What you need to do to get a Georgia driver's license
To get a Georgia driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test, and a vision screening at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from your first visit to your final road test, though you can take the written test on your first day if you're ready.
Georgia issues licenses to people 16 and older, with different rules for minors and adults. If you're under 18, you'll start with a learner's permit, practice for at least 12 months, then take your road test. If you're 18 or older, you can go straight to the knowledge and road tests without the permit step.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid government-issued ID, proof you live in Georgia, and your Social Security number to any DDS office.
- Minors under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before taking the road test; adults 18 and older can skip the permit and go straight to both tests.
- The written test covers Georgia traffic laws and road signs; you can retake it if you fail, usually within a few days.
- The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping; you must pass both the written and road tests to receive your license.
- Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you're an adult, or until age 21 if you received it as a minor.
Documents you need to bring to the DDS office
Bring one document that proves your identity and is issued by a government agency. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you don't have any of those, a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID from a school or employer can work together, but call your local DDS office first to confirm they'll accept that combination.
You also need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process, and they may need to bring their own ID.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you don't have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov will work.
The learner's permit requirement for drivers under 18
If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit first. You'll take the written knowledge test at a DDS office, and if you pass, you'll receive your permit the same day. You cannot take your road test until you've held the permit for at least 12 months.
While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules are part of Georgia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system and explore until you pass your road test and receive your full license.
After 12 months with your permit, you can schedule your road test. You'll drive with a DDS examiner for about 20 minutes. If you pass, your learner's permit is replaced with your full driver's license on the same day.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at your local DDS office which languages are available.
You can take the test on your first visit to a DDS office. Study materials are free on the Georgia DDS website, including a practice test and the official Georgia Driver's Manual. Many people study for a few days or a week before taking the test, though some pass on their first try.
If you don't pass, you can retake the test. There's usually no waiting period, so you can often take it again the same day or within a few days. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again.
Scheduling and taking your road test
After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. If you're 18 or older, you can schedule it right away. If you're under 18 with a learner's permit, you must wait until you've held the permit for at least 12 months.
You can schedule your road test online through the Georgia DDS website, by phone, or in person at a DDS office. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within a week or two, while others may have a longer wait. Call ahead to find out how far in advance you need to book.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit or written test receipt, proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered in Georgia and pass a safety inspection (working lights, brakes, wipers, and horn). The examiner will check these before you start driving. The test itself lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up.
Fees and how long the process takes
Georgia DDS charges separate fees for the learner's permit, the written test, and the road test. The exact amounts vary slightly, but as of 2024 the written test is around $20 and the road test is around $20 to $25. A learner's permit costs around $20. Your final driver's license fee is included in the road test fee. These fees change periodically, so check the Georgia DDS website for current amounts.
The timeline depends on whether you're a minor or an adult. If you're 18 or older, you can complete both the written and road tests within a few weeks if you study quickly and can get a road test appointment soon. If you're under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test, so the total time is at least 12 months plus a few weeks.
Your Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it if you're an adult. If you received your license as a minor, it expires on your 21st birthday.
What to do if you fail the road test
If you don't pass the road test, you can retake it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong — common reasons include hitting a curb while parking, rolling through a stop sign, or not checking your mirrors. You don't have to wait any set amount of time to retake it, though you'll need to schedule another appointment, which may take a few days or weeks depending on how busy your local office is.
Each time you take the road test, you pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing the skills the examiner pointed out. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a vehicle that isn't registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Georgia and have a current safety inspection, but it doesn't have to be registered in your name. Many people borrow a parent's car or a friend's car for their road test. Make sure the vehicle has proof of insurance and that all the safety equipment works before you arrive.
What happens if I move to Georgia from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license without taking the written or road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Georgia, and your Social Security number to a DDS office. You'll get a new Georgia license the same day. If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to take both tests.
Do I need a Real ID to get a Georgia driver's license?
A standard Georgia driver's license is not a Real ID. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you can request one when you explore or renew. Real ID requires additional proof of identity and residency, and the license costs a bit more. Real ID is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025, but a standard license still works for driving.
What if I lose my permit or license before my road test?
Go to a DDS office and request a replacement. You'll pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) and receive a new one the same day. You don't have to retake any tests. If you've lost your learner's permit and still need to practice, the replacement permit is valid for the same amount of time as your original.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Georgia offers the written test in several languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and others. Call your local DDS office or check the Georgia DDS website to see which languages are available at your location.