What You Need to Get a Georgia Learner's Permit

A Georgia learner's permit is issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not require a separate learner's permit process form — you request one when you visit a DDS office in person.

The permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You cannot drive alone, and you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times. The permit also comes with restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you, depending on your age.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid form of identity and proof of your Georgia address to a DDS office.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at the DDS office covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; there is no fee to take the test, but you pay a fee when the permit is issued.
  • The permit fee is $20 and covers a five-year permit; you pay this fee only when you pass the test and receive your permit.
  • Georgia learner's permit holders under 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car.
  • You must bring your permit and proof of insurance every time you drive, and the adult supervising you must be seated in the front passenger seat.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The DDS will not accept a photocopy of a birth certificate unless it is certified by the issuing vital records office.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or student ID is not enough on its own.

Bring a valid photo ID if you have one — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring a second document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school enrollment letter or a Social Security card.

The Written Knowledge Test

The Georgia DDS knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and safe driving practices. You take the test on a computer at the DDS office, and you get your score when ready.

You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before your second attempt. If you fail twice, you must wait one week before trying again. There is no charge to take the test, no matter how many times you attempt it.

The DDS office provides sample test questions on its website and in a study guide called the Georgia Driver's Manual. You can read the manual for free or pick up a printed copy at any DDS office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.

Age Restrictions and Supervision Requirements

If you are under 18, your learner's permit comes with Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car, and that passenger must be a family member — a sibling, parent, or grandparent.

The adult supervising you must be at least 21 years old and must hold a valid driver's license. That adult must sit in the front passenger seat next to you. If you are pulled over and the supervising driver is not in the front seat, you can be cited for a violation.

If you are 18 or older when you get your learner's permit, these age-based restrictions do not explore. You still need a licensed adult in the car, but there are no limits on the time of day you can drive or how many passengers you can have.

Fees and How to Pay

The learner's permit fee is $20. You pay this fee only after you pass the knowledge test. The DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

The $20 fee covers a five-year permit. You do not pay any additional fees to renew a learner's permit — when it expires, you must take the knowledge test again and pay the $20 fee for a new permit.

Finding a DDS Office and What to Expect

Georgia has more than 60 DDS offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others; offices in rural areas often have shorter wait times than those in Atlanta or other large cities.

You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit test at most offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DDS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and how busy the office is.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive with enough time to complete the test — most tests take 20 to 30 minutes, but you should plan for an hour total including check-in and processing. The office will take your photo for the permit at the time you pass the test.

What Happens After You Pass

After you pass the knowledge test and pay the $20 fee, the DDS office will issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is a laminated card with your photo, name, date of birth, and permit number. You must carry it with you every time you drive.

You also need proof of insurance in the car. Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Your parent or guardian's insurance policy must list you as a driver, or you must have your own policy. Bring the insurance card or a printed copy of the policy to show a police officer if you are stopped.

Your learner's permit is valid for five years. During that time, you can practice driving and prepare for the road test. When you are ready to take the road test and get your driver's license, you will schedule that at a DDS office. You do not need to renew your learner's permit before taking the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can bring a passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. The DDS will not accept a photocopy of a birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no charge. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one week before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual more carefully.

Do I need a parent or guardian to go with me to get my learner's permit?

No. You can go to the DDS office alone if you are 15 or older and bring all required documents. However, a parent or guardian may need to sign a consent form if you are under 18 in some cases — call your local DDS office to confirm what is required.

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

Yes, if you are under 18 and have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. School is one of the exceptions to the midnight-to-5 a.m. driving restriction, so you can drive to school before 5 a.m. if needed. You still cannot drive alone.

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

You receive your permit the same day you pass the test. The DDS office takes your photo and issues the laminated card before you leave. You can start practicing with your permit when ready, as long as you have a licensed adult in the car and proof of insurance.