A driver is anyone who operates a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, bus, or van. A driver may be conducting their own personal vehicle or a commercial vehicle for work-related reasons.
What You Need to Become a Legal Driver in Georgia
A U.S. citizen can become a driver as early as age 15 when they are able to apply for a Class C Instructional Permit (CP). They will need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center and provide the following:
- Documents to verify their identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of school enrollment (if under age 18)
- $10 for the testing fee
- A parent or legal guardian who can sign the application (if the driver is under age 18)
The driver will also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge exam to obtain the CP.
Obtaining a Class D Driver’s License
When someone reaches age 16 and has had an instructional permit for at least one year and one day, they can apply for a Class D Provisional License. They will need to:
- Make a road test appointment
- Provide proof of school enrollment
- Provide proof of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) completion
- Surrender the instructional permit
- Have a parent or legal guardian present to sign their license application
- Pass a road test
To be eligible for a driver’s license, they will also have to complete a DDS-approved driver education course that includes:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction (or the online equivalent)
- Six hours of driving experience with a certified instructor (or completion of a parent-teen driving guide approved by DDS)
- And at least 40 cumulative hours (at least six of those at night) of additional driving experience
Obtaining a Class C Driver’s License
When a driver reaches the age of 18 in Georgia, they can apply for a Class C license if they have held a valid Class D license for at least one year and one day (and without any major traffic violation convictions in the following 12 months). Major traffic violations include:
- Eluding a police officer
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
- Or any other violation that adds four or more points to your driver’s license
A Driver’s Responsibility in Georgia
Any driver in Georgia has a responsibility to others on the roads. They must drive in a manner that prevents harm to others. This includes making sure they have a true and valid license.
If a driver is negligent and it leads to an injury accident, they may be legally liable for the costs. Costs can include medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Talk to Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you were injured by the actions of a negligent driver, contact John Foy & Associates to discuss the details and how we can help. We’ll get started with a FREE consultation, and there is no risk to you. We don’t get paid unless we win you money.
Our car accident lawyers have 20 plus years of experience helping injured drivers get the compensation they deserve. To get started with your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.