What You Need to Do to Get a Georgia Learner's Permit

To get a learner's permit in Georgia, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee. You cannot renew or obtain a learner's permit online or by mail. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issue and allows you to drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.

Georgia issues learner's permits to people age 15 and older. If you are under 18, you will also need to complete a 30-hour classroom driver education course and a 6-hour behind-the-wheel training course before you can move to a regular driver's license. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the driver education requirement and go straight to the road test after holding your permit for the required time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with required documents; there is no online or mail option for learner's permits in Georgia.
  • The knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.
  • Applicants under 18 must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training before moving to a driver's license.
  • The permit fee is $20 and the permit is valid for five years; you can renew it once without retaking the test if it has not expired.
  • A learner's permit holder must always have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is not available, you can bring a passport, passport card, or certified adoption papers instead.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or a 1099 form. A tax return or bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it will also work.

Bring two documents showing your current address. These can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. Both documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

If you are under 18, bring a completed DL 44 form (process for Learner's Permit or Driver's License) signed by a parent or legal guardian. You can read this form from the Georgia DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. If you are 18 or older, you sign the form yourself.

The Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The Georgia knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

The test is given on a computer at the DDS office. You do not need to study a specific number of hours, but the Georgia DDS publishes a free Driver's Manual online that covers all the material on the test. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake the test. You do not have to wait between attempts on the same day, but some offices may have a short wait while they prepare the next test.

Learner's Permit Rules and Restrictions

Once you have your learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. This person must have a valid driver's license in their possession. The supervising driver is responsible for your safety and your compliance with traffic laws.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a learner's permit, even with a supervising driver present. This curfew applies to all permit holders under age 18.

You cannot use a cell phone, text, or any handheld device while driving, even at a red light. This is true for all Georgia drivers, but it is especially important to follow as a permit holder because violations can delay your path to a full license.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. A traffic violation while driving on a learner's permit can result in the permit being suspended or revoked, and it may delay your road test appointment.

Driver Education and Behind-the-Wheel Training for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a 30-hour classroom driver education course before you can take the road test for a regular driver's license. This course can be taken online or in person through a Georgia-approved driving school. The course covers vehicle operation, traffic laws, hazard recognition, and impaired driving awareness.

After finishing classroom instruction, you must complete a 6-hour behind-the-wheel training course with a certified instructor. This course must be taken in person in a vehicle. The instructor will teach you how to handle the car, navigate traffic, and respond to different road conditions. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can start behind-the-wheel training.

Once you finish both courses, you will receive a completion certificate from the driving school. You must bring this certificate to the DDS office when you schedule your road test. Without it, you cannot take the test.

The cost of driver education courses varies by school. Classroom courses typically cost between $100 and $300, and behind-the-wheel training typically costs between $200 and $400. Some schools offer packages that bundle both courses at a lower total price.

When You Can Take Your Road Test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. If you are under 18, you also must have completed your 30-hour classroom course and 6-hour behind-the-wheel training. If you are 18 or older, you do not need driver education, but you still must wait 30 days after getting your permit.

To schedule your road test, visit the Georgia DDS website or call your local DDS office. You can schedule the test up to 60 days in advance. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration to the test appointment. The vehicle you use for the test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive in local traffic, on highways, and through residential areas. The examiner will evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. If you pass, you will receive your regular driver's license. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a few days.

Permit Fees and Renewal

The learner's permit fee in Georgia is $20. This is a one-time fee when you first get your permit. You do not pay again when you renew.

Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date of issue. If your permit expires before you get your regular driver's license, you can renew it once without retaking the knowledge test. To renew, visit a DDS office with your expired permit and pay the $20 renewal fee. If you let your permit expire and do not renew it within a certain time, you will have to retake the knowledge test and pay the full fee again.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office for $20. Bring your ID and proof of your Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked in Georgia or any other state, you cannot get a learner's permit until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You must clear the issue in the state where it occurred before Georgia will issue you a permit.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day. Most DDS offices will let you retake the test within a few minutes after you fail, though some offices may have a short wait.

Do I need insurance to get a learner's permit?

No. You do not need insurance to get or hold a learner's permit. However, you must have insurance on the vehicle you drive, and the vehicle must be registered. The insurance must be in the name of the vehicle owner, not necessarily in your name.

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. All learner's permit holders, regardless of age, must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. This rule does not change when you turn 18. The restriction ends only when you pass your road test and receive your regular driver's license.

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

A traffic violation can result in your permit being suspended or revoked. It may also delay your road test appointment. You should pay any ticket and resolve the violation as quickly as possible to avoid losing your permit.