The documents and age you need right now

To get a Georgia learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and bring five specific documents to your local Department of Driver Services office. You cannot get a permit by mail or online — you have to appear in person with original documents, not copies.

The five documents are: proof of your full legal name, proof of your date of birth, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Georgia residency, and proof of your identity. Georgia accepts a wide range of documents for each category, so you likely have what you need at home.

You will also pay a fee when you explore. The cost varies depending on how long you want your permit to last, but Georgia offers both one-year and five-year options. Ask the DDS office which fee applies to the term you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and appear in person at a Department of Driver Services office with original documents.
  • Bring proof of your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Georgia residency, and identity — Georgia accepts many common documents for each.
  • You will take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving at the DDS office on the day you explore.
  • Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit when ready and can begin supervised driving with a licensed adult.
  • Your permit is valid for one or five years depending on which term you choose and pay for.

Proof of name, birth date, and Social Security number

For proof of your full legal name and date of birth, bring your birth certificate, passport, or visa. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. A school ID or report card does not count for this requirement.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your number on it. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can explore for one at the same DDS office before you explore for your permit — bring Form SS-5 and your birth certificate.

Proof of Georgia residency and identity

For proof that you live in Georgia, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A school enrollment letter or a letter from a government agency also works if it shows your name and address.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, visa, school ID, or a work ID. If you do not have any of these, bring a combination of two documents that show your name — such as a birth certificate and a school report card, or a birth certificate and a library card. The DDS office staff will tell you if your combination is acceptable when you arrive.

The written test you take at the DDS office

The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DDS office. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent.

The test takes about 30 minutes. You can study for it using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Georgia DDS website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare, though those are not official Georgia materials.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay a fee each time.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass the written test, the DDS office prints your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid when ready, and you can start driving with a licensed adult in the car as soon as you leave the office.

Your permit shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photo. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DDS office for a fee.

Your learner's permit is the first step toward a full driver's license. In Georgia, you must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the road test for your license. During those 12 months, you will practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit

Georgia law places limits on what you can do with a learner's permit. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. This rule applies to all new drivers in Georgia, not just permit holders. Texting while driving is illegal for everyone in the state.

Your permit does not let you drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. If you are driving for one of those reasons, you must have a note or document that proves it.

Renewing or replacing your permit

If your permit expires before you are ready to take your road test, you can renew it at any DDS office. Bring your expired permit and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written test.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office. Bring proof of your identity and pay the replacement fee. The new permit will have the same expiration date as your original one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport or visa instead to prove your name and date of birth. If you were not born in the United States and do not have a passport, ask the DDS office what other documents they will accept — they may ask for a consular report of birth or a naturalization certificate.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Each retake costs a fee, so bring enough money if you plan to try again the same day.

Do I need a permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the road test for a full driver's license. You will still need to pass a written test first, but you do not have to hold a permit for 12 months.

Can someone else pick up my permit for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DDS office to explore for your permit. Georgia requires you to be there to take the written test and have your photo taken for the permit card.

How much does a learner's permit cost?

The fee depends on how long you want your permit to last. Georgia offers one-year and five-year permits at different prices. Call your local DDS office or check the Georgia DDS website to find out the exact cost before you go.