Georgia: Cheat Sheet

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Licensing basics

A Class D license holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The manual requires a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of other driving experience.
The accompanying person must be at least 21 years of age and licensed to drive a Class C vehicle.

Signals & vehicle controls

The manual requires headlights between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, in rain, and when visibility is limited.

Pavement markings

When both yellow lines are solid it is not safe for passing in either direction.
When the double white lines are solid, lane changes are prohibited.
Drivers must stop at the stop line, when present, not at the actual stop sign or traffic signal.
Broken yellow lines are used when there are only two lanes and it is safe to pass in either direction.

Freeway driving

Vehicles on the expressway have the right of way, though courteous drivers may let you in.
Driving in reverse on an expressway is prohibited under any circumstances.

Parking rules

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, stopping is permitted only momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers.
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, stopping is permitted only momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers.

Sign shapes and colors

An octagon always means stop.
Triangle signs mean yield.
Pentagon shaped signs mean you are approaching a school zone and/or school crossing.

Road signs

A red circle with a slash means "No", and the picture within shows what is prohibited.
The Wrong Way sign marks a one-way highway or ramp that you may not drive in your direction of travel.
The Do Not Enter sign marks a one-way road, so traffic is coming toward you and you must not continue.
The sign means 55 miles per hour is the maximum speed limit permitted in the area.
A reduced speed limit is in effect when the yellow lights are flashing.
A stop sign is ahead, so you begin to slow down and prepare to stop.
The manual says the first half-hour of rain is most hazardous.
A yield sign is ahead, so you slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

Traffic signals

A red light means a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection, then waiting for green.
At a yellow light you should slow down and prepare to stop.
If a signal is not functioning at all, all drivers must treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions.
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop completely and proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way.
A yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection.
One of the three most basic traffic laws is to obey the directions of a law enforcement officer or firefighter even when they differ from the traffic control devices.
A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn after yielding, because oncoming traffic still has the green light.

Right of way & turning

When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
A driver turning left at an intersection, alley or driveway must yield to all traffic coming from the opposite direction.
A right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop, yielding to all traffic and pedestrians, and determining that you can complete the turn safely.
Right-of-way laws still apply, so you must yield to other traffic already in the roundabout.
Passing is prohibited on a hill or curve where you cannot see oncoming vehicles that might be a hazard.
With no stop line, you stop before the crosswalk on your side of the intersection.
At a yield sign you slow to a safe speed and be prepared to stop, stopping if necessary and proceeding only when it is safe.
With a bicycle lane present, you must yield to bicyclists traveling straight through the intersection before making a right turn.

Railroad crossings

The manual says to stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail.
The manual says that under no circumstances should a motorist drive through, around or under any lowered crossing gate.
The manual says to get out immediately and move away, then call for help.

Pedestrian rights

When pedestrians are in the crosswalks, they have the right-of-way over motor vehicles.
Pedestrians using guide dogs or white walking canes must be given the right of way at all times.
When making a left or right turn at any intersection, the driver must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Crosswalks exist on all four corners of intersections even when they are not marked by painted lines.

Sharing the road

Once the lights are red and the stop signs are out, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it loads or unloads.
When highways are separated by median strips, only vehicles following or traveling alongside the bus in the same direction must stop.
The manual states the minimum legal space for a motorist to pass a bicyclist is 3 feet.
The manual calls the larger blind spots of large trucks "No-Zones."
Motorcycles are allowed the full width of a lane in which to maneuver.

Speed & following distance

The general rule lists 30 miles per hour in any urban or residential district.
The general rule lists 70 miles per hour on a rural interstate.
The law requires slower drivers to move out of the passing lane and over to the right to allow faster-moving traffic to proceed.
If you pass the same spot before you are through counting, you are following too closely.
Reckless driving is defined as driving any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property.
The fog guidelines begin with reducing your driving speed.

Seat belts & child safety

Every driver transporting a child under eight must restrain the child in an appropriate child passenger restraining system.
The manual says all occupants of any passenger vehicle under the age of 18 must use a seat safety belt.

Distracted driving

The manual says drivers are not allowed to hold or support a phone for any reason.
The law prohibits writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data.
A first conviction carries 1 point and a fine not more than $50.00.

Emergencies and special situations

The manual's first listed step after a crash is to stop immediately in a safe place.
You must notify the nearest law enforcement agency immediately if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $500.00.
The manual says to begin turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
The manual says to grasp the steering wheel firmly and take your foot off the accelerator so the vehicle rolls to a stop.

Emergency vehicles & work zones

You slow down, move to the shoulder or as far right as possible, and stop, while making sure not to endanger others.
You should signal and pull off to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
The manual says that if you cannot move over, you must slow down below the speed limit and be prepared to stop.
The manual says not to follow fire fighting apparatus or other emergency vehicles closer than 200 feet.
The manual says a flagger in a work zone has the same authority as a regulatory sign.

Alcohol & drugs

The manual sets 0.08 gm or more for a person 21 or older.
The manual sets 0.02 gm or more for a person under 21.
The manual says refusing the testing means a suspension for a minimum period of one year.
The manual says having a prescription is not a defense if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely.
The law covers alcohol, a drug (prescription or illegal), or any other substance that impairs the ability to drive safely.

Financial responsibility & insurance

Driving without insurance is listed among the convictions for which the Department must suspend privileges.

Driving record & suspensions

A Georgia license is suspended for 15 or more points accumulated within 24 months.
Under-18 drivers are suspended for accumulating 4 points within twelve months.
A Habitual Violator is declared after a third conviction of any combination of the listed offenses within 5 years.
The license of a person under 21 is suspended for a conviction of any 4-point violation.