Where to go for your Savannah driver's license

In Savannah, you get your driver's license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The main office that serves Savannah is located at 7400 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406. This is the full-service location where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license on the same day if you pass both.

You can also visit the DDS office in nearby areas if Abercorn Street is inconvenient, but Savannah's Abercorn location has the longest hours and the most testing slots. Hours vary by season, so check the Georgia DDS website or call ahead before you go — wait times can be two to four hours during lunch and late afternoon, especially on Fridays.

You cannot get a Georgia driver's license by mail, online, or through a third party. You must appear in person with your documents and take both the written and road tests at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Savannah DDS office on Abercorn Street is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license — all in one visit if you pass.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity before you arrive.
  • Georgia charges $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DDS office on the day you test.
  • Your road test appointment may not be available the same day you take your written test, so ask the DDS staff when you can schedule it.
  • If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian present, and Georgia has a graduated licensing system with restrictions on night driving and passengers.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. You also need proof of identity: a passport, military ID, school ID with a photo, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have a passport or military ID, bring your birth certificate plus one other form of ID (even a school ID counts).

You must show proof of Georgia residency dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you just moved to Georgia and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone else present.

The written test and what it covers

Georgia's written test has 40 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers Georgia-specific rules: right-of-way, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

The DDS office provides a free study guide called the Georgia Driver's Manual, available online and in print at the office. Most people study it for a few hours and pass. You get two attempts per visit, so if you fail the first time, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost. If you fail twice, you must return another day to try again.

You do not need to schedule the written test in advance. You arrive, check in, pay your fee, and take the test. Results are when ready — you pass or fail on the spot.

The road test: scheduling and what the examiner checks

After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test. In Savannah, road test appointments may not be available the same day, especially during busy seasons. You may have to book a slot for the following week or later. Ask the DDS staff for the next available date when you pass your written test.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner checks whether you can start the car, use the turn signals, brake smoothly, park, back up, and follow traffic laws. You must bring the vehicle you will test in — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive.

You get one attempt per appointment. If you fail, you must schedule another road test, which may be weeks away depending on availability. Many people pass on the second or third attempt. There is no extra fee for retesting — you pay once when you first visit.

Cost and what type of license to choose

Georgia charges $32 for a four-year driver's license or $64 for an eight-year license. Both are standard licenses for regular driving. You pay this fee at the DDS office on the day you test, whether you pass or fail the written test. If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, you do not pay again.

Most people choose the eight-year license because the cost per year is lower, but you can choose either. Your license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests. You receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office that day, valid until your card arrives.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), the cost is the same, but you must bring additional documents proving your identity and residency. Ask the DDS staff whether you need Real ID when you arrive.

Graduated licensing if you are under 18

Georgia's Graduated Licensing System means younger drivers have restrictions. If you are 16 or 17, you receive a Class CP (Conditional Permit) after passing your tests. This permit restricts night driving (you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.) and limits passengers (no more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent is in the car).

You must hold the Class CP for at least 12 months before you can upgrade to a full Class D license. During those 12 months, you must maintain a clean driving record — no traffic violations or accidents. At 18, you can explore for a full license without restrictions, but you still need to pass the road test again if your Class CP has expired.

If you are under 16, you cannot get a driver's license in Georgia. You can get a learner's permit at 15, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

What happens if you fail your road test

If you fail the road test, the examiner gives you a form listing what you did wrong — usually things like not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting a curb while parking. You do not pay to retake the test. You must schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away.

Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted. Many people pass on the second try. If you fail a second time, you can still retake it, but you may want to take a few more weeks to practice or consider a professional driving instructor, which costs $50 to $150 per lesson in the Savannah area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in my own car or do I have to use a DDS car?

You must bring your own vehicle. It must be registered in Georgia, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner inspects the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering before you drive. You cannot use a rental car or someone else's vehicle unless it is registered to you or you have written permission from the owner.

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

You receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office the day you pass. Your plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the card arrives, so you can drive legally right away.

What if I move out of Savannah after I get my Georgia license?

Your Georgia license remains valid in any state. If you move to another state, you can keep your Georgia license until it expires, or you can get a license from your new state. You do not have to exchange it when ready.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in to the DDS office?

You can walk in without an appointment for the written test. However, road test appointments must be scheduled in advance and may not be available for several weeks. Call ahead or check the Georgia DDS website to see current wait times before you go.

What if I fail the written test twice in one day?

You can retake it, but you must return on a different day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but each attempt requires a new visit to the DDS office. Most people pass after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual for a few hours.