Where to go for your Brunswick driver's license

If you live in Brunswick, Georgia, you get your driver's license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The main Brunswick office is located at 1701 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, GA 31520. This is where you'll take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it's issued.

You can also renew or replace a license at this location, but some transactions — like address changes or duplicate licenses — may be handled faster online through the Georgia DDS website. Before you go in person, check the DDS website to see if your specific task can be done remotely, since office wait times in Brunswick can vary by season and time of day.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Hours do change seasonally, so call ahead at the Brunswick location or check the Georgia DDS website for current times before making the trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Department of Driver Services office in Brunswick is at 1701 Newcastle Street, and this is where you take your written and road tests.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any in-person visit.
  • Georgia offers a learner's permit (Class CP) before you take your road test, which requires passing the written test first.
  • Your first driver's license in Georgia is valid for four years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older.
  • Road test appointments in Brunswick can have wait times, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access rather than waiting until the last minute.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires specific documents at every stage — learner's permit, road test, and license pickup. For your first visit, bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof that you live in Georgia (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian present with their own ID. Some documents can be brought as originals or certified copies; the Georgia DDS website lists which forms they accept. Bring more than you think you need — if a document is unclear or doesn't meet their requirements, staff can tell you on the spot what else to bring back.

Once you pass your written test and get your learner's permit, you'll need that permit when you return for your road test. Bring it with you every time you visit.

The learner's permit (Class CP) comes before your road test

Georgia's learner's permit is called a Class CP permit, and you must have one before you can take your road test. To get it, you pass a written test at the Brunswick DDS office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia DDS handbook, which is free online.

The written test is multiple choice and takes about 30 minutes. You need to pass with a score of at least 16 out of 20 questions correct. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Georgia.

Once you pass, you get your Class CP permit on the spot. With this permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must follow all traffic laws, and any violation while driving on a permit can delay your road test may be able to access.

How to schedule and pass your road test

After you have held your Class CP permit for at least one month, you become may be able to access to take your road test. You schedule the test by calling the Brunswick DDS office or through the Georgia DDS website. Road test slots fill up quickly in Brunswick, especially during spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. A DDS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. They are watching for safe habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people don't pass include rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors, speeding, or hitting the curb while parking. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, but there may be another wait for an appointment slot.

Bring your Class CP permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you're testing in, and the vehicle itself — it must be registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check the lights, wipers, and brakes before you start.

License types and what you can drive

Georgia issues several license types depending on what you want to drive. A Class D license is the standard passenger vehicle license — cars, pickup trucks, and vans under a certain weight. This is what most new drivers get. A Class C is for commercial vehicles, and a Class M is for motorcycles. You can also get a Class D with a motorcycle endorsement if you want to drive both.

Your first Class D license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older. You can renew it before it expires, and renewal can often be done online or by mail if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo.

Costs and what to expect at the office

The written test, road test, and license itself each have separate fees. Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it's valid for, so check the Georgia DDS website for current pricing before you go. Generally, expect to pay under $50 for a first-time license, but bring extra cash or a card in case fees have changed.

The Brunswick office processes people in the order they arrive, though some transactions are faster than others. A written test appointment might take 45 minutes total, while a road test takes about 30 minutes. If you're renewing or doing a straightforward task like an address change, it may be quicker. Arrive early and bring all your documents — missing paperwork is the most common reason people have to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different city than Brunswick?

Yes. You can take your written test and get your learner's permit in Brunswick, then schedule your road test at any Georgia DDS office. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so if Brunswick is booked out several weeks, you might find an earlier slot in a nearby city. You still need your Brunswick-issued Class CP permit to test anywhere in Georgia.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts in Georgia, but you do have to schedule another appointment and wait for an available slot. Your Class CP permit stays valid while you're waiting to retake the test, as long as you haven't violated traffic laws while driving on it.

Do I need a road test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you move to Georgia and already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Georgia license without taking a road test. You'll still need to visit the Brunswick DDS office with your out-of-state license and proof of residency, and you'll pay a fee for the exchange.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You get a temporary paper license on the day you pass your road test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Brunswick office?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you don't need a new photo or address change. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal. You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website, or by mail if you prefer. If your license is already expired or you need a new photo, you must visit the office in person.