Drivers Ed Timeline: Class First, Permit Later
Every year, as summer approaches, we hear the same concern from parents:
“My teen doesn’t have their learner’s permit yet, so it’s probably too early to sign up for Driver’s Ed, right?
This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter – and it often leads to unnecessary delays, stress, and missed opportunities during the busiest driving season of the year. The truth is, teens can (and often should) take Drivers Education before they receive their learner’s permit, then complete their behind-the-wheel lessons once the permit is issued.
Understanding this “class first, permit later” pathway can make the entire process smoother for both parents and teens – especially when summer schedules fill up quickly.
How the “Class First, Permit Later” Pathway Works
Driver’s Education is typically made up of two separate components:
- Required 30-hour in-person class or online instruction
- In-car driving lessons with a certified instructor
The classroom portion focuses on the rules of the road, traffic laws, safe driving habits, and decision-making skills. This instruction prepares teens to pass their permit test and gives them a strong foundation before they ever sit in the driver’s seat.
Once a student earns their learner’s permit, they can then move on to their in-car driving lessons.
In other words, your teen does not need a permit to start learning – they just need one to start driving.
Why Starting Driver’s Ed Early Makes Sense
Taking the classroom portion early offers these important benefits:
Better permit test preparation
Students who complete Driver’s Ed before testing for their permit are often more confident and better prepared. They’re not cramming information at the last minute or relying solely on self-study.
Less pressure during a busy season
Summer is our most popular time for driving lessons, and availability fills up fast. Completing the classroom portion ahead of time allows families to focus only on scheduling driving lessons once the permit is issued.
More flexibility for families
By spreading out the process, parents can avoid trying to coordinate classes, permit testing, and lessons all at once – often during an already busy summer.
Planning Ahead for Summer Driving Lessons
The early bird will save money. Here’s why.
One important thing that parents should know is that summer driving classes and lessons are in high demand every year. Because of this, we strongly encourage early planning.
It’s also important to note that we do not offer promotions or discounts on summer classes. Demand during this season is consistently high, and classes often sell out. Waiting in hopes of a summer deal can result in limited availability – or missing out entirely.
By enrolling early and completing Driver’s Ed ahead of time, families position themselves for a much smoother experience.
Common Questions We Hear from Parents
“Will my teen forget what they learned if they take Driver’s Ed before getting their permit?”
No. In fact, students who complete Driver’s Ed early often retain information better because they’ve had time to absorb it before driving.
“How early is too early?”
As long as your teen meets the age requirement for Driver’s Ed, starting early is usually a smart move – especially if summer driving is the goal.
“Can we wait until summer to figure this out?”
You can – but early planning reduces stress, increases scheduling options, and helps avoid disappointment.
Drive Smart Georgia’s Recommended Plan: A Stress-Free Timeline to Earn a Georgia Class D License
If your teen hopes to earn their Georgia Class D driver’s license before the start of a new school year, timing matters more than most parents realize. Waiting too long can mean packed schedules, limited lesson availability, and unnecessary stress – especially during the busy summer months.
At Drive Smart Georgia, we recommend a simple, proven timeline that helps families plan ahead, take advantage of savings opportunities, and keep the entire process as smooth as possible.
Step One: Start Driver’s Education Early
Students in Georgia can begin Driver’s Education at age 14, and for best results, we recommend completing the course 2 – 4 months before your teen turns 15.
This timing allows students to:
- Retain information more effectively
- Feel confident heading into the permit test
- Avoid cramming during an already busy season
Drive Smart Georgia offers multiple learning options to fit your family’s schedule:
- In-person classes
- Live Zoom classes
- Aceable on-demand online Driver’s Ed
Late winter and early spring are often the best times to enroll. Not only does this timeline reduce stress, but we frequently offer savings opportunities during these months – something that’s rarely available once summer arrives.
Step Two: Study the Georgia Driver’s Manual
After enrolling in Driver’s Ed, consistent review is key. The Georgia Driver’s Manual contains everything your teen needs to pass the permit test, including road rules, traffic laws, and road signs.
Parents should encourage regular review rather than last-minute studying. A little preparation each week goes a long way.
👉 The manual can be read online directly through the Georgia DDS website.
Step Three: Take Online Permit Practice Tests
Practice tests help teens become comfortable with the format and types of questions they’ll see on the permit exam.
Completing several practice tests:
- Builds confidence
- Identifies weak areas early
- Reduces test-day anxiety
👉 Online permit practice tests are widely available and highly recommended before scheduling the real exam.
Step Four: Ace the Georgia Permit Test
To obtain a Class CP Learner’s Permit in Georgia, teens must:
- Be at least 15 years old
- Apply in person at a DDS Customer Service Center
- Pay a $10 permit fee
- Have a parent or guardian present if under 18
No appointment is required, but preparation is critical. Before visiting DDS, be sure to gather all required paperwork to avoid repeat trips.
At the DDS location, teens must pass:
- A vision exam
- A knowledge exam, which includes:
- Road Rules Test (15/20 correct required)
- Road Signs Test (15/20 correct required)
All test material comes directly from the Driver’s Manual.
Once your teen passes both exams, they’ll receive their learner’s permit and can begin driving under specific conditions.
Step Five: Schedule In-Car Driving Lessons Early
As soon as your teen has their learner’s permit, it’s time to schedule in-car lessons.
Spring and early summer are ideal times to book lessons – especially for families hoping their teen can qualify for a school parking permit in the fall. Demand is extremely high, and parents who wait until summer often find that lesson times are already booked.
Early planners enjoy:
- More scheduling flexibility
- Less stress
- A smoother overall experience
Step Six: Ace the Road Test
After holding a learner’s permit for 12 months and one day and completing all requirements, your teen is eligible for the road test.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services allows certified driving schools to act as third-party testing centers. Drive Smart Georgia is fully certified to offer on-site road testing, saving families hours of waiting at DDS locations and making the final step far more convenient.
Plan Ahead for Success
The path to a Georgia Class D license doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With early planning, the right timeline, and trusted instruction, your teen can be fully prepared – and confident – well before the next school year begins.
For even more answers to your questions, be sure to visit our online HELP CENTER and type your question into the search bar.
Related articles:
- What is a Georgia Driver’s Ed scholarship?
- What to expect during Driver’s Ed classes
- Defensive driving is now available at Drive Smart Georgia
