What you need to bring to the Georgia DDS office

To get a Georgia learner's permit, you will need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with specific documents. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian.

You will also need to bring a completed process for a Learner's Permit or Driver's License (form DL 44), which you can fill out before you arrive or complete at the office. Some DDS offices let you read and print it ahead of time, which speeds up the process. Bring the original documents, not copies — DDS staff will verify them in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of address.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign the process.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at the office covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  • The learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years, allowing you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat.
  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Georgia.

Age requirements and who can supervise you

Georgia requires you to be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DDS office to sign your process — they cannot sign it remotely or send it in your place. The adult with you must bring their own valid photo ID.

Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult does not have to be your parent or guardian — it can be any licensed driver over 21. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learners in the car with you.

The written knowledge test at the DDS office

At your DDS appointment, you will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The questions cover things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles.

You can take the test on a computer at the DDS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Many people study the Georgia Driver's Manual before they go, which is free and available on the DDS website. The manual covers everything that will be on the test.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

A Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during those five years unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you turn 18 while you have a learner's permit, the permit stays valid until it expires — you do not have to get a new one.

Payment is due at the DDS office when you pass your test. Most offices take cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If your permit is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DDS office for a fee, which varies but is typically around $20.

Restrictions on what you can do with a learner's permit

With a Georgia learner's permit, you can only drive during daylight hours and in good weather — no driving at night or in heavy rain, fog, or snow. You cannot drive on interstate highways. You must always wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car, and you cannot drive with passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of crashes while you are learning. Breaking them can result in your permit being suspended.

How long you need to hold the permit before getting your license

Georgia requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a regular driver's license. If you are under 18, you must also complete a certified driver education course — either classroom instruction or online — before you can test for your license. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete a driver education course.

During those 12 months, you build driving experience with a licensed adult supervising. Many people use this time to practice in different weather and traffic conditions. Once 12 months have passed and you have completed any required education, you can schedule a road test appointment at a DDS office.

Finding a DDS office and scheduling your appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. During busy seasons, wait times for appointments can be several weeks, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.

You can schedule an appointment online through the DDS website or by calling the office directly. When you call or book online, have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The office will tell you what time to arrive and confirm which documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your license has been suspended or revoked in Georgia or any other state, you cannot get a learner's permit until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You will need to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period — before you can explore.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DDS offices, or you can schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no penalty for failing, and you do not have to wait any amount of time between attempts. Each retake may have a small fee, typically around $5 to $10.

Do I need to pass a vision test to get a learner's permit?

Yes. The DDS office will test your vision as part of your appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what correction is needed and can retest after getting glasses or contacts.

Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?

Only if a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone to school, even if it is during daylight hours. The adult must be present in the vehicle at all times while you are driving.

What if I move to another state while I have a Georgia learner's permit?

Your Georgia permit is only valid in Georgia. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Each state has its own requirements and tests. You can contact the DDS office in your new state to find out what you need to do.