What you need to do to get a Georgia driver's license
To get a Georgia driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Georgia requires you to bring specific documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency. The whole process — from your first visit through passing the road test — usually takes a few weeks, though you can complete the written test on your first day.
You cannot do this online or by mail. Every step requires you to show up at a DDS office, and you must pass both tests before you receive your license. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee again.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia address before you can take any test.
- The written knowledge test happens on your first visit; you can take it the same day you bring your documents if you are ready.
- The road test (driving test) is scheduled for a later date and requires you to bring your own vehicle and a licensed driver to accompany you.
- Georgia charges a fee for the license itself and separate fees for the written test and road test; the total cost varies depending on your age and license type.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your road test, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. Georgia accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a certificate of naturalization. A photocopy is not enough — it must be an original or certified copy.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return works too.
Finally, bring two documents that show your current Georgia address. These can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. Both documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your address.
If you do not have all three categories of documents, you cannot take the test that day. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring.
Taking the written knowledge test
Once you have submitted your documents at the DDS office, you will take a computer-based written test. The test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.
Georgia provides a free study guide called the Georgia Driver's Manual on the DDS website. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people study it for a few days before their test. The manual covers everything on the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. You will pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.
Scheduling and taking the road test
After you pass the written test, the DDS office will schedule your road test for a later date. You cannot choose the date — the office assigns it based on availability at your location. The wait is usually one to three weeks, though it can be longer during busy seasons.
For your road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Georgia, has valid insurance, and passes a safety inspection (working lights, brakes, windshield wipers, and mirrors). You also must bring a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old to sit in the passenger seat during the test. This person can be a friend, family member, or paid instructor.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will pay the fee again.
Fees and what to expect after you pass
Georgia charges separate fees for the license, the written test, and the road test. The license fee depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard license for someone 21 or older costs around $32 for an eight-year license. The written test fee is around $20, and the road test fee is around $20. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amounts at your local DDS office or on the DDS website.
When you pass your road test, the examiner will give you a temporary paper license on the spot. This paper license is valid when ready and works as your driver's license while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. Do not lose the paper license — you will need it if you are stopped by police before the card arrives.
Finding your local DDS office and scheduling your first visit
Georgia has DDS offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.
You do not need an appointment for your first visit to take the written test. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait. Call ahead if you want to know how busy the office is.
For your road test appointment, the DDS office will call you or send you a letter with your scheduled date and time. You must show up on that date. If you cannot make it, call the office to reschedule.
What to do if you fail a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee each time.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You will need to schedule a new road test appointment, which may be weeks away depending on office availability. You will pay the road test fee again.
If you fail the road test twice, some DDS offices may require you to take a driver training course before you can test again. Call your local office to find out their policy. The course is not free, but it may help you understand what you did wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test without a vehicle or a licensed driver present?
Yes. The written test requires only your documents. You do not need a vehicle or another person. You schedule the road test separately after you pass the written test, and that is when you need the vehicle and licensed driver.
What if I have a license from another state?
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Georgia license without taking the written or road test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Georgia residency to a DDS office. You will pay the Georgia license fee but not the test fees.
How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?
A standard license for someone 21 or older is valid for eight years. Licenses for people under 21 are valid for four years. You renew by mail or online before your license expires.
What happens if I do not pass the road test before my temporary paper license expires?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If you have not passed the road test by then, you cannot drive legally. You must pass the road test and receive your permanent license before the 30 days are up, or you will need to start over.
Can someone else take the written test for me?
No. You must take the written test yourself. The DDS office will verify your identity before you take it. The same applies to the road test — you must be the one driving.