If you get a learner's permit at 17 in Georgia do you only have to wait six months to get your full driver's license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) as well as the GA driver's manual both state that a valid learner's license must be held for one year and one day from its issuance. After having a valid instructional permit for one year and one day, you may apply for a Class D license.

We see no mention of the time period being less, such as the 6 months you asked amount, if you are going to turn 18. It appears to us that any new GA driver of any age would need to carry the Georgia learner's license (permit) for the full year and one day before moving up to the next step of the graduated licensing system (GDL), the Class D license.

A class D license is actually a provisional license for Class C vehicles. The Georgia driver's manual states that Class D License comes with the following conditions that became effective as of January 1, 2007:

• A Class D License Holder may not drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. - No exceptions.
• During the first six (6) months following issuance, only immediate family mem­bers may ride in the vehicle.
• During the second six (6) months following issuance, only one unrelated passen­ger under 21 years of age may ride in the vehicle.
• After the first and second six-month periods, only three (3) unrelated passengers under 21 years of age may ride in the vehicle.

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To upgrade from a Class D License to a Class C License, a Class D License Holder must be free from any convictions for major traffic violations that result in the mandatory suspension of a driver's license for twelve (12) months preceding application.

For more information on the GDL system for Georgia and any rules and restrictions for progressing through so you can obtain a full Class C driver's license contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services. They can tell you for certain if as a 17 year old you can carry your permit for less time.

Once you are fully licensed in Georgia you can get affordable auto insurance here with us.