What you need to do to get a Georgia learner's permit

A Georgia learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about an hour at the office, and your permit is valid for five years.

Georgia does not mail permits — you receive it the same day you pass the test. Once you have it, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat, and only during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) for the first three months. After three months, you can drive until 11 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid ID, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number to a DDS office.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you need a score of at least 16 out of 20 questions correct to pass.
  • Your permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
  • With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and only during daylight hours for the first three months.
  • You must hold your permit for at least one month before you can take the road test for your driver's license.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Georgia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. If your name has changed, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change. The DDS website lists all acceptable documents; if you are unsure whether yours will work, call your local DDS office before you go.

The written knowledge test

The test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you can return another day and pay the $20 fee again to retake it. Most people pass on their first try if they study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The manual is the only source the test draws from, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.

Where to go and how long it takes

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Some offices are busier than others — a rural office might take 30 minutes, while a busy urban location might take two hours or more.

You can also make an appointment online through the DDS website, which reserves your spot and reduces wait time. Appointments fill up weeks in advance during summer and spring break, so book early if you need a permit by a certain date. Whether you walk in or have an appointment, bring all your documents and arrive with time to spare.

Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

For the first three months, you can drive only during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) and only with a licensed adult 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat. After three months, you can drive until 11 p.m., but the adult must still be in the front seat. You cannot drive on interstate highways during the first three months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving at any time.

You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (other than family members), and you cannot tow a trailer. These rules exist because new drivers have the highest crash rates. Breaking them can result in your permit being suspended and may affect your ability to take your road test on schedule.

How long you must hold your permit before taking the road test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least one month before you can take the road test for your driver's license. Georgia recommends holding it for at least three to six months to build driving experience, but one month is the legal minimum. Your permit is valid for five years, so you have plenty of time to practice and schedule your test.

When you are ready to take the road test, you schedule it through the DDS website or by calling your local office. Road tests book up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you know you are ready. You must bring your permit, a vehicle that is registered and insured, and proof that you have passed a vision screening (done at the DDS office when you get your permit).

What happens if your permit expires or is suspended

If you do not take your road test before your five-year permit expires, you must start over — retake the written test, pay the $20 fee, and get a new permit. Your permit can also be suspended if you break the driving restrictions (such as driving after 11 p.m. or without an adult in the car), get a traffic ticket, or are convicted of a traffic violation. A suspension usually lasts 30 to 90 days, depending on the violation.

If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all until the suspension ends. You do not have to retake the test, but you must wait out the suspension period before you can drive again. If you receive a suspension notice, follow the instructions on it carefully — it will tell you when you can drive again and what you need to do to reinstate your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my permit if I have a suspended driver's license from another state?

No. If your license is suspended in any state, Georgia will not issue you a permit until the suspension is lifted. You must contact the state that suspended your license and follow their process to reinstate it. Once it is reinstated, you can then get a Georgia permit.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a permit?

Yes. You must provide your Social Security number or bring your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Georgia permit. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you visit the DDS office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. Each attempt costs $20. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual for a few hours.

Can I drive alone with my learner's permit?

No. You must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal and can result in your permit being suspended.

How much does a Georgia learner's permit cost?

A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years. If you fail the written test and retake it, you pay $20 for each attempt. When you pass the test and receive your permit, that $20 covers the full five-year period.