Month: September 2025

General Requirements

1. Residency
   If you move into Georgia, you must get a Georgia driver’s license (or permit) within 30 days of becoming a resident.

2. Age

   • At least 15 to apply for a learner’s (Class CP) permit.

   • At least 16 for a provisional license (Class D), with permit held for at least 1 year and 1 day.

   • 18 or older for a full Class C license as a first-time driver.

3. Testing

   • Vision exam is required.

   • Knowledge exam (road rules, signs) for permit & license.

   • Road skills test for some license classes (especially provisional / full license) after permit period.

4. Learner’s Permit / Supervised Driving

   • Must hold a learner’s permit (Class CP) for at least 1 year and 1 day before applying for the provisional license (Class D).

   • During permit period: supervised driving and restrictions (who is in car, etc.).

5. Driver Education / Joshua’s Law
   For those under 18, Georgia requires completion of driver education and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, plus certain hours of supervised driving with a parent. Also must complete ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program). Joshua’s Law refers to those teen driver ed requirements.

6. Restrictions, until certain age / conditions

   • Curfew: with a provisional (Class D) license, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

   • Passenger limits: first 6 months only immediate family; after that one under-21 passenger who’s not family; later up to three after a year.

7. Documentation
   You’ll need documents proving identity, legal status, social security number (or proof ineligibility), Georgia residential address.

8. Fees
   There are fees (permit, license, renewal), which vary by class.

 Driving in Rain

• Slow down: Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance.

• Increase following distance: Leave extra space between you and the car ahead.

• Use headlights, not high beams: Low beams make you more visible; high beams reflect off rain.

• Avoid hydroplaning: If your car starts to skid on water, ease off the gas, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and don’t slam on the brakes.

Driving in Snow & Ice

• Drive slowly: Speed limits are for ideal conditions; go slower when it’s slippery.

• Gentle movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to avoid skids.

• Increase stopping distance: It can take 10 times longer to stop on ice than dry pavement.

• Clear your car: Remove snow/ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof before driving.

• If you skid: Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and avoid braking hard.

Driving in Fog

• Use low beams or fog lights: High beams reflect off the fog and make it harder to see.

• Slow down and increase following distance.

• Use the right edge of the road or painted lines as a guide to stay in your lane.

• Avoid sudden stops: Brake gently so drivers behind have time to react.

• If visibility is near zero: Safely pull off the road, turn on hazard lights, and wait until conditions improve.

Above anything else, a solid foundation in driving will benefit you more than anything else! You can always start or continue to get better with driving lessons!

If two vehicles arrive at a stop sign at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way. In other words, you must yield to the car on your right. This is often referred to as the “right-hand rule.”

Step-by-Step Guide

1. First Come, First Go: If one driver stops first, that driver goes first.
2. At the Same Time: If both drivers stop at the same time, yield to the driver on your right.
3. Opposing Vehicles: If two vehicles face each other, and one is turning left while the other is going straight or turning right, the left-turning vehicle must yield.
4. Pedestrians and Cyclists: Always yield to people crossing the intersection, even if it’s your turn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waving others on: Don’t try to “direct traffic.” Stick to the rules to keep traffic flowing safely.
• Rolling stops: Always come to a complete stop. It gives you time to assess who goes first.
• Assuming others will wait: Not every driver follows the rules, so be cautious and defensive.

Why This Rule Matters

Following the right-of-way rules at stop signs prevents confusion, reduces the risk of accidents, and keeps traffic moving smoothly. When all drivers know the rules, intersections become safer for everyone.

 

1. If You’re on the Main (Through) Road

• Keep driving straight or follow the curve of the road.
• Yield to any cars entering from the side road (if there are yield or stop signs posted for them).
• Watch for pedestrians crossing at the junction.

2. If You’re on the Side Road (the “T” part)

• You’ll usually face a STOP or YIELD sign.
• Come to a full stop if required, then:
  • Turning right: Signal right, check for traffic coming from the left, and turn when clear.
  • Turning left: Signal left, yield to oncoming cars from both directions, then complete the turn safely.

3. If It’s an Uncontrolled Intersection (no signs)

• Vehicles on the through road have the right of way.
• Vehicles on the ending road must yield.
• Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Extra Tips

• Use your turn signals well in advance.
• Slow down as you approach in case traffic rules require you to stop or yield.
• Stay in your correct lane when turning.
• Never cut corners—turn into the closest available lane.

You can get additional help through courses like Defense Driving, which not only benefits the quality of your driving but lowers your insurance aswell!