In Georgia, the legal driving age is structured in a graduated licensing system. Residents who are 16 years old may obtain a Class D driver’s license, which allows for unsupervised driving. This follows a period holding a provisional license (Class CP or Class D Instructional Permit) and meeting specific requirements, including a minimum amount of supervised driving time and passing both a knowledge and road skills test.
The ability to drive independently at 16 significantly impacts the lives of young Georgians. It provides increased personal autonomy, facilitating access to educational opportunities, employment, and social activities. This newfound mobility can also foster a sense of responsibility and independence as teenagers navigate their expanding world. Georgia’s graduated licensing system aims to balance this freedom with public safety by providing a structured path towards full driving privileges.