This chapter explains the different ways Georgia can take away your driving privileges — cancellation, revocation, suspension, and (for commercial drivers) disqualification — and how points, chemical-test refusals, and certain convictions trigger each one.
The most tested material is the points system (a license is suspended at 15 or more points in 24 months, or at 4 points for drivers under 21, or 4 points in 12 months for drivers under 18), the implied consent law (refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic minimum one-year suspension), and the list of offenses that lead to mandatory revocation, such as DUI, hit-and-run, or being declared a Habitual Violator.
A common mistake is treating "suspension," "revocation," and "cancellation" as interchangeable — they are different actions with different consequences and different paths back to driving. Another frequent error is assuming refusing a chemical test avoids a penalty, when in fact refusal alone triggers a suspension even without a DUI conviction.
What is the difference between a suspended license and a revoked license?⌄
A suspension temporarily takes away driving privileges for a set period or until reinstatement requirements are met, after which a resident can request reinstatement; a revocation terminates all driving privileges for the period set by the Department, after which a resident must apply for a new license rather than simply reinstating the old one.
What happens if you refuse a chemical test for alcohol or drugs?⌄
Under Georgia's implied consent law, refusing a state-administered chemical test results in a minimum one-year suspension of your license or driving privilege, separate from and in addition to any DUI conviction.
How many points can lead to a license suspension?⌄
A license is suspended once a driver accumulates 15 or more points within 24 months, though the threshold is lower for younger drivers — 4 points for a driver under 21 with any 4-point violation, or 4 points within 12 months for a driver under 18.