The documents and age you need to start

Georgia issues learner's permits to people who are at least 15 years old. To get one, you need to bring six documents to your local Department of Driver Services office: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, proof of your Georgia residency, a completed process form (Form DL 44), and two forms of identification.

The proof documents don't all have to be originals — copies work for most of them. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport covers your Social Security number and date of birth at the same time. For residency, Georgia accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you. Your two forms of ID can include a school ID, passport, military ID, or employee badge.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to come with you to sign the process. If you're 18 or older, you can explore on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring six documents: proof of Social Security number, date of birth, Georgia residency, a completed Form DL 44, and two forms of ID.
  • A parent or guardian must sign your process if you're under 18, and they should come to the DDS office with you.
  • You'll take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules at the DDS office on the day you explore.
  • The written test costs money, and you'll pay a fee for the permit itself when you pass.
  • Your Georgia learner's permit is valid for five years, but you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car with you.

The written test you take at the DDS office

Before you get your permit, you have to pass a written test at the Department of Driver Services. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You'll answer questions about what different signs mean, when you have to yield, how to handle intersections, and what to do in bad weather.

The test is multiple choice, and you need to get a certain number of questions right to pass — Georgia requires you to score at least 15 out of 20 correct answers. You take the test on a computer at the DDS office, and you get your results right away. If you don't pass, you can take it again the same day or come back another time.

You can study for the test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DDS website. Many people also use practice tests online to get used to the format and types of questions.

Fees and what happens after you pass

There is a fee to take the written test and a separate fee for the permit itself. The exact amounts change, so check the Georgia DDS website or call your local office before you go. You'll pay both fees at the office on the day you explore — bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

Once you pass the test, you'll get your learner's permit the same day. Your permit is valid for five years. The permit has your photo, your name, your date of birth, and your address on it, just like a regular driver's license.

Rules for driving with a learner's permit in Georgia

With a Georgia learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult who is 21 years old or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. That adult has to have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other teenagers in the car.

There are also restrictions on when you can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to text or check messages — this rule applies to all new drivers in Georgia, not just permit holders.

You must follow all regular traffic laws: obey speed limits, stop at red lights, use your turn signals, and wear your seatbelt. Breaking traffic laws while you have a permit can result in a ticket, and too many tickets can delay when you're allowed to get your full license.

How a learner's permit leads to your full license

Your learner's permit is a stepping stone. After you've had it for a certain amount of time and practiced driving, you can take the road test to get your Class D license (the standard license for regular drivers). The road test is where a DDS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive to see if you can handle real traffic safely.

You don't have to wait until your permit expires to take the road test — you can take it as soon as you've met Georgia's requirements. Most people take the road test a few months after getting their permit, once they've had enough practice time.

What to bring to the DDS office

Bring all six documents with you, along with the completed Form DL 44. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring a parent or guardian if you're under 18 — they need to be there to sign.

Bring a way to pay the fees: cash, debit card, or credit card. Bring your Social Security card or another document that has your Social Security number on it. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring your birth certificate or passport instead.

Wear something you're comfortable in for your photo — you'll take a photo for your permit at the office. Bring glasses or contacts if you normally wear them while driving, because your permit will note whether you need corrective lenses.

If you're explore as a non-citizen or without a Social Security number

Georgia allows non-citizens to get a learner's permit. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need to bring proof of your ITIN along with your other documents.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need to bring proof of your legal presence in the United States. This can be a passport, visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration document. Call your local DDS office before you go to make sure you have the right documents for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?

Yes. Georgia doesn't require you to be enrolled in a traditional school to get a learner's permit. You just need to be at least 15 years old and bring the required documents. If you're homeschooled, bring whatever proof of residency you have — a utility bill or lease agreement works fine.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There's usually a fee each time you take the test, so check with your local DDS office about the cost. Most people pass on their second or third try after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual more.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the road test?

Yes. You have to have a valid learner's permit before you can take the road test for your full license. You also have to meet Georgia's practice-driving requirements, which means you need to have had your permit for a certain amount of time and logged a certain number of supervised driving hours.

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

No, not alone. You have to have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times. You can drive to school if a parent, guardian, or other licensed adult is in the car with you.

What happens if I get a ticket while I have a learner's permit?

You'll have to pay the ticket like any other driver. Too many tickets or traffic violations can delay when you're allowed to take your road test or get your full license. It can also raise your insurance rates once you start driving on your own.