What an F-1 Student Learner's Permit Is and Who Can Get One

An F-1 Student Learner's Permit is a Georgia document that lets you practice driving before taking the road test. It is not the same as a standard learner's permit — it is designed specifically for international students on an F-1 visa who may not have a Social Security number or a Georgia address history.

You can get an F-1 Student Learner's Permit if you are enrolled full-time at a Georgia college or university and hold a valid F-1 visa. Georgia recognizes that F-1 students often cannot meet the standard requirements for a regular learner's permit, so this permit removes some of those barriers while still requiring you to pass the written test and follow learner's permit rules.

The permit lets you drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must carry the permit with you whenever you drive, along with your passport and I-20 form.

Key Takeaways

  • F-1 Student Learner's Permits are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services to full-time international students and do not require a Social Security number.
  • You must bring your valid passport, I-20 form, proof of Georgia college or university enrollment, and proof of your current address to the DDS office.
  • You will take the same written knowledge test as other learner's permit holders and must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, giving you time to practice before your road test.
  • You must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat whenever you drive, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DDS Office

Bring your valid passport as your primary form of identification. The passport must not be expired and must show your current legal name. If your name has changed since your passport was issued, bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Bring your I-20 form (Certificate of may be able to access for F-1 Student Status). This is the document your school's international student office issued to you. It must be current and show that you are enrolled full-time. If your I-20 has expired or been replaced, bring the most recent version your school has issued.

Bring proof of enrollment from your Georgia college or university. This can be a current class schedule, a letter from the registrar's office, or a student ID card. The document must show your name, the school's name, and the current semester or term.

Bring proof of your current address in Georgia. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a letter from your school's housing office. The document must show your name and a Georgia address. If you live in student housing, a housing contract or a letter from the housing office works.

How to Take the Written Knowledge Test

The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 20 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DDS office. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score.

The test is offered in English only. If you need more time to read and understand the questions, tell the DDS staff when you arrive. They can provide extra time, though the exact amount varies by office.

You can study for the test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DDS website. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many F-1 students also use online practice tests to get familiar with the question format before taking the real test.

When you pass the test, the DDS staff will issue your F-1 Student Learner's Permit on the spot. You will pay $20 at that time. The permit is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued.

Rules You Must Follow While Driving on Your Permit

You must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. This person must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or country. They do not have to be a Georgia resident, but they must be present and awake in the front seat next to you.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This is a hard rule for F-1 Student Learner's Permit holders. If you are stopped driving during these hours, you can be cited for a violation.

You must carry your F-1 Student Learner's Permit, passport, and I-20 form with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police, you must show all three documents. Driving without them can result in a citation.

You must follow all other Georgia traffic laws — speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt rules, and distracted driving laws. Violations on your learner's permit can delay your road test and may affect your ability to renew your permit.

When You Are Ready for Your Road Test

You can take your road test after you have held your F-1 Student Learner's Permit for at least one day. There is no minimum practice period required by law, though the DDS recommends getting substantial practice before testing.

To schedule your road test, visit a DDS office in person or call the office in your area. You will need to bring your permit, passport, I-20 form, and proof of address again. The road test costs $20.

During the road test, a DDS examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you can move on to getting your Class D driver's license.

What Happens After You Pass Your Road Test

Once you pass your road test, you can get your Class D driver's license, which is Georgia's standard license for regular drivers. You will pay another fee (the amount varies but is typically around $32 for a four-year license). Your Class D license will be valid for four years from the date of issue.

Your Class D license does not have the same restrictions as your learner's permit — you can drive alone and at any time of day. However, if you are still on an F-1 visa, remember that your visa status and your I-20 form must remain valid. If your F-1 status ends or your I-20 expires, you should contact the DDS to understand how that affects your license.

Keep your Class D license with you whenever you drive. You will also need to renew it before it expires if you plan to continue driving in Georgia.

If Your F-1 Status Changes or Your I-20 Expires

If you leave Georgia, graduate, change schools, or your F-1 status ends, your F-1 Student Learner's Permit becomes invalid. You cannot use it to drive after your status changes. If you have already obtained a Class D license before your status changed, that license remains valid until its expiration date, but you should not drive if you are no longer legally in the United States.

If you are unsure about your status or whether your permit is still valid, contact your school's international student office. They can tell you the exact date your F-1 status ends and help you understand what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get an F-1 Student Learner's Permit?

No. The F-1 Student Learner's Permit was created specifically so international students without a Social Security number could get a permit. You will need your passport, I-20 form, proof of enrollment, and proof of address instead.

Can I drive to work or school on my F-1 Student Learner's Permit?

Yes, you can drive anywhere you need to go, as long as a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you and you are not driving between midnight and 5 a.m. The permit does not restrict where you can drive, only who can be in the car and when.

What if my I-20 expires while I have a learner's permit?

Your F-1 Student Learner's Permit becomes invalid when your I-20 expires or your F-1 status ends. If you have not yet taken your road test, you will need to renew your I-20 and get a new permit. If you have already passed your road test and have a Class D license, that license remains valid until it expires.

How long does it take to get my F-1 Student Learner's Permit after I pass the written test?

You receive your permit the same day you pass the written test. The DDS staff will issue it on the spot after you pay the $20 fee. You can start practicing that day.

Can I use my F-1 Student Learner's Permit in other states?

No. Your F-1 Student Learner's Permit is valid only in Georgia. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive on this permit. Some states may recognize it as proof of your driving status, but you should check with that state's DMV before driving there.