua’s Law or an adult learning later in life, the process is achievable—and worth it.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we guide you every step of the way with:
Certified driving instruction
Test prep
Paperwork support
Real-world experience
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be driving on your own—with confidence.
🚗 Ready to start your journey?
Contact Kennesaw Driving School today to schedule your first lesson or enroll in a Joshua’s Law package—and let’s get you licensed, the right way.
