What you need to get a Georgia learner's permit

Georgia issues a learner's permit (also called a learner's license) to people who are at least 15 years old and have not yet passed their road test. To get one, you need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee. You do not need a permit to take driver's education classes, but you do need one before you can practice driving on public roads with a licensed adult.

The permit itself is valid for five years from the date it is issued. During that time, you can take the road test as many times as you need to pass it. If your permit expires before you pass the test, you will need to renew it at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid photo ID and proof of Georgia residency to a DDS office to get a learner's permit.
  • The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which DDS provides free online.
  • With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat.
  • Your permit is valid for five years, and you can take the road test during that time without renewing it.
  • Georgia does not require you to complete driver's education before getting a permit, but some insurance companies offer discounts if you do.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. This is your proof of identity and age. A school ID, library card, or expired driver's license will not work on its own.

You also need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian, their name on the document is fine — you do not need a separate document in your name.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person. If both parents have custody, both should come; if only one has custody, bring a certified copy of the custody order.

The written knowledge test

The Georgia knowledge test has 40 questions and covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office, and you get your results when ready.

You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people also use online practice tests, which let you take sample exams and see which topics you need to study more.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

Restrictions on driving with a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That person must have a valid driver's license in their possession. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age.

You can drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. without a supervising driver present, but only after you have held your permit for at least 12 months and have not been convicted of any traffic violations during that time. Until then, you must have a supervising driver with you at all times.

You cannot use a cell phone or other wireless device while driving, even to talk or text, unless it is a hands-free emergency call. This rule applies to all drivers under 18 in Georgia, not just permit holders.

How long the permit is valid and what happens if it expires

Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can take the road test any time during those five years without renewing your permit. If you pass the road test before your permit expires, you will receive your Class D driver's license.

If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew it at a DDS office. You do not have to take the knowledge test again — you only need to pay the renewal fee and bring proof of residency. Your new permit will be valid for another five years.

The road test and what comes next

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months, you can schedule a road test at a DDS office. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving during the test.

If you pass the road test, you will receive your Class D driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee each time.

After you get your Class D license, you will still have restrictions until you turn 18. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.

Permit fees and payment

The learner's permit fee in Georgia is $20. The knowledge test fee is $20. If you need to retake the test, you pay $20 each time. Renewal of an expired permit costs $20. DDS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card.

Some DDS offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during peak hours. You can check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take driver's education before I get a learner's permit?

No. Georgia does not require driver's education to get a permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved driver's education course, so it may be worth asking your insurance company before you decide.

Can I get a learner's permit if I was born outside the United States?

Yes, if you have a valid passport or passport card. You also need proof of Georgia residency and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why, and DDS will issue you a permit with a different number.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. You will pay the $20 test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third try after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual more carefully.

Can I practice driving on private property with a learner's permit?

Yes. You can drive on private property (like a parking lot or farm) without a supervising driver. However, you still need a valid permit and proof of insurance. Most people use private property to practice basic skills before they practice on public roads.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving with my learner's permit?

A traffic conviction while you hold a permit will extend the time you must wait before you can drive unsupervised. You must hold your permit for 12 months without any traffic convictions before you can drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a supervising driver. A conviction resets that clock.