Beginning July 1, 2004, teens under the age of 18 must be enrolled in public or private school or an approved home school program and have an attendance record in good standing or have received their diploma or GED to apply or keep an instructional permit or driver's license. Previously, teens with their parents' permission to withdraw from school could obtain and keep a license.
With the passage of House Bill 1190 during the last Legislative Session, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to apply for an instructional permit or drivers license unless they present:
- A Certificate of attendance from a public or private school or state approved home school program
- Proof of high school diploma
- GED diploma
- Special diploma or certificate of high school completion
- Proof of enrollment in post secondary school
A school suspension will also affect driver's license status. The instructional permit or driver's license will be suspended for one full year or until the student reaches the age of 18 for the following:
- Student drops out of school without graduating and remains out of school for 10 consecutive days
- Has 10 school days of unexcused absences in a semester or two consecutive quarters (not 10 consecutive days)
- Is suspended from school for:
- Threatening, striking or harming a teacher or school official
- Possession or sale of alcohol or drugs on school property
- Possession or use of weapon on school property
- Any sexual offense
- Causing substantial hard or bodily injury or seriously disfiguring another person including another student
There is no longer a provision to reinstate an instructional permit or driver's license if the student returns to school.
A suspended student may apply for a hardship permit within 10 days of the suspension. The DMVS will consider each circumstance on a case-by-case basis and make a determination within 30 days.
Only the new Certificate of Attendance will be accepted at the driver's license facilities (available from the DMVS at www.dmvs.ga.gov). The form must be signed and notarized by school staff. It is only valid for 30 days.
Certificates of Attendance are issued at GLHS each Wednesday. A student may request one by signing a list in the Registrar's office at any time on any day, but no later than noon on the Wednesday it is wanted. Signing up later than noon means the student must wait until the following Wednesday to receive the certificate.