Georgia (GA) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Georgia, thousands of teens are involved in auto accidents each year as a result of distracted driving, inexperience with driving at night, speeding, and even underage drinking. In response this, the state of Georgia enacted the Teenage and Adult Driver Act (TADRA) in 1997. In addition to a number of other laws to address the issue, the act included the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law. The law ensures that all teens understand the challenges and risks that they will face on the road while diving as well prepare them to handle the risks and challenges. Continue reading to learn more about Georgia’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Georgia Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Under Georgia’ Graduated Licensing (GDL) law teens may begin the licensing process at age 15. The first step is to obtain a learner’s permit. To obtain a learner’s permit, the teen must pass a vision and written test. The teen must hold the learner’s permit for 12 months, complete a drug and alcohol awareness program (ADAP), and complete a state approved driver’s education course. During the 12 month period, the driver must also complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving.

Once all learner’s permit requirements have been met, the teen will become eligible to apply for a provisional license that carries a number of restrictions. The provisional license or class D license is valid for 2 years. 

To apply for a learner’s license in the state of Georgia, you must provide the following documentation to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Two forms of identification (one must be the original or certified)
•    Social security card or proof of Social security number
•    Proof of school enrollment or graduation
•    Signature of parent or legal guardian
•    $10 fee
•    Signed parental consent

To obtain your class C provisional license, in addition to meeting all of the requirements listed above you must maintain a perfect driving record and fill out an application at the Georgia DMV.

Georgia Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Georgia, drivers holding an instructional permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age while driving. The person must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times.



Drivers holding a class D provisional license may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. In addition:

•    Only immediate family may be passengers in the vehicle for the initial six-month period immediately following the issuance of a Class D license
•    Only one non-family member under the age of 21 may be a passenger in the vehicle during the second six-month period
•    No more than three non-family members under the age of 21 may be passengers in the vehicle after the second six-month period

If you violate any of the laws listed above, you risk losing your license for 6 months for a first offense and 12 months for a second. You will also accumulate points on your driving record (4 points = automatic license suspension).

Georgia Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

With the exception of school bus driver’s it is legal to drive while talking on a cell phone or while texting. Several new distracted driver bills -- House Bill 19, 21, and 23, are currently making their way through the legislative process. House Bill 23 pertains to teens and ell phone use. If passed, the bill would prohibit the use of cell phones in any capacity (including texting) by teens under 18. If an individual holds an instruction permit or a class D license, under House Bill 21, it would be illegal to use a cell phone, hands-free or otherwise while driving. Violation of the law would carry a point(s) penalty. 

Georgia Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Georgia, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Georgia teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended or revoked on the spot. For a first offense, your license will be suspended for 6 months, If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you will  lose your driving privileges for 1 year.

Georgia Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

If you own and/or operate a vehicle in the state of Georgia, you must carry minimum auto liability insurance in the amount of 25/50/25. This is equal to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more people, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. The risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, so Georgia auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

An increase in your auto insurance premium is inevitable once you add a teen to the policy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t cash in on special discounts designed just for teens. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).