Your expired Georgia learner's permit cannot be used to drive, and you cannot renew it—you must retest and start over

Once your Georgia learner's permit expires, it is no longer valid for any driving purpose. Georgia does not offer a renewal option for expired permits. Instead, you must retake the knowledge test and vision screening at your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office to get a new permit. The permit itself costs $20, and you will need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency, just as you would for a first-time permit.

The expiration date on your permit card tells you exactly when it stops being legal to use. If you are caught driving with an expired permit, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, which carries fines and a mark on your driving record. Even if you have completed some of your required supervised driving hours, those do not carry over to a new permit—you start fresh with a new 5-year validity period.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia learner's permits cannot be renewed; you must retake the knowledge test and vision screening to get a new one.
  • An expired permit is not valid for driving under any circumstance, and driving with one can result in a citation.
  • The $20 permit fee applies to a replacement permit just as it does to an original, and you will need the same identity documents.
  • Supervised driving hours do not transfer between permits, so you will need to complete the required hours again with your new permit.

What you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring your expired permit card itself, along with a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and proof that you live in Georgia—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for this.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. Bring their ID as well. Some DDS offices accept appointments through their website, which can save you time, though walk-ins are also accepted. Check your local office's hours before you go, as some have limited schedules.

Retaking the knowledge test

The knowledge test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test you took for your original permit—50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you will need to return on another day to try again.

Many people study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. Some also use practice tests available online through third-party sites. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down at the computer.

Vision screening at the DDS office

You will also take a vision test as part of getting your new permit. This is a basic screening that checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and will not be able to get your permit until you have been evaluated.

The vision test is quick and happens on the same day as your knowledge test, so you can complete both in one visit if you pass both.

Cost and timeline for a new permit

The permit itself costs $20. Some DDS offices accept cash, card, or check, but payment methods vary by location, so call ahead if you want to be sure. You will receive your new permit card the same day you pass the test, though some offices mail it instead—ask when you arrive.

The entire process, from walking in to leaving with your new permit, usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If you fail the knowledge test, you will need to schedule another visit, which can add days or weeks depending on office availability.

Starting your supervised driving hours over

Georgia requires learner's permit holders under 18 to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 7 of those hours at night. If you had hours logged on your old permit, they do not transfer to your new one. You will need to start from zero and complete the full 40 hours again before you are may be able to access to take the road test for your license.

Keep a log of your driving hours as you complete them. Some parents use a straightforward notebook; others use a form from the DDS website. You will need to show this log when you go to take your road test, so accuracy matters.

Moving forward after you get your new permit

Your new permit will be valid for 5 years from the date you receive it. Make a note of the expiration date so you do not let it lapse again. If you are working toward your license, remember that you must hold your permit for at least 12 months and be at least 16 years old before you can take the road test. If your permit expires before you meet those requirements, you will have to go through this process again.

Once you have your new permit, the rules for supervised driving are the same as they were before: a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat at all times while you are driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired learner's permit if I have already scheduled my road test?

No. An expired permit is not valid for any driving, even if your road test appointment is coming up. You must have a current, valid permit to drive legally. If your permit expires before your road test date, you will need to get a new permit first.

Do I have to retake the vision test if I just need a new permit card?

Yes. Every time you get a new permit in Georgia, you must pass both the knowledge test and the vision screening. There is no exception for a replacement card due to expiration.

What happens to my supervised driving hours if I let my permit expire?

They do not transfer. You must complete the full 40 hours of supervised driving again with your new permit. Keep detailed records of your hours so you can prove you completed them when you take your road test.

How long does it take to get a new permit after I pass the test?

You receive your permit card the same day you pass the test at most DDS offices. Some offices mail the card instead, which takes a few days. Ask the staff when you finish your test to find out which method your office uses.

Can I take the knowledge test online instead of going to the DDS office?

No. Georgia requires you to take the knowledge test and vision screening in person at a DDS office. You cannot do either one remotely or through a third-party testing center.