How to Obtain Your Motorcycle Learners Permit

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in GA

To get a Georgia Motorcycle Instructional Permit (Class MP), you must be at least 16 years old and apply in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center. You will be required to provide documentation proving your identity, U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency. This permit is the first mandatory step toward obtaining a full motorcycle license in the state.

The Georgia Motorcycle Permit Test

Obtaining your GA motorcycle permit requires passing two separate tests administered by the DDS. First, you must pass a vision exam to ensure your eyesight meets the state's minimum safety standards. Second, you must pass a 20-question, multiple-choice knowledge test that covers Georgia's traffic laws, road signs, and specific motorcycle safety rules. You must answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass.

Georgia Motorcycle Permit vs. Full License

A Georgia Motorcycle Instructional Permit (Class MP) is a temporary credential specifically for practice, not a full license. It comes with strict rules, including daylight-only riding, no passengers, and no travel on interstates, to ensure safety during the learning phase. It is the mandatory first step for new riders before they can qualify for a full Class M license.

A full Class M Motorcycle License in Georgia grants unrestricted riding privileges. With a Class M license, you can ride at night, carry a passenger, and operate your motorcycle on all public roads, including highways and interstates. To obtain this license, you must first hold a permit (unless waived) and then either pass the DDS road test or complete an approved rider safety course.

Two Paths to a Georgia Motorcycle License

The traditional path to a GA motorcycle license requires you to first secure a Class MP permit by passing the DDS vision and written knowledge tests. After holding the permit (for a mandatory 12 months for riders under 18), you must then pass the on-cycle road skills test at a DDS location to be issued your full Class M license.

The waiver path offers a more streamlined alternative for getting your license. By enrolling in and successfully completing a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) Basic RiderCourse, you can receive a 90-day waiver. This waiver allows you to bypass both the DDS written knowledge test for the permit and the on-cycle road skills test for the full license, making it a popular and efficient option.

GA Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

A Georgia motorcycle permit grants you the ability to practice riding but comes with significant restrictions for your safety. You are only permitted to operate a motorcycle during daylight hours. You are strictly forbidden from carrying any passengers. Additionally, you may not ride on any limited-access roadways, such as interstates and major highways. These restrictions are non-negotiable for all permit holders.

Can You Drive a Motorcycle with a Permit in GA?

Yes, you can legally operate a motorcycle with a valid GA motorcycle learner's permit, provided you adhere to all its restrictions. The permit is valid for six months and serves as your legal authorization to practice on public roads (excluding interstates) to prepare for your road skills test or a rider education course. If the permit expires, you must re-apply and pass the knowledge test again.

Requirements for Riders Under 18 in Georgia

Georgia has specific requirements for teen riders. A 16-year-old applying for a motorcycle permit must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the application. Before obtaining a full Class M license, all riders under 18 must complete the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) and hold their instructional permit for at least 12 months and one day.

How to Get a Full Motorcycle License in GA

To transition from a GA motorcycle learner's permit to a full Class M license, you must be at least 17 years old. The standard path involves passing the DDS on-cycle road skills test, which evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle through various real-world maneuvers. An alternative path allows you to waive this test by completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course.

Waiving DDS Tests with a Rider Education Course

You can bypass both the written permit test and the on-cycle skills test by successfully completing a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) Basic RiderCourse. Upon completion, you will receive a 90-day license test waiver. Present this waiver at a DDS office to obtain your full Class M license without taking either of the standard state-administered tests. This is the most efficient method for new riders.

How to Prepare for the Georgia Motorcycle Permit Test

The best preparation tool for the knowledge exam is the official Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual, which is available for free on the DDS website. This manual contains all the information covered on the test. To test your knowledge and build confidence, utilize a Georgia motorcycle permit practice test. These online resources simulate the real exam format and help you identify areas where you need more study.

Fees for Georgia Motorcycle Permits and Licenses

Obtaining a motorcycle permit or license in Georgia involves specific fees payable to the DDS. A Class MP Instructional Permit costs $10 and is valid for six months. The fee for a full Class M License is $32 and is valid for eight years. These fees do not include the cost of a motorcycle safety course, which is paid directly to the training provider.

What Happens if You Fail the Permit Test in GA?

If you fail the written knowledge test on your first attempt, you can retake it on the next business day. However, if you fail a second or subsequent time, you must wait at least seven days before you are eligible to retake the test. This waiting period is designed to give you adequate time to study the operator's manual before your next attempt.

Is there any part of your state's permitting process that seems unclear or confusing? Steelhorse Law specializes in supporting motorcyclists in Georgia. Don't hesitate to contact our team to help make the process run smoothly.