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

To get a Georgia learner's permit, you will visit your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about an hour on the day you go. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most DDS locations — you can walk in during business hours, though arriving early helps you avoid a long wait.

Georgia issues learner's permits to people who are at least 15 years old. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for five years, which gives you plenty of time to practice and prepare for your road test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Georgia address, and a completed DDS form to your local DDS office.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free online.
  • You will pay a fee at the DDS office on the day you test — the amount varies depending on how long you want your permit to last.
  • After you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit the same day, and you can start practicing driving when ready with a licensed adult.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring your original or certified birth certificate, or a valid passport. The DDS office will not accept a photocopy. You also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work.

You will need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name is not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with their ID.

Complete the DDS Form #40 before you go to the office. You can read it from the Georgia DDS website or fill it out at the office. Bring it with you either way. You will also need to bring a completed DDS Form #13 if you are under 18 — this is a parental consent form that your parent or guardian must sign.

The written test: what to expect and how to study

The written test has 40 questions and covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.

Study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DDS website. Read through it at least once before you test. Pay special attention to the sections on traffic signs, speed limits, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Many of the test questions come directly from the manual.

You can take the test on a computer at the DDS office. The questions appear one at a time, and you answer by clicking your choice. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Georgia.

The fee and how long your permit lasts

Georgia charges different fees depending on how long you want your learner's permit to last. A permit valid for one year costs less than a permit valid for five years. Ask the DDS staff which option makes sense for you — most people choose the five-year permit because it gives them more time to practice and schedule their road test without rushing.

You will pay the fee at the DDS office on the day you test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail the written test, you do not get a refund, but you can retake it the same day or another day.

What happens after you pass the written test

You will receive your learner's permit the same day you pass the written test. The permit is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. Your photo will be on it, along with your name, date of birth, and permit number.

With your learner's permit, you can now practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws and obey all road signs, just as a fully licensed driver would.

Keep your permit safe. If you lose it, you will need to go back to the DDS office and pay a replacement fee. You can practice for as long as you need — there is no minimum time you must hold a learner's permit before taking your road test, though most people practice for several months.

Where to find your local DDS office and office hours

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. The website lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. A few locations have extended evening hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm the hours, especially if you are planning to visit on a day when you expect it to be busy.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the DDS website for your specific office to see if you can reserve a time slot. If you show up without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at the same DDS office. You do not have to wait days or weeks — you can sit for the test again the same day if you want. Many people study the manual for a few more hours and try again the next day instead.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Georgia. Each attempt costs the same fee, so budget for that if you think you might need more than one try. Most people pass on their second attempt after spending more time with the driver's manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment at the DDS office?

Most Georgia DDS offices do not require an appointment, but some now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if you can reserve a time slot. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Georgia DDS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DDS staff which language you need when you arrive at the office, and they will provide the test in that language.

What if I lose my learner's permit after I get it?

Go back to your local DDS office and ask for a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the original permit fee. Bring your ID and proof of your address. The replacement permit is issued the same day.

How long can I keep my learner's permit before I have to take the road test?

Georgia does not set a minimum or maximum time you must hold a learner's permit. You can practice for as long as you need. However, your permit expires after one or five years depending on which option you chose when you got it, so you must take your road test before your permit expires.

Can I get my learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Georgia does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to be at least 15 years old and bring the required documents to the DDS office.