The cost of a Georgia learner's permit
A Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. This is the only fee you pay to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) for the permit itself. You do not pay separate fees for the written test, the vision screening, or the background check — those are included in the $20.
The $20 fee covers the physical permit card and the administrative processing. If you lose your permit and need a replacement, you will pay another $20 for a new card. If your permit expires and you want to renew it before moving to a full driver's license, renewal also costs $20.
You may also have costs outside the DDS fee. Driver education courses are not required in Georgia, but many people take them anyway — those courses run between $150 and $400 depending on the provider and whether you choose in-person or online instruction. A behind-the-wheel training session with a private instructor typically costs $50 to $100 per hour, but is also optional.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS charges $20 for a learner's permit, valid for five years, with no additional state fees for testing or screening.
- Driver education courses and private driving lessons are optional in Georgia and cost money separately from the permit fee.
- You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency to pay the fee and receive your permit.
- If you lose your permit or need a replacement, you pay $20 again for a new card.
What documents and information you need to bring
Before you pay the $20 fee, DDS will ask for specific documents. You need a valid form of identification — a passport, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. You also need your Social Security number (you can bring your Social Security card, but it is not required if you know the number).
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Georgia address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. DDS will not accept a post office box as proof of residency — your address must be a physical location in Georgia.
If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian with you. That adult will need to sign your process and provide their own identification. Some DDS offices require the adult to be present in person; others allow a notarized parental consent form if the adult cannot attend. Call your local DDS office to confirm their policy before you go.
Where to pay the fee and get your permit
You pay the $20 fee at any Georgia DDS office. There are more than 60 locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Many offices do not take walk-ins — you must schedule an appointment online or by phone before you arrive.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will take a vision screening and a written knowledge test. The vision screening is pass or fail — if you do not pass, you will be asked to get glasses or contacts and return. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost at most offices, though some require you to schedule a new appointment.
Once you pass both the vision screening and the written test, you pay the $20 fee and receive your permit card on the spot. The card is valid when ready. You do not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail.
How long your permit is valid and renewal costs
Your Georgia learner's permit is valid for five years from the date DDS issues it. During those five years, you can take the road test as many times as you need — there is no limit on the number of attempts, and each road test costs $20.
If your permit expires before you pass the road test and get your full license, you can renew it for another five years by paying $20 and passing the vision screening and written test again. You do not have to retake the tests if you renew before expiration, but DDS may ask you to do so depending on how close you are to the expiration date. Call your local office to ask about their renewal policy.
If you let your permit expire and do not renew it, you will have to start over — you will pay $20 again and take the vision screening and written test again as if you were a first-time applicant.
Road test fees and what happens after you pass
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least one month (or three months if you are under 18), you can schedule a road test. The road test costs $20 and is administered by DDS examiners at the same offices where you got your permit. You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected in Georgia.
If you pass the road test, DDS will issue your Class D driver's license on the spot. There is no additional fee — the $20 road test fee covers the license issuance. Your new license will be valid for eight years if you are over 21, or five years if you are under 21.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it as many times as you need. Each attempt costs another $20. There is no waiting period between attempts at most offices, though some require you to schedule a new appointment, which may take a few days.
Fees for duplicate permits and address changes
If you lose your learner's permit or it is stolen, you can get a duplicate card for $20. Bring your identification and proof of residency to any DDS office, and you will receive a new card with the same expiration date as your original permit.
If you move to a new address in Georgia while you hold a learner's permit, you do not have to pay a fee to update your address. You can update it online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Updating your address does not change your permit's expiration date or cost anything.
If you move out of Georgia, your permit becomes invalid. You will need to obtain a learner's permit from your new state if you want to continue learning to drive there.
Payment methods and what to expect at your appointment
Georgia DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You cannot pay online — you must pay in person at the office when you receive your permit.
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at your appointment, depending on how busy the office is. You will check in, provide your documents, take the vision screening, take the written test, and if you pass both, pay your $20 fee and receive your permit card. Bring all required documents with you — if you are missing any, the office will not process your process and you will have to schedule another appointment.
If you fail the written test, most offices will let you retake it the same day at no extra charge. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to return after you have obtained corrective lenses and had them verified by an eye care professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the $20 fee if I fail the written test or vision screening?
No. You only pay the $20 fee after you pass both the vision screening and the written test. If you fail either one, you pay nothing that day. When you return and pass both, you pay the $20 fee then.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about getting a learner's permit?
No. Once you pay the $20 fee and receive your permit, DDS does not issue refunds. If you decide not to drive, you can straightforward let your permit expire without renewing it.
What if I am 18 or older — do I still need a parent to come with me?
No. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian present. You only need your own identification, Social Security number, and proof of residency. You can explore on your own.
Is the $20 fee the same for everyone, or does it vary by age?
The $20 fee is the same regardless of your age. Whether you are 15 or 65, a Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years.
What happens to my $20 if I move out of Georgia before I get my full license?
Your Georgia permit becomes invalid when you move out of state, and DDS does not refund the $20 you paid. You will need to obtain a learner's permit from your new state and pay their fee.